Organizational Continuity of Operations

March 11, 2020 Emergency Management

Wondering what your organization can do to help limit your employee’s and organization’s exposure to COVID-19?

Below are a couple key actions you can take to help limit the spread of COVID-19:

If someone is sick, they should stay home and consult their doctor. Wear a facemask if sick and around other people.
Use good personal hygiene measures. COVID-19 is spread in respiratory droplets in close person to person contact, it is not airborne.
- Wash hands regularly with water and soap for 20 seconds. Have hand sanitizer available for staff and visitors.
- Avoid touching your mouth and eyes.
- Cover your coughs, then wash your hands immediately.
- Keep communal spaces disinfected on a regular basis.
- Do not share dishes, glasses, cups & utensils.
Consider social distancing. 6 feet is the magic number to be considered outside the exposure radius.
- Allow workers to spread out and not work in tight spaces.
- Expand the distance between staff and public.
  - Have public and/ or staff leave a buffer between themselves and service counters.
- Evaluate the need for attending group activities in person.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).