Your COVID-19 policies may need an update
A review of workplace COVID-19 policies and prevention tips could be in order in light of revised guidance issued on August 11 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The guidelines change screening recommendations and ease quarantine and isolation requirements. They also emphasize prevention tools such as:
- Vaccinations
- Boosters
- Masking
- Testing
- Improved ventilation
The updates bring the agency’s guidance in line with what’s now known about the best ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The agency points out that while the virus continues to circulate, there is less risk that it will bring severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Screening changes
The guidelines indicate that testing those without symptoms and without known exposure to COVID-19 is no longer recommended in most community settings. The agency is still working on updating the details of how this applies to the workplace.
Social distancing
The need for physical distancing in a particular workplace will depend on building ventilation and the level of COVID-19 spread in a community.
Employers can use the CDC’s “COVID-19 by County” web page to check for local data on COVID-19 community levels. They can also make sure a building’s ventilation system is primed to increase clean air delivery and dilute potential contaminants.
Prevention updates
The agency’s updated guidance also emphasizes preventive measures for the general public, those who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those who have the disease:
Everyone
Stay up to date with COVID vaccination. Vaccination provides protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. It’s important to get recommended boosters, as protection diminishes over time and new variants are circulating.
Those exposed to COVID-19
Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days. A COVID-19 test should be taken on day 5.
Those who might have COVID-19
Isolate from others if you are sick and think you might have COVID-19. Take a COVID-19 test; if results are positive, follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations.
Isolation can end if results are negative.
Those with COVD-19
Isolate from others. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others, both at home and in public.
Stay home for at least five days. Isolation can end after day 5 if:
- You never had symptoms
- You are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication
If symptoms worsen, restart isolation at day 0.
In addition:
- Until day 11, avoid being around those who are more likely to come down with a severe case of COVID-19
- Wear a high-quality mask through day 10
- Isolate through day 10 if your COVID-19 causes moderate or severe illness
- Consult a doctor before ending isolation if you have a severe illness
If you have questions, check with a healthcare provider for guidance.
Key to remember: Employers should make sure their workplace policies line up with the CDC’s current guidelines for social distancing, screening, masking, and isolation.