COVID-19: Businesses and Employers

DPH and CDC recommends that employers and employees work to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. See examples and recommendations below on steps to take to accomplish this goal. Full CDC guidance for businesses with more detailed recommendations can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.

Prevent and Reduce Transmission Among Employees

Encourage sick employees to stay home
Review absenteeism policies to make sure employees are not being encouraged to come to work if they are sick
Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences
Consider conducting daily in-person or virtual health checks
Educate employees about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home

Contact for COVID-19 Info

If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.

Primary:

866-PUB-HLTH (+1 866-782-4584)

DPH COVID-19 Information

Maintain Healthy Business Operations

Protect employees at higher risk for severe illness through supportive policies and practices (e.g. telework if available, duties that minimize contact with customers and other employees, etc.)
Communicate supportive workplace policies clearly and frequently, and via multiple methods
Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes
Establish policies and practices for social distancing (e.g. implement flexible worksites or work hours, implement teleworking if available, use signage to encourage distancing between employees and customers, etc.)

Maintain a healthy work environment

Give employees, customers, and visitors what they need to clean their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes
Perform routine cleaning and disinfection, especially after a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 has been in the facility. Review CDC recommendations for cleaning practices.
Delay travel
Minimize risk to employees when planning meetings and gatherings

Other tips for businesses:

Establish a relationship with your local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Work to make sure fear and anxiety don't lead to social stigma toward any employees.
Make sure you are getting reliable information from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH
Individual letters will not be issued to employees by DPH concerning a person's ability to work