An Update RE: COVID-19

In light of the current events surrounding COVID-19, we’d like to share some additional information and reminders with you all. Our goal is to help slow the spread of the virus and keep our employees healthy and safe.

Virtual Medical Visits

In an effort to limit exposure and put less stress on healthcare facilities, we recommend employees take advantage of Virtual Visits, or e-Visits. Most primary care physicians have moved to this model of treatment, so please contact your family doctor for guidance.

Medstar Health (www.medstarhealth.org/mesdstar-health-evisit/) is providing e-Visits free of charge during this pandemic. Most virtual visits take 10-15 minutes, and doctors can also write prescriptions (if needed) for pickup at your local pharmacy.

Returning to Work

Situations are changing quickly, but the latest and greatest is for people diagnosed with COVID-19 (either confirmed by test or based on clinical assessment), they must meet all of the following before coming out of self-quarantine and returning to work:

• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
• Have had no fever of 100.4 or greater for 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers
• Other symptoms have improved (though cough may persist for 1-2 weeks)

Health Guidance

You have heard all of these many times, but please continue to follow the guidance below in an effort to remain healthy. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed.

• Limit face to face contact, and keep 6 feet away from others. Consider spreading your stretch and flex circles or cancelling
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. We have a number of options for remote meetings
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you or a family member is sick
• Call ahead before going to the doctor or hospital
• Check your temperature regularly if you are not feeling well
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbows
• If you are sick, wear a facemask around other people or before entering a healthcare provider’s office. You do NOT need a facemask if you are not sick.
• Clean surfaces daily using EPA listed cleaners, leaving cleaner on for as long as indicated to kill viruses.

We know this is a stressful time for everyone, and encourage you to stay connected to coworkers, friends and family during this uncertainty. Take advantage of technology – use Teams to meet with your coworkers; Facetime with friends and family. We appreciate the fact that we have dedicated, hard working employees that are still focused on getting the job done. We have been fortunate up to this point in that our jobs have remained opened. We know from talking to several of you that being at work right now is the best medicine. Thank you for your hard work and flexibility during this time of uncertainty.

Our priority continues to be to keep our employees safe and our company operational. As more information becomes available, we will continue to communicate with you.