After watching from afar how the Corona virus (COVID-19) spread in China over the last several weeks, we see the virus has now arrived on our shores, as expected. As of this writing (3/6) the number of cases worldwide is 98,202, only 148 of those in the US. But, before we freak out, let’s look at some facts, then I’ll round up some suggestions for employers.
But first a soapbox moment: Get your facts from reputable sources, preferably experts in public health like the Center for Disease Control, CDC.gov, the World Health Organization WHO.int and the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA from where I’ve sourced the percentages below. Don’t rely solely on your favorite cable news show, talk-radio host or politician, no matter how much you like them. Facebook, social media and your quirky-conspiracy-prone-uncle are already spreading rumors and disinformation. Don’t engage. As employers, you should anticipate employee fear and anxiety, so make sure you are communicating based on sound scientific facts.
Like these:
According to a study published by JAMA based on 44,672 confirmed cases in China:
Of 100 cases, 81% had mild flu symptoms and recovered.
14% had severe symptoms, and 5% had critical symptoms needing medical care.
Almost all recovered, but about half of the “critical” cases, (or 2.3%), died.
Of those who died, the majority were those over age 70 or those medically compromised.
A bright spot, NONE of the 416 children under age 10 who were infected, died.
How should employers prepare?
I recommend the CDC.gov “guidance business response” page. It has lots of practical info.
Here are some highlights:
- Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
- Maintain flexible sick leave policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member or child.
- Employees who appear to have symptoms upon arrival or become sick during the day should be separated from others and be sent home immediately.
- Because the virus spreads similarly as the common flu, emphasize good prevention by:
- Placing posters encouraging staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene. (free posters at cdc.gov)
- Providing tissues, wipes and no-touch disposal receptacles
Based on all I’ve read so far I’d also advise employers to:
- Dust off your disaster/contingency plan. Review your leave policies (sick, PTO, FMLA)
- Designate someone in the organization to stay up to date in all-things COVID-19 because the situation is changing daily.
- Assume that at some point, more people in your organization might want to work from home either because they’re sick, or because they want to stay healthy. Plan accordingly.
Lastly, prepare for the long haul. This is not something that will be resolved in a few weeks. Think more like months and months, a vaccine in possible in 12-18 months. So let’s pace ourselves, and wash our hands.
Helpful links: WHO.int and CDC.gov free posters.
©Copyright Eva Del Rio
Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com
