Employers have continually faced the widespread threat of disease, such as the present and ongoing occurrence of influenza. Now the coronavirus (COVID-19) has evolved into a community spread disease, reinforcing the need for employers to take proactive steps in mitigating the spread of this or any illness.

Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is a key step for operational success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the practices below as vital for the prevention of infectious diseases:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after coming in contact with communal surfaces. Wash for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Hand sanitizers may be used as well.
• Keep your hands away from your face, particularly your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Disinfect surfaces that could be contaminated.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from people coughing or sneezing.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands.