How can employers help protect their staff?

• Encourage sick employees to stay home
• Ensure flexible sick leave policies that enable sick employees to stay home, or employees to stay home to care for sick family members
• Ensure soap and water is available for frequent handwashing in the workplace.  Employees should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-90% alcohol can be used if soap and water are not available.
• Place posters that encourage hand hygiene and staying home when sick around your workplace.
• Routinely clean all touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs, Use cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. 

What should I do if an employee is ill?

• We encourage all individuals who develop fever and cough or shortness of breath to stay isolated at home.
• Employees who develop symptoms should stay home or leave work as soon as possible if already at work.
• Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
•  Individuals who are ill should minimize their interaction with others.

Should employees monitor themselves for signs of illness?

• Given the ongoing community spread of COVID-19, individuals should continuously self-monitor for symptoms such as fever and cough or difficulty breathing. If employees feel ill, they should stay home and notify their supervisor.

What if my employee was tested and is positive for COVID-19?

• If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.

If an employee is out sick, when can they return to work?

• The CDC says that people can return to work or their regular activities if their symptoms are mild, improving, and a day has passed since they last had a fever. 

If I am worried an employee might have had COVID-19, are there any specific cleaning recommendations?

• Clean areas that are commonly touched such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, and workstations. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

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