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The first U.S. case of the coronavirus spreading throughout China was confirmed last week in Washington state. Since then, the infection has scattered to a number of states. As anxiety and debate over the proper precautions heighten among the public, what actions should employers be taking to ease concerns? To start, they should share the recommendations below and help employees take the right action. They should also consider encouraging people to work from home if the virus spreads to their office location and allow people to delay any travel particularly to areas with high levels of disease.
This virus is related to the viruses responsible for both the SARS and the MERS epidemics, so scientists have some understanding of what to expect although each new type has its own characteristics. China has implemented a travel restriction from the epicenter of the epidemic. Other countries such as the US have implemented screening tests and protocols for isolation for those with the virus and surveillance of anyone who had close contact with them.
Everyone should stay up to date with new recommendations from both the CDC and the WHO. New research on possible treatments and the development of a possible vaccine is underway and will be reported on these sites. To learn more on how employers are responding to this crisis, click here.
- written by Mary Kay O'Neill
Africa