Know how to protect employees as COVID-19 spread continues

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is no doubt on the minds of employers and employees across Pennsylvania, as well as the nation. Public health officials urge calm but also caution. Employers can set a reassuring tone by showing they are staying up to date on developments and taking precautions that will protect employees.

What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The coronavirus COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like respiratory disease that was first detected in China but has now spread to more than 50 countries, including the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency on January 30, 2020. On March 1, the WHO reported 87,137 confirmed cases worldwide. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 3 reported 60 cases in the United States and six deaths.

The CDC reports that symptoms of the virus can be mild or severe and can result in death. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, which can surface 2-14 days after exposure. The virus can spread through person-to-person contact (i.e., through coughs or sneezes) or “community spread,” when people are infected in a particular area but don't know where they became infected.

The CDC has stated that most people in the United States presently have little immediate risk, but the global spread and impact of the virus is likely to cause a pandemic.

General prevention measures for employees