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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to release a constant stream of new guidance and information on COVID-19, some of which has specific relevance to the workplace. During the first part of February 2021, these guidelines include new recommendations for masking, when severely immunocompromised workers can return to work after a diagnosis of COVID-19, and customizable vaccine communications to essential workers (which can potentially be useful for all workers).
New masking guide: Improving the fit and filtration of your mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19 was updated on February 13, 2021. In addition to emphasizing the need for a properly fitted mask with adequate filtration, the CDC suggests “double masking”To improve fit and filtration. This means layering a cloth mask on top of a medical procedure mask, such as a surgical mask, which studies have shown provide better protection for the wearer and others around them. The CDC cautions that individuals should not overlap two medical procedure masks because these masks are not designed to fit tightly and therefore overlapping them does not improve the fit. The CDC also warns that KN95 masks should not be layered on top of any other mask. And, of course, while breathing may take more effort with another diaper, the CDC says layering is not recommended if it actually makes breathing difficult or blocks vision.
The CDC also suggests using a mask splint or adjuster, which is a device placed over a surgical or tissue mask, to improve the fit. Another option for surgical masks is ‘tie and tuck’ – that is, tie the earrings to the edge of the mask, then fold and tuck the extra material under the knot, which will provide a tighter fit. .
Employers may wish to recommend that employees mask themselves twice to further reduce the risk of spread. If so, they should consider providing surgical masks to employees, who otherwise could not find or purchase them, to use with their own cloth masks (unless the employer already provides cloth masks ). Of course, employers must be receptive to concerns about breathing difficulties and may need to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities who cannot tolerate a double mask (or even a single one). But given the number of people’s masks that do not completely cover the nose and mouth, it is very important for employers to make sure employees are wearing the masks correctly!
Release of severely immunocompromised persons from isolation: The CDC’s Interim Guide to Isolation Duration and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19 was updated on February 13, 2021 to revise the recommendation on when severely immunosuppressed people can be released from the virus. isolation – and therefore return to work (as specifically noted in the updated Return to Work Criteria for Healthcare Personnel Infected with SARS-CoV-2 (Interim Guidelines)).
As we previously mentioned in our August 2020 E-Update, the CDC previously set guidelines for when people diagnosed with COVID-19 can be released from isolation. Specifically, the CDC said:
- Those who had or likely had COVID-19 with symptoms may be around other people if 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms, they have not had a fever without fever medication for at least 24 hours, and their other symptoms improved.
- Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms may be around others after 10 days have passed since testing positive, as long as they remain asymptomatic.
- Those who were seriously ill with COVID-19 may need to stay home for up to 20 days, and may need to be tested before being released from home isolation, depending on what their health care provider determines.
The CDC had also said that people with COVID-19 and weakened immune systems may need to be tested before being released from home isolation, depending on what their health care provider determines. However, in the updated guidelines, the CDC now states that severely immunocompromised people can remain infectious for more than 20 days after symptoms appear or, if asymptomatic, test positive. Therefore, the CDC now recommends consulting infectious disease specialists and considering the use of a test-based strategy to determine when these people can be released from segregation and return to work.
So employers should think about dealing with employees who they know have severely weakened immune systems – demanding a return to work after the normal 10 day period may not be appropriate or wise.
It is recommended to consult specialists in infectious diseases. The use of a test-based strategy to determine when these healthcare professionals can return to work could be considered.
Vaccine communications to workers: The CDC previously provided frequently asked questions about vaccines and created toolkits for essential worker employers (updated February 12, 2021), medical centers / clinics / clinicians, and long-term care facilities. Toolkits contain FAQs for employers and employees, sample communications, posters, social media content, and more. On February 13, 2021, it also released a customizable COVID-19 vaccine content update for essential workers, which provides sample cover letter for branches / offices / units, letter for employees, and content. new letter. While the resources are specific to essential workers and employers in the health sector, they are certainly applicable to employers in general as vaccines become more generally available.
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