Coronavirus precautions should be taken seriously by everyone.

The virus has reached Ohio. Find out which common sense Coronavirus precautions can help delay it from reaching you.

Three cases of the Coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio.

Washing hands for 20 seconds is a good Coronavirus precaution.

Older residents and people with illnesses are more vulnerable to contracting the virus.

How does Cincinnati plan to prepare for the Coronavirus?

Half of the population is currently stressing about the Coronavirus, while the other half is quickly booking half-price flights. The Ohio Department of Health has fifty confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and over 330 under health supervision.

The World Health Organization says people of all ages can be infected with the new coronavirus. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. Those contracting the Coronavirus will have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

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Coronavirus Guidelines

The reality is that not everyone can afford to miss work. Some may not have paid sick days or the flexibility to work from home. To stay healthy, Mariah Staples, MSN, RN, reminds us to follow these guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. While soap and water are better, hand sanitizer will work too. However, people should still wash their hands after using hand sanitizer several times daily.
Disinfect commonly used and touched objects like cell phones, doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. This mindset should be used at work as well. Also, remember to wipe down machines and weights at the gym.
Sneeze and cough in a tissue and throw it away. Sneeze or cough in the middle of your arm if no tissue is around.
Avoid close contact with individuals when you (or they) are sick, especially with a fever.
Don’t let this situation stress you. Continue your daily routine, and again, WASH YOUR HANDS.

Help Prevent Workplace Exposure to the Coronavirus

The CDC has offered the following interim guidance to help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. These guidelines should also be used to avoid stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Below is a snippet of strategies for employers to use. Learn more at the CDC’s Interim Guidelines for Businesses and Employers.

Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.

Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4 ° F [37.8 ° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., Cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.

Separate sick employees

CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e., Cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).

Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette, and hand hygiene by all employees.

Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and other work areas where they are likely to be seen.

Perform routine environmental cleaning.

Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.

Advise employees before traveling to take specific steps

Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country you will travel to. Detailed travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.

Related Article: Work from home jobs

Everyone should take precautions now to prevent a critical situation from happening later. Stay up-to-date with the most current numbers on COVID-19 cases by visiting the CDC’s COVID-19. If you have any questions, please call 1-833-427-5634. Be safe, everyone!

Written by: Marissa Staples

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