04/13/2020

CDC issues Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers who may have been Exposed to COVID-19

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued “Interim Guidance for Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confi­rmed COVID-19.”

The CDC has issued this guidance to ensure continuity of operations for critical infrastructure sectors during this COVID-19 pandemic. Under the guidance, a person who has been “potentially exposed” is someone who has had contact within 48 hours of a person confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. These potentially exposed persons should follow the following practices prior to and during their work shift:

• Pre-Screen: Employers should measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to them starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility.
• Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program.
• Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.
• Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.
• Disinfect and Clean work spaces: Clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment routinely.

If an employee is determined to be sick:

• They should be sent home immediately.
• Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected.
• Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and 2 days prior to symptoms should be compiled.
• Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed.

Additionally, CDC has provided the following printable workplace flyer for the Dos and Don’ts within a critical infrastructure workplace: Workplace Flyer