Coronavirus Guidance: Best Practices for Employers

With the number of confirmed cases continuing to rise in the Unites States, many employers are putting together a response plan for COVID-19, or coronavirus. Creating and implementing this strategy is a crucial first step in keeping your employees safe, but what other best practices should you be following?

Best Practices for Employers to Use:

• Stay informed by monitoring the CDC and WHO websites: After reviewing these websites, you'll want to properly communicate any relevant advice or news to your employees.
• Decide how to handle spikes in absenteeism: Whether it's from your employees becoming ill or having to stay home with kids because schools have closed, you'll want to create a plan that dictates how your company will continue to handle essential business functions and critical job roles in order to maintain normal business operations. 
• Ensure good hygiene practices within the workplace: The CDC recommends that people avoid close contact with others who are sick, they avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and they frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Perform routine environmental cleaning: This includes cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, like workstations, countertops, and doorknobs.
• Reconsider work travel to high-risk areas: Before traveling, both you and your employee will want to review the CDC's traveler's health notices and upon return have your employee check themselves for symptoms. According to the CDC, these symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Remind all employees of leave policies and encourage sick employees to stay home: Employees who are feeling unwell need to be aware of the sick leave benefits available and should stay away from the workplace until they recover. Currently the CDC is requesting that you do not require a healthcare provider's note for employees who are sick, as doctor offices and medical facilities may be busy and not able to provide documentation in a timely manner.

As an employer, it's important to remember that you have an obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace for your employees. When creating your COVID-19 strategy, you'll want to make sure your leave policies are appropriate and that you're following the recommendations of your local health department, local lawmakers, and the CDC.