COVID-19 CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDANCE

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COVID-19 CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDANCE

COVID-19 CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDANCE

March 13, 2020

Dear Fellow Crewmembers,

It is important that we exercise extreme caution and learn how to incorporate new habits in our daily lives both at home and at work. In addition, we not only think of ourselves, but also our fellow employees we work side-by-side with daily. We are all in this together. So, it is imperative to be considerate. We have received complaints from crewmembers of fellow crewmembers coming to work with colds, sneezing or exhibiting other symptoms that makes them nervous during the heightened state we are in due to the coronavirus.

To that end, our union reminds crewmembers of the uniform advice of public health authorities reflected in CDC guidance “stay home when you are sick.” Specifically, to Covid-19, this instruction applies whenever you have “flu-like” symptoms, cough, difficulty breathing, fever. Following this guidance is particularly important to follow under the current conditions where authorities want to reduce “community transmission” of Covid-19. If you are sick at work you also will be a distraction to other crewmembers. We have reports of numerous crewmembers not using masks when on the ground. Think of everyone that you might come into contact with. If you don’t do it for yourselves, take every precaution for others like your family and coworkers.

Prevent Illness First

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • 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.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 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.

Checklist for Individuals and Families

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

Advice for 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. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website.
  • Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
  • Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed.
  • If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates, and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines, or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.

Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the COVID-19:

  • Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
  • If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

Resources for more information:

CDC Guidance

Other Federal Agencies and Partners

If you need any further assistance, call either the union Steward on duty or an ExCo member.

We will keep you posted as we learn more.

In Solidarity,

Your Executive Council
IAP Local 2750