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COVID-19 FAQs [Needs Input]

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What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in humans and many animals, that’s been studied since the 1960’s.

  • Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface.
  • Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
  • There are many types of human coronaviruses, some commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a “novel” or new type of coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019.

Learn more about coronaviruses types at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/types.html.

What is COVID-19?

A novel (new) coronavirus is a coronavirus that has not been previously identified, so, at first this disease was called “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV,” then it’s official name became “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19).

  • “CO” stands for ”corona,” “VI” for “virus,” and “D” for disease.
  • It’s a respiratory illness.
  • Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, and dry cough.
  • Other symptoms include shortness of breath, aches and pains, sore throat, and in some cases, diarrhea, nausea, or runny nose.
  • COVID-19 is thought to spread between people in close contact (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets expelled by sneezing, coughing, OR touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • It can be limited with good hygiene, like hand-washing with soap, not touching one's face, and “social distancing.”
  • Most people who get COVID-19 recover from home.
  • Those with compromised immune systems, underlying health issues, and the elderly are thought to be at higher risk.

To learn more refer to https://www.cdc.gov/ or your state or local authority.

How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

To minimize your exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), practice these healthy habits:

More information:

What is “15 Days to Slow the Spread?”

This is a set of health protocols that everyone in America has been requested to follow from March 16, 2020, to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-ID virus transmission.

Actions to take: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf

What if I or someone I know is in the COVID-19 “higher risk” category?

Learn more about what “higher risk means” at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

What is “close contact”?

For COVID-19, the CDC defines close contact as:

  • Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (such as being coughed on).
  • Being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time. (This can occur when caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case.)

What should I do if someone in my house gets COVID-19?

Refer to the CDC’s answer to this question at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.

What is our travel policy as it relates to COVID-19?

In compliance with the CDC recommendations and for the health of our team please be advised that for:

  • International travel: It is not permitted at this time. However, if there is a business critical reason to make an exception, please contact your team leaders to determine the best course of action.
  • Domestic travel: Domestic travel may occur only for “business critical” needs. If you believe there is a need for travel, reach out to your manager to discuss.

More information:

What if I start not feeling well, or am sick in the office?

If you are not feeling well or are experiencing flu-like symptoms:

  • Go home to rest and take care of yourself. Your well-being is important, so allow yourself time and space to get better.
  • Inform your manager so they are aware.
  • Check in with your healthcare provider as appropriate.

You might be contacted by a team member for information regarding your illness, contacts, and work environment to determine if any action should be taken to protect the welfare of our wider workforce.

What should I do if I get COVID-19?

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19:

I have a lot of COVID-19 questions, where should I look for answers?

It’s great to stay informed. You can find the CDC’s answers to frequently asked questions at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.

I’m concerned about finances during COVID-19, what resources are available?

We are happy to share that at this time, we are open for business, and continue to provide our products and services to customers and clients “as “usual.”

However, if you are concerned about finances or the stability of your role, send email {HR} to request an appointment to discuss these concerns.

For unemployment resources across the United States, refer to the Department of Labor’s website here: https://www.dol.gov/general/location.

Are we still doing business, since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency?

Thank you for being engaged and asking this question! At this time, our businesses and services <continue to serve our customers>.

We are closely monitoring the status of the COVID-19 health emergency. As it continues, rest assured that our highest priorities are <the health of our employees and our business continuity plans>.

Our business continuity objectives are to:

  • Ensure readiness through disruptions, including the current pandemic.
  • Act in accordance with the CDC (and Prevention Health Alert Notices), WHO Situation Reports, and our national and local government guidance and requirements.
  • Have our business continuity team regularly evaluate the previously mentioned agencies and advise on appropriate decisions and messaging to our teams.

To ensure business continues as usual, our goals are to <prepare and adapt as appropriate>.

If you have questions or need additional information on these topics, send an email to <HR> . If you have questions related to working from home best practices or COVID-19 and would like an immediate response ask {our bot which is available 24/7}.

Will we have to work from home during the COVID-19 shelter in place order?

At this point, it’s hard to tell exactly when we can return to work as usual. For now, we should expect to get comfortable working from home, at least for the foreseeable future. To stay update to date on this topic, refer to

I live in California and want to help with the COVID-19 effort, what can I do?

Making a contribution is a great way to contribute and get our mind off our own troubles! You could:

  • Support your local food bank with food, money, or supplies.
  • Contribute to your local business: order takeout, tipping generously, or buying gift cards to give them the cash they need at this time.
  • Donate to health worker organizations.
  • Help your at risk neighbors: Help get them groceries, supplies or medicines.
  • Be kind: Share positive posts on social medicine, thank someone that you appreciate, or give someone a compliment.

Volunteer opportunities in California: https://californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19/.

I live in Canada and want to care for family during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place period. Is there paid family leave, or do I need to use my vacation days?

Caring for others is a kind thing to do. To learn our latest policy on this matter, refer to <link>.

Have any of our policies changed since COVID-19?

It’s wise to stay informed. We have reviewed our policies and made updates as appropriate. To view each policy, refer the links that follow:

  • Travel: <link>
  • Expenses: <link>
  • PTO (purchasing equipment to WFH, etc.): <link>

Updated 10 months ago