Care providers may be considered essential workers in vaccination plans. Hospice, home healthcare, and group home providers are considered essential workers. Some examples of home healthcare providers are skilled nurses and therapists and other people who provide personal care services in the home.

Should I allow critical infrastructure employees to work if they have been exposed to the coronavirus disease?

Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency, for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. When continuous remote work is not possible, critical infrastructure businesses should use strategies to reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, separating staff by off-setting shift hours or days and implementing social distancing. These steps can preserve and protect the workforce and allow operations to continue.

To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.

What should an essential employee do if they are exposed to COVID-19?

Critical infrastructure employees who have been exposed but remain symptom-free and must return to in-person work should adhere to the following practices before and during their work shift:

• Pre-screen for symptoms

• Monitor regularly for symptoms

• Wear a cloth face covering

• Practice social distancing

• Clean and disinfect workspaces

Employees with symptoms should be sent home and should not return to the workplace until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Can employees that have been exposed to the coronavirus disease go to their office?

The guidance advises that employers may permit workers who have been exposed to COVID-19, but remain without symptoms, to continue to work, provided they adhere to additional safety precautions.

What should you do if you have been around a person with COVID-19?

For Anyone Who Has Been Around a Person with COVID-19

Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person.

Can I be forced to work during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Generally, your employer may require you to come to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some government emergency orders may affect which businesses can remain open during the pandemic. Under federal law, you are entitled to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide a safe and healthful workplace.

What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?

• Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
• Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
• Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.

How long should I stay in home isolation if I have been around a person with COVID-19?

Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person.

Who can get the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine?

The boosters are approved for those who are 65 and older, as well as those 18 to 64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID because of an underlying medical condition or have jobs or living situations put them at high risk.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster?

People age 65 and older, as well as people 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions or jobs that increase their risk of developing severe Covid, are eligible for a third dose, federal health officials said last week.

Who can get the Moderna COVID-19 booster shot?

The U.S. has, however, already approved both Pfizer and Moderna boosters for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients.

Are workers in the human and animal food and feed sector considered part of the essential infrastructure workforce?

Yes, in a guidance issued by Department of Homeland Security on March 19 Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19, workers in the Food and Agriculture sector – agricultural production, food processing, distribution, retail and food service and allied industries – are named as essential critical infrastructure workers. Promoting the ability of our workers within the food and agriculture industry to continue to work during periods of community restrictions, social distances, and closure orders, among others, is crucial to community continuity and community resilience.

Is high blood pressure a probable risk factor for COVID-19?

Growing data shows a higher risk of COVID-19 infections and complications in people with high blood pressure.

Analysis of early data from both China and the U.S. shows that high blood pressure is the most commonly shared pre-existing condition among those hospitalized, affecting between 30% to 50% of the patients.

What are underlying health conditions that put someone at risk for severe COVID-19?

The CDC has published a complete list of the medical conditions that put adults at high risk of severe COVID. The list includes cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic lung or kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, liver disease, and down syndrome, among others.

Under what health conditions should an employee not enter the workspace during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Consider encouraging individuals planning to enter the workplace to self-screen prior to coming onsite and not to attempt to enter the workplace if any of the following are present:

• Symptoms of COVID-19
  
  
• Fever equal to or higher than 100.4°F*
  
  
• Are under evaluation for COVID-19 (for example, waiting for the results of a viral test to confirm infection)
  
  
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and not yet cleared to discontinue isolation

*A lower temperature threshold (e.g., 100.0°F) may be used, especially in healthcare settings.

Who do I do if my employer refuses to provide me sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you believe that your employer is covered and is improperly refusing you paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, the Department encourages you to raise and try to resolve your concerns with your employer. Regardless of whether you discuss your concerns with your employer, if you believe your employer is improperly refusing you paid sick leave, you may call 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243).

Am I eligible for PUA benefits if I quit my job because of COVID-19?

There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them.

Am I eligible for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

• Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
• Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.” (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)
• Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state’s program.

Who can I talk to about work stress during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you feel you or someone in your household may harm themselves or someone else:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

The Online Lifeline Crisis Chat is free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety:

• Disaster Distress Helpline

Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

• Check with your employer for information about possible employee assistance program resources.

Can I collect unemployment benefits if I quit my job during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them.

What are some symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Who is considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting from 2 days before they have any symptoms (or, if they are asymptomatic, 2 days before their specimen that tested positive was collected), until they meet the criteria for discontinuing home isolation.

Space seating/desks at least 2 meters apart, when feasible. Provide physical cues such as tape or chalk to guide spacing.

What are the guidelines for schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Based on studies from 2020-2021 school year, CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing to reduce transmission risk.

When can i go back to school after testing positive for COVID-19?

The ill student(s) can return to school and end isolation once the following are met:

-10 days out from the start of the symptoms, AND

-Fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, AND

-Symptoms have improved.

How long should a child stay home after testing positive for COVID-19?

If your child tests positive, they should still stay home and away from others for 10 days following the date that their symptoms started. This is because people can spread COVID-19 for a full 10 days from when they develop symptoms, even if they are feeling better.

How long should I stay in home isolation if I have COVID-19?

People who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. People with weakened immune systems may require testing to determine when they can be around others. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

What are the best practices to help prevent the COVID-19?

• Wash your hands well and often. Use hand sanitizer when you’re not near soap and water.
• Try not to touch your face.
• Wear a face mask when you go out.
• Follow your community guidelines for staying home.
• When you do go out in public, leave at least 6 feet of space between you and others.

What are some ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19?

• Applying preventive measures that include physical distancing, mask wearing, hand hygiene, and cleaning of high-touch surfaces in densely populated areas and markets can mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Is wearing masks in schools mandatory during the COVID-19 pandemic?

CDC recommends all schools require universal masking and use additional prevention strategies regardless of how many students, educators, and staff are currently vaccinated. Masks are critical, but masks alone are not enough.

What is the minimum distance to be kept from each other to avoid COVID-19?

Be a hero and break the chain of COVID-19 transmission by practicing physical distancing.

This means we keep a distance of at least 1m from each other and avoid spending time in crowded places or in groups.

What is the social distancing guideline for COVID-19?

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

How far away should you distance yourself from people during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.

– Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

– Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people.

What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?

• Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
• Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
• Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.

Are workers in the human and animal food and feed sector considered part of the essential infrastructure workforce?

Yes, in a guidance issued by Department of Homeland Security on March 19 Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19, workers in the Food and Agriculture sector – agricultural production, food processing, distribution, retail and food service and allied industries – are named as essential critical infrastructure workers. Promoting the ability of our workers within the food and agriculture industry to continue to work during periods of community restrictions, social distances, and closure orders, among others, is crucial to community continuity and community resilience.

Is high blood pressure a probable risk factor for COVID-19?

Growing data shows a higher risk of COVID-19 infections and complications in people with high blood pressure.

Analysis of early data from both China and the U.S. shows that high blood pressure is the most commonly shared pre-existing condition among those hospitalized, affecting between 30% to 50% of the patients.

How does COVID-19 mainly spread?

Spread of COVID-19 occurs via airborne particles and droplets. People who are infected with COVID can release particles and droplets of respiratory fluids that contain the SARS CoV-2 virus into the air when they exhale (e.g., quiet breathing, speaking, singing, exercise, coughing, sneezing).

Does social distancing effectively prevent the spread COVID-19?

New research from MD Anderson shows it does. The study found that putting social distancing policies into practice in the U.S. and internationally corresponded with reductions in spread of the coronavirus.

Can the coronavirus disease spread from person to person?

Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Are there supplements or medications to take to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?

Great question! No supplements or medications have been shown to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Excessive intake of supplements can be harmful. Many drugs are being studied in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 but the results will take months.

Follow these precautions to best prevent COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Practice “social distancing” by staying home when possible and maintaining 6 feet of distance
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

How do I prevent getting COVID-19 from a sick family member?

• Put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.

• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool, or body fluids,

such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your

hands right away.

◦ Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid

touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

How long do you stay contagious after testing positive for COVID-19?

If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it’s possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. People who are hospitalized with severe disease and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for 20 days or longer.

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.

When can I discontinue my COVID-19 quarantine?

• 14 days have passed since their last exposure to a suspected or confirmed case (considering the last exposure date to case as Day 0); and
• the exposed person has not developed signs or symptoms of COVID-19

How long does someone need to isolate after first COVID-19 symptom onset?

People who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. Persons who are severely immunocompromised may require testing to determine when they can be around others.

Critical retail (i.e. grocery stores, hardware stores, mechanics).

Critical trades (construction workers, electricians, plumbers, etc.).

Transportation.

Nonprofits and social service organizations.

Who is considered to be essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Essential (critical infrastructure) workers include health care personnel and employees in other essential workplaces (e.g., first responders and grocery store workers).

Are workers in the human and animal food and feed sector considered part of the essential infrastructure workforce?

Yes, in a guidance issued by Department of Homeland Security on March 19 Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19, workers in the Food and Agriculture sector – agricultural production, food processing, distribution, retail and food service and allied industries – are named as essential critical infrastructure workers. Promoting the ability of our workers within the food and agriculture industry to continue to work during periods of community restrictions, social distances, and closure orders, among others, is crucial to community continuity and community resilience.

Are home healthcare providers considered essential workers in vaccination plans?

Care providers may be considered essential workers in vaccination plans. Hospice, home healthcare, and group home providers are considered essential workers. Some examples of home healthcare providers are skilled nurses and therapists and other people who provide personal care services in the home.

What should an essential employee do if they are exposed to COVID-19?

Critical infrastructure employees who have been exposed but remain symptom-free and must return to in-person work should adhere to the following practices before and during their work shift:

• Pre-screen for symptoms

• Monitor regularly for symptoms

• Wear a cloth face covering

• Practice social distancing

• Clean and disinfect workspaces

Employees with symptoms should be sent home and should not return to the workplace until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Should I let my employee come to work after being exposed to COVID-19?

Bringing exposed workers back should not be the first or most appropriate option to pursue in managing critical work tasks. Quarantine for 14 days is still the safest approach to limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of an outbreak among the workforce.

Can employees that have been exposed to the coronavirus disease go to their office?

The guidance advises that employers may permit workers who have been exposed to COVID-19, but remain without symptoms, to continue to work, provided they adhere to additional safety precautions.

Who can get the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine?

The boosters are approved for those who are 65 and older, as well as those 18 to 64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID because of an underlying medical condition or have jobs or living situations put them at high risk.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster?

People age 65 and older, as well as people 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions or jobs that increase their risk of developing severe Covid, are eligible for a third dose, federal health officials said last week.

Who can get the Moderna COVID-19 booster shot?

The U.S. has, however, already approved both Pfizer and Moderna boosters for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients.

Will there be animal food shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are no nationwide shortages of animal food, although in some cases the inventory of certain foods at your grocery store might be temporarily low before stores can restock.

What is the FDA’s role in helping to ensure the safety of the human and animal food supply?

To protect public health, the FDA monitors domestic firms and the foods that they produce. The FDA also monitors imported products and foreign firms exporting to the United States. The FDA protects consumers from unsafe foods through research and methods development; inspection and sampling; and regulatory and legal action.

Can people working at meat and poultry processing facilities be exposed to COVID-19 through meat products?

Workers involved in meat and poultry processing are not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through the meat products they handle. However, their work environments—processing lines and other areas in busy plants where they have close contact with coworkers and supervisors—may contribute substantially to their potential exposures.

What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?

• Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.
• Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.
• Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.

Is high blood pressure a probable risk factor for COVID-19?

Growing data shows a higher risk of COVID-19 infections and complications in people with high blood pressure.

Analysis of early data from both China and the U.S. shows that high blood pressure is the most commonly shared pre-existing condition among those hospitalized, affecting between 30% to 50% of the patients.

What are underlying health conditions that put someone at risk for severe COVID-19?

The CDC has published a complete list of the medical conditions that put adults at high risk of severe COVID. The list includes cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic lung or kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, liver disease, and down syndrome, among others.

Why do we need a booster shot for Covid?

Data Supporting Need for a Booster Shot Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.

Are booster shots safe?

In a study of a several hundred people who received a booster dose, researchers from Pfizer-BioNTech reported that the additional dose is safe and can raise antibody levels back up to those achieved immediately after the second dose, particularly among people over age 65 years.

Is Moderna approved for booster shot?

No decision on Moderna boosters has been made yet, and it’s unclear when it would become official.

When can eligible individuals get the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot?

According to the Chicago Department of Pubic Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, COVID booster shots should be administered at least six months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

What is the difference between Pfizer and Moderna vaccine?

Moderna’s shot contains 100 micrograms of vaccine, more than three times the 30 micrograms in the Pfizer shot. And Pfizer’s two doses are given three weeks apart, while Moderna’s two-shot regimen is administered with a four-week gap.

Can you get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction?

• If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction, even if it was not severe, to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (such as polyethylene glycol), you should not get this vaccine.

How long do you need to stay home after coming into close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person.

Who do I do if my employer refuses to provide me sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you believe that your employer is covered and is improperly refusing you paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, the Department encourages you to raise and try to resolve your concerns with your employer. Regardless of whether you discuss your concerns with your employer, if you believe your employer is improperly refusing you paid sick leave, you may call 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243).

What are the return-to-work instructions for employees with COVID-19?

• If you had symptoms of COVID-19, you can end your home isolation and return to work when:

At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

However, you may need to wait up to 20 days if you had a severe case of COVID-19 or if you are immunocompromised. Talk with a healthcare provider to decide how long you need to wait.

AND at least 24 hours have passed since you last had a fever without using fever-reducing medication.

AND your other symptoms have improved — for example, your cough or shortness of breath has improved.

• If you never had any symptoms and are not immunocompromised, you can end your home isolation and return to work when at least 10 days have passed after the date you first tested positive for COVID-19.