CDC Expands List of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its list of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms to include:

Senate Passes $484 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the U.S. Senate voted on and passed the newest coronavirus aid bill, which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing.

STAYING SAFE WHILE RUNNING ESSENTIAL ERRANDS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine, getting gas and banking. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner.

Trump Green Lights States to Reopen May 1—If They Want

On Thursday, April 16, 2020, President Donald Trump held a press conference to discuss guidelines for reopening the country by May 1.

Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (officially called COVID-19) is believed to spread from person-to-person, primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also believed to spread by people touching a surface or object and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or possibly the eyes.

Employers and workers should follow these general practices to help prevent exposure to coronavirus:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• If soap and running water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

Employers of workers with potential occupational exposures to coronavirus should follow these practices: 

• Assess the hazards to which workers may be exposed. 
• Evaluate the risk of exposure. 
• Select, implement, and ensure workers use controls to prevent exposure, including physical barriers to control the spread of the virus; social distancing; and appropriate personal protective equipment, hygiene, and cleaning supplies. 

For the latest information on the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus webpage. For interim guidance and other resources on protecting workers from coronavirus, visit OSHA’sCOVID-19 webpage.

Source: Zywave, 2020.  

CDC GUIDANCE FOR DISCONTINUING HOME ISOLATION AND DEALING WITH AN EXPOSURE TO COVID-19

On April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for discontinuing home isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The CDC also issued guidance on April 8, 2020, for what essential workers should do following exposure to COVID-19.

DOL Issues Corrections to FFCRA Regulations

On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released corrections to regulations published under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The regulations, published April 6, 2020, clarify and explain the employee leave provisions under the FFRCA’s Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA).

CDC Recommends Wearing a Mask When You Go Out in Public

During the White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing on Friday, April 3, President Donald Trump announced new guidance for the American public to protect themselves against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Americans should wear nonmedical-grade, cloth masks when they go out in public. 

UnitedHealthcare and Other Insurers Waive Coronavirus-related Costs

UnitedHealthcare—the nation’s largest insurance company—and other large insurers like Cigna, Aetna and Humana are waiving cost sharing and copays for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatments.

CARES Act - Small Business Loan Overview

In response to the American economy reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government recently signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other provisions, the CARES Act provides businesses suffering under the debilitating effects of the pandemic with unprecedented access to emergency loans. This document will serve as an overview of the loan programs available.

WORKING FROM HOME ERGONOMICS TIPS

Working from home comes with its own set of challenges. If an employee finds themselves working from home for a prolonged period of time, it is especially important to take steps to prevent ergonomic injuries. Taking small steps can go a long way to injury prevention at home.