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Coronavirus Guidance for Businesses and Employers

  Tahoe Chamber  |   March 7, 2020   |   Chamber NewsCommunity News

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The Tahoe Chamber is working to gather and share the latest developments regarding the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and its potential impacts on travel to Lake Tahoe Basin based on information collected from the El Dorado County Public Health Department, Douglas County Public Health Department, Barton Memorial Hospital, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the City of South Lake Tahoe.

  • According to both the El Dorado and Douglas County Health Departments, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in our area and “the risk of transmission remains low for the general public.
  • On March 4, 2020 the state of California declared a State of Emergency to help the state qualify for additional funding and resources to prepare for COVID-19 in the future.
  • Both the El Dorado and Douglas County Health Departments are recommending normal seasonal flu health precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web, there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions for the Continental U.S. and the CDC is not recommending canceling or postponing travel in the Continental U.S.

As the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve, it is important for all employers to monitor the outbreak and implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations.

Coronavirus Toolkit:

Recommended strategies for employers to use now:

  • Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
  • Separate sick employees
  • Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
  • Perform routine environmental cleaning
  • Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:
  • Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel.

CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Additional Info/ Resources:

Healthy Travel Practices from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Consult with a doctor before traveling when sick
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Be aware of the latest travel advisories from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department

Local Public Health Departments:

530-573-3154 – Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1-800-901-5789 – After hours & weekends

775-283-7536 – Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

775-887-2190, option 7 – After hours & weekends

Barton Memorial Hospital: https://www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/coronavirus-update.aspx

California Department of Public Health:

The California Department of Public Health provides recent information and news about coronavirus:

CDC Travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Informational Page

Details from BartonHealth.org:

Novel Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19)|

According to the CDC, the current health risk to the general public for COVID-19 remains low and there have been no positive cases in Barton’s primary service area; however, the arrival of COVID-19 in the community is likely and preparation is essential to limit its spread. Barton takes COVID-19 seriously and remains proactive in managing the health and safety of patients and care providers. Heightened measures are being taken to minimize exposure throughout the healthcare system.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

What should you do if you suspect you may have COVID-19, or have symptoms?

If you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19 , please call your health provider’s office or Barton’s COVID-19 Clinical Health Line at   530.600.1999 .

How can you prevent infection?

The CDC advocates the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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