FACTS
Proactive Actions
- The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory disease that originated in China and has now since spread to 108 countries, including the United States
- According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there are two confirmed cases in Minnesota as of March 9
- Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic, the City of Rochester, and RPS have formed a joint information center to coordinate messaging and distribute joint resources
- Public Health Officials encourage employers to plan and develop action steps in case COVID-19 gains a significant foothold in Rochester
- Mayo Clinic has an entire webpage dedicated to providing information on the virus and preventative measures, namely hand washing and disinfecting common surfaces
Proactive Actions
- Share Workplace Tips Fact Sheet with employees
- If possible, establish a telecommuting policy for sick employees
- Develop an employee communications plan to share the latest COVID-19 updates from the CDC
- Develop a business continuity plan to maintain critical business functions (i.e. identify alternative suppliers, consider digital meetings, and/or suspend some of your operations)
- Ensure sick leave policies are flexible and encourage sick employees to stay home (with advance notice to supervisors)
- Suspend employee travel to COVID outbreak areas
- Train supervisors to identify sick employees and immediately send the infected home
- Increase the frequency of office disinfecting and cleaning