Can employees continue to work after they have been exposed to COVID-19? Yes, according to the CDC, critical infrastructure workers that may have been exposed to COVID-19 may continue to work as long as they remain asymptomatic. Here are safety practices that employers can implement in the workplace to protect and monitor the health of essential workers after a possible exposure.
Safety Practices
The CDC recommends that employers:
Prescreen your employees before they enter the workplace. This includes taking their temperature and assessing any symptoms.
Monitor your employees regularly and have them self-monitor for symptoms. An employee should immediately report any symptoms to their supervisor. As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they can continue to work.
Have your employees wear masks. If you cannot provide masks to your employees due to shortages, you should have them wear homemade face cloths or masks. Employees should wear a mask for at least 14 days after the last exposure.
If possible, enact social distancing measures in the workplace. Advise your employees to stay at least 6ft apart from each other. Monitor this regularly to ensure it is being followed.
Keep the workplace clean. You should regularly clean and disinfect common spaces, equipment, and restrooms. Don’t forget to add doorknobs and light switches to your list. Develop a cleaning schedule and checklist to monitor.
Here is some information the CDC provides on cleaning and disinfecting your facility. Keep this information on hand and clean your workplace regularly. The guide details the best disinfecting solutions to use when sanitizing surfaces and how to protect yourself when cleaning potentially contaminated areas.
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