COVID-19 can affect anyone, and the disease can cause symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. For some other illnesses caused by respiratory viruses (such as influenza), some people may be more likely to have severe illness than others because they have characteristics or medical conditions that increase their risk. These are commonly called “risk factors.” Examples include older age or having certain underlying medical conditions.
What information must be provided to employees regarding COVID-19 testing in workplaces?
• The manufacturer and name of the test• The test’s purpose• The type of test• How the test will be performed• Known and potential risks of harm, discomforts, and benefits of the test• What it means to have a positive or negative test result, including: – Test reliability and limitations – Public health guidance to isolate or quarantine at home, if applicable
What is the purpose of COVID-19 screening?
Screening involves testing asymptomatic individuals who do not have known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 in order to make individual decisions, such as whether an individual should participate in an activity, based on the test results.
Can symptom screening identify asymptomatic people with the coronavirus disease?
Symptom screening will fail to identify some students who have the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptom screening cannot identify people with the virus that causes COVID-19 who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms) or pre-symptomatic (have not developed signs or symptoms yet but will later). Others might have symptoms that are so mild that they might not notice them. Children infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 are more likely than adults to be asymptomatic or to have only mild symptoms.
What is the purpose of the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) is supporting the nation’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak through its partnerships with state and local health departments.
What can I tell my employees about reducing the spread of COVID-19 at work?
See full answerEmployees should take the following steps to protect themselves at work:
- Follow the policies and procedures of the employer related to illness, use of cloth masks, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, and work meetings and travel.
- Stay home if sick, except to get medical care.
- Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from fellow employees or co-workers, customers, and visitors when possible.
- Wear cloth face coverings, especially when social distancing is not possible.
- Employees should inform their supervisor if they or their colleagues develop symptoms at work. No one with COVID-19 symptoms should be present at the workplace.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing noses, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- Use hand sanitizer
What should workplaces do if they suspect someone has been infected with COVID-19?
Perform cleaning and disinfection after anyone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in the workplace. Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect offices, bathrooms, common areas, and shared electronic equipment used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
How many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic?
The South Korean estimate of 30 percent is slightly lower than the asymptomatic figure offered by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He said roughly 40 percent of Americans with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.
