WORKING SAFELY AROUND THE COVID19 PANDEMIC What is

WORKING SAFELY AROUND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

What is the Coronavirus (COVID 19)? There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upperrespiratory tract illnesses COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans

How is COVID-19 Spread? Person-to-person transmission during close contact (within 6 feet): • Mainly via droplets of respiratory secretions produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. • These droplets are believed to enter the mouths and noses of people nearby and can be inhaled into the nasal cavities and lungs. • There is also growing evidence of transmission risk from infected persons without symptoms or before the onset of recognized symptoms. • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

How is COVID-19 Spread? • Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly eyes • Scientists now believe that COVID is airborne and more likely spreads through the air (even outside of the 6 -feet distance and potentially through air vents)

What are the Symptoms of COVID 19? • Mild to severe respiratory illness • Two or more symptoms may present • Symptoms may appear 2 -14 days after exposure • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Repeated shaking with chills • Muscle pain • Headache • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell

Who is Likely at Higher Risk? • Older Adults – people 65 years and older • People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities • Those with underlying medical conditions: • • Chronic lung disease, or moderate to severe asthma Serious heart conditions Compromised immune systems from cancer treatments, smoking, etc. Severe obesity Diabetes Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis Liver disease

When Should You Isolate / Stay Home? • Employees will not be allowed to physically report to work and must be quarantined for 14 days if they have: • Reported testing positive for COVID-19 • Reported contact with a person who tested positive • Reported symptoms without testing positive STAY HOME WORK

What to do if Sick, Exposed or at Risk: • If you are sick for any reason, stay home from work and contact your supervisor. • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact your medical provider. You can also contact the NYS Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at (888)364 -3065. • If you have tested positive for the virus, follow the guidance of the local health department. Communicate with the HR Office at 716614 -5950 or at jbellomo@niagaracc. suny. edu. • If you have concerns regarding a possible exposure to the virus, contact the HR Office for guidance.

What to do if Sick, Exposed or at Risk: • If you have severe underlying medical conditions that could potentially increase your risks of developing more serious complications, please contact your medical provider and communicate with your supervisor and the HR Office. • A request for an accommodation with medical documentation must be provided to the HR Office, identifying you as “high risk” of more serious complications. • Where feasible, the College will work with you to provide an accommodation, such as an alternative work setting or time. If not feasible, you will be able to use benefit time to stay home such as sick, vacation/pto, comp, personal (if applicable). • If you are subject to public health mandated quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, please communicate with your supervisor and the HR Office for guidance. You may be eligible for Families First Coronavirus Response Act provisions.

Employee Responsibilities: • If you were in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient and you are healthy and the exposed person you came into contact with did not have any symptoms, you do not have to get tested, self-isolate or take any special precautions. Exceptions may be made if you are part of a high-risk population, such as the elderly and those with diabetes, lung disease and heart conditions. • You are required to self-monitor your health prior to work and through out the day. If you are sick, do not come to work and contact your supervisor and the HR Office. If you become ill during the day, contact your supervisor and the HR Office. • You are required to maintain social distancing – keep 6 feet away from others when possible. • Maintain a log of interactions with other individuals where social distancing guidelines were not possible and/or followed. Include in your notes date as well as who was present in the meeting in the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Employee Responsibilities: • A face mask must be worn in common areas such as hallways, restrooms, classrooms, lecture halls, shared offices, the mail room, even if no one else is present etc. . , where you could have direct contact with employees or students. • If you are not able to wear a face mask for medical purposes, please notify your supervisor and the HR Office. A face shield will be provided as supplies permit and must be worn whenever a face mask is required. • The college will provide masks, however, you are permitted to wear your own provided it fully covers your nose and mouth and does not have exhalation valves. • It is your responsibility to wash your mask on a regular basis, and to inspect it for wear.

Employee Responsibilities: Please view this video on how to properly wear and wash your mask:

Employee Responsibilities: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. • Avoid touching your face. • Disinfect your workspace and shared spaces often. Please contact your supervisor for supplies. • Communicate with your supervisor and/or the HR Office if you have concerns or suggestions.

Employee COVID-19 Benefits: • Families First Coronavirus Response Act • Employees will receive 2 weeks paid sick leave at full pay if they are mandated by public health to quarantine/isolate. • Employees will receive 2 weeks paid sick leave at two-thirds pay if they need to take care of an individual who is mandated by public health to quarantine/isolate, or care for a child whose school or child care provider is closed due to COVID-19.

Employee COVID-19 Benefits: • Health Care Benefits regarding COVID-19 • Your health insurance will provide coverage and waive member copays for: • COVID-19 testing performed at approved locations and following CDC guidelines. • COVID-19 testing-related visits at the following locations, including through telehealth: o In-network provider’s office o In-network urgent care center o Emergency department of a hospital o Any other in-network outpatient provider setting able to diagnose COVID-19

Employee COVID-19 Benefits: • Health Care Benefits regarding COVID-19 • All in-network services delivered through telehealth will be covered when such service would have been covered under the policy if it had been delivered in person. • Contact Erika Grande, egrande@niagaracc. suny. edu, for additional information regarding employee benefits related to COVID-19.

Remember: • • • Wear your mask in common areas Stay 6 feet apart Wash your hands… a lot STOP touching your face If you are sick, stay home Questions? Contact Catherine Brown, AVP Human Resources at 716 -614 -5951 or at cbrown@niagaracc. suny. edu