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

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