Author: COVID-19 NEWS

Evaluate your workplace to identify scenarios where workers cannot maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from each other and/or customers. Use appropriate combinations of controls following the hierarchy of controls to address these situations to limit the spread of COVID-19. A committee of both workers and management staff may be most effective at recognizing all scenarios.
While protecting workers, it is important to note that control recommendations or interventions to reduce risk to spreading COVID-19 must be compatible with any safety programs and personal protective equipment (PPE) normally required for the job task. Approaches to consider may include the following:
Create a COVID-19 Workplace Health and Safety Plan
Review the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers and the Resuming Business Toolkit for guidelines and recommendations that all employers can use to protect their employees.
Identify an on-site workplace coordinator who will be responsible for COVID-19 assessment and control.
When developing plans, include all employees in the workplace, for example: staff, utility employees, relief employees, janitorial staff, supervisory staff, rail transit operators, transit station workers, and transit maintenance workers.
Develop plans to communicate with passengers entering the transit vehicle regarding modifications to work or service processes.
Notify all workers that any COVID-19 concerns should be directed to the identified coordinator.

Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices.
Develop policies that encourage sick employees to stay at home without fear of reprisals, and ensure employees are aware of these policies.
If contractors are employed in the workplace, develop plans to communicate with the contracting company regarding modifications to work processes.

Consider conducting daily in-person or virtual health checks (e.g., symptom and/or temperature screening) of employees on scheduled workdays.
Screening options could include having employees self-screen prior to arriving at work or having on-site screening by taking employees’ temperatures and assessing other potential symptoms prior to beginning work. (see CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers)
Make sure employees can maintain at least 6 feet of distance while waiting for screening.
Make employee health screenings as private as possible and maintain confidentiality of each individual’s medical status and history.

Take action if an employee is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
Immediately separate employees who report with or develop symptoms at work from other employees and arrange for private transport home. These employees should self-isolate and contact their health care provider immediately.
Close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person.
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 person, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces. If other workers do not have access to these areas or items, wait 24 hours (or as long as possible) before cleaning and disinfecting.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should immediately notify their employer of their results.

Develop hazard controls using the hierarchy of controls to prevent infection among workers. You may be able to include a combination of controls noted below.
Engineering Controls (Isolate people from the hazards)Alter the workspace using engineering controls to prevent exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Where possible, establish physical barriers between coworkers and between workers and passengers.
Use strip curtains, plastic barriers, or similar materials to create impermeable dividers or partitions.

Close or limit access to common areas where employees are likely to congregate and interact, such as break rooms, parking lots, and in entrance/exit areas.
Consider making foot-traffic single direction in narrow or confined areas in the transit vehicle to encourage single-file movement at a 6-foot distance.
Use visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, and signs to remind workers to maintain distance of 6 feet from others, including at their workstation and in break areas.
Consider these cues for passengers as well, such as at the entry doors.

Place hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol in multiple locations throughout the transit vehicle for workers and passengers.
Use touch-free stations where possible.
Make sure restrooms have accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way for people to dry their hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer).

Administrative Controls (Change the way people work)Provide training and other administrative policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
All workers should have a basic understanding of COVID-19, how the disease is thought to spread, what the symptoms of the disease are, and what measures can be taken to prevent or minimize transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Trainings should include the importance of social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more when possible), wearing cloth face coverings or masks appropriately, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces , not sharing personal items or tools/equipment unless absolutely necessary, and not touching their face, mouth, nose, or eyes.
Workers should be encouraged to go home or stay home if they feel sick. Ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance, and that employees are aware of and understand these policies.
Consider maintaining small groups of workers in teams (cohorting) to reduce the number of coworkers each person is exposed to.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Give employees enough time to wash and dry their hands, and provide accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way to dry their hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer).
Remind employees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, they should use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Provide hand sanitizer, tissues and no touch waste baskets at the cash registers and in the restrooms.

Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) in the transit vehicle, including at entry doors.
Limit the number of people in the transit vehicle at one time. (Consult state and local guidance if available.)
Remind employees that people may be able to spread COVID-19 even if they do not show symptoms. Consider all close interactions (within 6 feet) with employees, passengers, and others as a potential source of exposure.
Post signs and reminders at entry doors and in strategic places providing instruction on social distancing, hand hygiene, use of cloth face coverings or masks, and cough and sneeze etiquette. Signs should be accessible for people with disabilities, easy to understand, and may include signs for non-English speakers, as needed.
Communication and training should be easy to understand, in preferred language(s) spoken or read by the employees and include accurate and timely information.
Emphasize use of images (infographics) that account for language differences.
Training should be reinforced with signs (preferably infographics), placed in strategic locations. CDC has free, simple posters available to download and print, some of which are translated into different languages.

Strongly encourage the use cloth face coverings or masks as appropriate.
Cloth face coverings or masks are intended to protect other people—not the wearer —by helping to keep the wearer’s respiratory droplets from reaching others. Because they were not specifically designed and tested to protect the people wearing them, cloth face coverings or masks are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE).
Train employees how to put on and take off cloth face coverings or masks to avoid contamination.
Cloth face coverings or masks should be washed after each use.
Employees should consider carrying a spare cloth face covering or mask.
Cloth face coverings or masks should not be worn if their use creates a new risk (i.e. interference with driving or vision, or contributions to heat-related illness) that exceeds their COVID-19 related benefits of slowing the spread of the virus. Cloth face coverings or masks should also not be worn by anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the covering or mask without assistance. CDC provides information on adaptations and alternatives that should be considered when cloth face coverings or masks may not be feasible.

Consider requiring visitors to the workplace (service personnel, passengers) to also wear cloth face coverings or masks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the last step in the hierarchy of controls because it is more difficult to use effectively than other measures. To be protective and not introduce an additional hazard, the use of PPE requires characterization of the environment, knowledge of the hazard, training, and consistent correct use. This is why special emphasis is given to administrative and engineering controls when addressing occupational hazards, including when applying guidance to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
In the current COVID-19 pandemic, use of PPE such as surgical masks or N95 respirators is being prioritized for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms often include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. Our understanding of how the virus spreads is evolving as we learn more about it, so check the CDC website for the latest information. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
Recent studies indicate that the virus can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. It may be 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 possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.
As a maritime pilot, how can I protect myself and slow the spread of COVID-19?
For maritime pilots, potential sources of exposures include close contact with a vessel crewmember with COVID-19 and touching your nose, mouth, or eyes after contacting surfaces or handling items that a person with COVID-19 has touched.
Notify your pilots’ association and stay home if having symptoms.
Follow CDC-recommended steps if you are sick. You should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers.
Follow CDC-recommended precautions and notify your pilots’ association if you are well but have a sick family member at home with COVID-19.
Limit close contact (within 6 feet) with others when possible and consider taking the following steps:
Use external stairs following a path of minimum exposure to anyone on board to access the vessel bridge when possible.
Do not shake hands with anyone aboard, including during the “master-pilot exchange”.
Remind the vessel master to limit wheelhouse crew to essential personnel (such as crew involved in vessel navigation) while the pilot is on board.
Limit your use to one radar, workstation, etc.
Avoid unnecessary contact with frequently touched bridge surfaces.
Consider carrying hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for all pilotage assignments and use it to clean hands when soap and water are not available for handwashing.
Following each pilot job, clean and disinfect radios, portable pilot units, life jackets, etc. with an EPA-approved disinfectantexternal icon against the virus that causes COVID-19. If EPA-approved disinfectant is not available, a diluted bleach solution prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection can be used.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Cloth face coverings may prevent people who don’t know they have the virus from transmitting it to others. These face coverings are not surgical masks or respirators and are not appropriate substitutes for them in workplaces where masks or respirators are recommended or required.
Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important infection control measure. With appropriate hand hygiene, gloves are not necessary for workers not already required to wear them. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Key times to clean hands include:
Before and after pilotage assignments
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating and before and after preparing food
Before and after putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings or personal protective equipment (PPE) (if applicable).
After touching objects which have been handled by coworkers, such as tools, equipment, or surfaces

Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Use tissues when you cough, sneeze, or touch your face. Throw tissues in the trash and wash your hands.
What steps should pilots’ associations take?
It is important to note that maritime pilotage is based upon local policies and procedures and each group is unique.  While these guidelines are a general framework, each association should tailor protocols to local needs and customs.  Pilots’ associations should have a COVID-19 response plan to protect employees, following CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Pilots’ associations should train and designate a competent person at each work site to ensure the plan is implemented and has the knowledge and authority to recognize hazards and address them on vessels. Pilots’ associations should take steps to:
Reduce transmission while on piloted vessels
Conduct a hazard assessment before boarding each vessel to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, for which workers may need PPE. CDC and OSHApdf iconexternal icon have recommended PPE for some types of work activities when engineering and administrative controls are not able to be implemented or are not fully protective. Employers are required to determine, select, provide, and train on correct PPE use and application for their workers’ specific job duties.
Report pilot boat or vessel crew who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms to the nearest Captain of the Port (COTP).
With the cooperation of local authorities and COTP, consider advising vessels planning to engage a pilot that they must take the following precautions prior to the pilot boarding:
Immediately prior to pilot boarding, use an product that meets EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2,external icon against the virus that causes COVID-19 to wipe down any surface that the pilot might be anticipated to touch, such as: bridge equipment, radar, ECDIS controls, VHF radios, helm and machinery controls, the interior buttons of any elevator, and staircase hand railings that the pilot may use. If EPA-approved disinfectant is not available, a diluted bleach solution prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection can be used.
Provide a one-person escort for the pilot to and from the bridge following a path of minimum exposure to anyone on board. If equipped, only the pilot and the escort will be permitted in the elevator to and from the bridge.
Allow only essential personnel on the bridge while a pilot is on board.
Anyone entering the bridge must thoroughly wash their hands immediately prior to entering. Provide accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer) in the bridge head for this purpose.
All aboard shall maintain a minimum 6 feet from the pilot and each other to the extent feasible.

Reduce transmission among pilots and employees while in the office or on pilot boat
Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if a pilot or employee becomes sick.
Actively encourage sick pilots and employees to stay home.
Sick pilots and employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers. Clean and disinfect any areas that symptomatic individuals have had access to. Inform client vessels with individuals suspected/confirmed to have COVID-19, that they should clean and disinfect their vessels appropriately.

Provide and train pilots and employees with accurate information (in their native language) about COVID-19, how it spreads, risk of exposure, the designated competent person, and how to contact them.
Be aware that some pilots or employees may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Implement specific policies to minimize face-to-face contact between these pilots and employees or assign work tasks that allow them to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other workers, customers, and visitors.

Institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees and others, such as:
Rearrange workstations and break rooms at the port office so that employees can stay at least 6 feet away from other employees (i.e., use alternative work areas such as conference and training rooms).
Reduce staffing levels on each shift or implement telework policies, where applicable.
Implement on call protocols to reduce the number of employees at the port office at a given time.
Provide technology solutions to reduce the need for face-to-face communication.

Provide pilots and employees training on proper handwashing practices, cough and sneeze etiquette, and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide pilots and employees with access to soap, clean running water, and materials for drying their hands, and provide hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.
Maintain a healthy work environment
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and good hand hygiene at the entrance to the office and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by pilots and employees.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis:
In break rooms, rest rooms, and office spaces: such as telephones, door handles, keyboards, card readers, radios and electronics.
On pilot boats, such as door handles, control panels chart table, armrests, headsets, radio controls, and mics.

If the surfaces are visibly dirty, clean them prior to disinfecting. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2,external icon diluted household bleach solutions prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes, cleaner, or spray so employees can clean and disinfect surfaces as needed.
Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.
Maintain healthy business operations
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Provide information on who to contact if pilots or employees become sick. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Where can I get more information?
Stay informed. Talk to your pilots’ association or designated person responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Utilize these sources for more information on worker exposures to COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Our understanding of how the virus spreads is evolving as we learn more about it, so check the CDC website for the latest information and current list of symptoms. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person:
Recent studies indicate that the virus can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. It may be 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 possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
As a construction worker, how can I protect myself and slow the spread?
Potential sources of exposure include having close contact with a coworker or member of the public who is ill with COVID-19 and touching your nose, mouth, or eyes after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus or handling items that others infected with COVID-19 have touched. Actions you can take include the following:
Notify your supervisor and stay home if you have symptoms.
Follow CDC-recommended steps if you are sick. You should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers, your employer, and state and local health departments.
Follow CDC-recommended precautions and notify your supervisor if you are well but have a sick family member at home with COVID-19.
Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Limit the number of workers in small workspace areas such as job site elevators, trailers and vehicles, and spaces under construction if possible.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas where there is significant community-based transmission of COVID-19.
Cloth face coverings may prevent people who don’t know they have the virus from transmitting it to others.

Cloth face coverings are NOT surgical masks or respirators and are not appropriate substitutes for them in workplaces where masks or respirators are recommended or required.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as shared tools, machines, vehicles and other equipment, handrails, ladders, doorknobs, and portable toilets. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces periodically throughout the shift but also:
At the beginning and end of every shift
After anyone uses your vehicle, tools, or workstation

Limit tool sharing if possible.
Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important infection control measure. With appropriate hand hygiene, you do not need gloves to protect you from COVID-19. When possible, wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands include:
Before and after work shifts and breaks
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating and before and after preparing food
After touching objects which have been handled by coworkers, such as tools and equipment
Before putting on and after taking off work gloves
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings
Before donning or doffing eye or face protection (safety glasses, goggles, etc.)

Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Use tissues when you cough, sneeze, or touch your face. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol if a sink to wash your hands is not available.

What steps should my employer take?
Employers should have a COVID-19 response plan to protect workers, following CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, and share this plan with you and your coworkers in languages you all understand. Small construction businesses should review the CDC small business guidelines. Your employer should take steps to:
Reduce transmission among workers:
Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick.

Provide employees with accurate information (in a language they understand) about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide workers with basic facts.
Conduct toolbox talks on all job sites to explain the protective measures in place.

Be aware that some employees may be at higher risk for severe illness. Implement specific policies to minimize face-to-face contact for these employees or assign work tasks that allow them to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other workers, customers, and visitors, or to telework if possible.
Provide training to employees on proper handwashing practices and other routine preventative measures. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and materials for drying their hands, or if soap and water are not readily available provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at stations around the establishment for use by both workers and customers.
Place handwashing stations and/or hand sanitizers in multiple locations (including in or adjacent to portable restrooms) to encourage hand hygiene.

Explore alternative ways to promote hand hygiene if there is difficulty sourcing hand sanitizer and running water is not available on site. Some examples may include:
Install accessible temporary or mobile handwashing stations, making sure there is enough water, soap, and a way for people to dry their hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer).
Provide a large (5+ gallon) bucket with a lid and tap that can be used to provide water for handwashing. If this method is used, the water tap should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, and the contaminated wastewater must be collected and treated in accordance with local laws and environmental regulations. Provide fresh clean water daily.
Depending on the size or configuration of the job site, there may need to be multiple handwashing stations available to accommodate the workforce while maintaining social distancing, and stations may need to be restocked during the course of the day to maintain adequate handwashing supplies.

Develop and implement social distancing guidance for the workplace to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between workers when possible.
Maintain a healthy work environment
Institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees, such as the following:
Modify work schedules to stagger work, provide alternating workdays or extra shifts to reduce the total number of workers on a job site at any given time.
Restrict access to reduce the number of workers in enclosed and confined areas at one time. Confined and enclosed areas (e.g., trailers, small rooms in buildings under construction) should be identified and access should be restricted to essential personnel only. Enclosed spaces (e.g., toilets, break areas) are potential transmission areas and should be treated accordingly. Time spent in these areas should be minimized.
Rearrange administrative area workstations so that workers can stay at least 6 feet away from other workers.
Install shields or barriers, such as plexiglass barriers, where possible.
Remove or rearrange chairs and tables or add visual cue marks in break areas to support social distancing practices between workers. Identify alternative areas to accommodate overflow volume.
Disinfect break or lunchroom areas between each group using the areas.
Maintain social distancing when visiting lunch trucks or construction site vendors.
Limit casual (social) conversations that normally occur at work.
Cancel or postpone in-person meetings/trainings whenever possible. If you must meet, spread out to a distance of 6 feet or more between attendees.
Reduce the number of individuals at meetings, including worker orientations, to increase the distance between individuals.

Conduct a hazard assessment to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, for which workers may need personal protective equipment (PPE). CDC and OSHA have recommended PPE for some types of work activities when engineering and administrative controls cannot be implemented or are not fully protective.
Employers are required to determine, select, provide, and train on correct PPE use and application for their workers’ specific job duties (see 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Eexternal icon).

Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and proper hand hygiene practices at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for employees to use.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If the surfaces are visibly dirty, clean them prior to disinfecting. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions that are prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and that are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Clean workspaces and breakrooms at least once per shift or as often as workers change workstations.
Provide worker training on manufacturer’s directions for disinfectant use and provide workers with any additional PPE required for disinfection.

Provide disposable disinfectant wipes (when available) so that surfaces commonly touched can be wiped down.
Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.
Maintain healthy business operations
Designate a safety and health officer to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns at every jobsite. Workers should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees. Employers should not require a positive COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.
Provide information on whom to contact if employees become sick. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reach out to local public health officials to establish ongoing communications to facilitate access to relevant information before and during a local outbreak.
Where can I get more information?
Stay informed. Talk to your employer, supervisor, or union representative who is responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. See these sources for more information on worker exposures to COVID-19:

As public aquatic venues open in some areas, CDC offers the following considerations for the safety of those who operate, manage, and use public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds.

Public aquatic venues can be operated and managed by:
City or county governments
Apartment complexes
Membership clubs (for example, gyms)
Schools
Waterparks
Homeowners’ associations
All decisions about implementing these considerations should be made locally, in collaboration with local health officials. Operators of public aquatic venues can consult with local officials to determine if and how to implement these considerations while adjusting them to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local jurisdiction. Their implementation should also be informed by what is feasible, practical, and acceptable.
Promoting behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19
Public aquatic venues can consider different strategies to encourage healthy hygiene, including:
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Encouraging all staff, patrons, and swimmers to wash their hands often and cover their coughs and sneezes.
Masks
Encouraging the use of masks as feasible. Masks are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult.
Advise those wearing masks to not wear them in the water. Masks can be difficult to breathe through when they’re wet.

Staying home
Educating staff, patrons, and swimmers about when to stay home (for example, if they have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days) and when they can safely end their home isolation.
Adequate supplies
Ensure you have accessible sinks and enough supplies for people to clean their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Supplies include soap, a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), tissues, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer), and no-touch/foot pedal trash cans (preferably covered).
Signs and messages
Maintaining healthy environments
To maintain healthy environments, operators of public aquatic venues may consider:
Cleaning and disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at least daily and shared objects each time they are used. For example:

Handrails, slides, and structures for climbing or playing
Lounge chairs, tabletops, pool noodles, and kickboards
Door handles and surfaces of restrooms, handwashing stations, diaper-changing stations, and showers

Consulting with the company or engineer that designed the aquatic venue to decide which List N disinfectants approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyexternal icon (EPA) are best for your aquatic venue.
Setting up a system so that furniture (for example, lounge chairs) that needs to be cleaned and disinfected is kept separate from already cleaned and disinfected furniture.
Labeling containers for used equipment that has not yet been cleaned and disinfected and containers for cleaned and disinfected equipment.
Laundering towels and clothing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water temperature and dry items completely.
Protecting shared furniture, equipment, towels, and clothing that has been cleaned and disinfected from becoming contaminated before use.
Ensuring safe and correct use and storage of disinfectants, including storing products securely away from children.
Ventilation
Ensuring that ventilation systems of indoor spaces operate properly.
Increasing introduction and circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans, or other methods. However, do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety risk to staff, patrons, or swimmers.
Water systems
Taking steps to ensure that all water systems (for example, drinking fountains, decorative fountains, hot tubs) are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.
Modified layouts
Changing deck layouts to ensure that in the standing and seating areas, individuals can remain at least 6 feet apart from those they don’t live with.
Physical barriers and guides
Ensuring staff, patrons, and swimmers stay at least 6 feet apart from those they don’t live with, both in and out of the water, by providing:
Physical cues or guides, such as lane lines in the water or chairs and tables on the deck
Visual cues, such as tape on the decks, floors, or sidewalks
Signs

Communal spaces
Staggering use of communal spaces (for example, in the water or breakroom), if possible, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at least daily and shared objects each time they are used.
Shared objects
Discouraging people from sharing items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect or that are meant to come in contact with the face (for example, goggles, nose clips, and snorkels).
Discouraging the sharing of items such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies with those they don’t live with.
Ensuring adequate equipment for patrons and swimmers, such as kick boards and pool noodles, to minimize sharing to the extent possible, or limiting use of equipment by one group of users at a time and cleaning and disinfecting between use. 
Maintaining healthy operations
To maintain healthy operations, operators of public aquatic venues may consider:
Protections for vulnerable staff
Offering options such as telework or modified job responsibilities that reduce their risk of getting infected.
Limiting aquatic venue use to only staff, patrons, and swimmers who live in the local area, if feasible.
Lifeguards and water safety
Ensuring that lifeguards who are actively lifeguarding are not also expected to monitor handwashing, use of masks, or social distancing of others. Assign this monitoring responsibility to another staff member.
Alterations of public aquatic venues
Consulting the company or engineer that designed the aquatic venue before altering aquatic features (for example, slides and structures designed for climbing or playing).
Regulatory awareness
Being aware of local or state regulatory agency policies on gathering requirements or recommendations to determine if events, such as aquatic fitness classes, swim lessons, swim team practice, swim meets, or pool parties can be held.
Staggered or rotated shifts
Staggering or rotating shifts to limit the number of staff present at the aquatic venue at the same time.
Designated COVID-19 point of contact
Designating a staff member to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. All staff should know who this person is and how to contact him or her.
Gatherings
Avoiding group events, gatherings, or meetings both in and out of the water if social distancing of at least 6 feet between people who don’t live together cannot be maintained. Exceptions to the social distancing guidance include:

Anyone rescuing a distressed swimmer, providing first aid, or performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with or without an automated external defibrillator.
Individuals in the process of evacuating an aquatic venue or entire facility due to an emergency.

If planned events must be conducted, staggering drop-off and pick-up times, as much as possible, to maintain distance of at least 6 feet between people who don’t live together.
Asking parents to consider if their children are capable of staying at least 6 feet apart from people they don’t live with before taking them to a public aquatic venue.
Limiting any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations.
Communication systems
Putting systems in place for:

Having staff, patrons, and swimmers self-report if they have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
Notifying local health authorities of COVID-19 cases.
Notifying staff, patrons, and swimmers (as feasible) of potential COVID-19 exposures while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)external icon.
Notifying staff, patrons, and swimmers of aquatic venue closures.

Leave policies
Implementing sick leave (time off) policies and practices for staff that are flexible and non-punitive.
Developing return-to-work policies aligned with CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation.
Back-up staffing plan
Monitoring absenteeism of staff and creating a roster of trained back-up staff.
Staff training
Training staff on all safety protocols.
Conducting training virtually or ensuring that social distancing is maintained during in-person training.
Recognize signs and symptoms
Conducting daily health checks (for example, temperature screening or symptom checking) of staff. Ensure safe and respectful implementation that is aligned with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Preparing for when someone gets sick
To prepare for when someone gets sick, operators of public aquatic venues may consider:
Isolating and transporting those who are sick to their home or a healthcare provider
Immediately separating staff, patrons, or swimmers with COVID-19 symptoms (for example, fever, cough, or shortness of breath).
Establishing procedures for safely transporting anyone sick to their home or to a healthcare provider.
Notifying health officials and close contacts
Cleaning and disinfection
Closing off areas used by a sick person and not using the areas until after cleaning and disinfecting them.
Waiting more than 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting these areas. Ensuring safe and correct use and storage of EPA-approved List N disinfectantsexternal icon, including storing products securely away from children. 
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Elections Toolkit
Resources to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions at polling locations.

Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind
The more an individual interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. Elections with only in-person voting on a single day are higher risk for COVID-19 spread because there will be larger crowds and longer wait times. Lower risk election polling settings include those with:
a wide variety of voting options
longer voting periods (more days and/or more hours)
any other feasible options for reducing the number of voters who congregate indoors in polling locations at the same time
The virus that causes COVID-19, is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It may be 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 possibly their eyes. Personal prevention practices (such as handwashing, staying home when sick) and environmental cleaning and disinfection are important actions election officials, poll workers, and voters can take to help lower the risk of COVID-19 spread.

As some community-based organizations (CBOs) begin to resume or increase their level of activities, CDC offers the following considerations for ways these organizations can help protect individuals and communities and slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CBOs can play a vital role in maintaining community morale and cohesion. They can also serve as a crucial link between communities and local health and other officials, providing insight about the feasibility and acceptability of proposed mitigation strategies and informing authorities about resources and needs in their communities.
CBOs work at the local level to meet community needs. They include social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and formal and informal community groups, like neighborhood groups or recreational or special-interest clubs. Depending on the nature of their work, a CBO’s stakeholders may include volunteers, members, clients, supporters, patrons, program participants, and event attendees.
These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which organizations must comply. CBOs can determine, in collaboration with state and local health officials, whether and how to implement these considerations, making adjustments to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. CBOs should continually assess, based on current conditions, how to modify their operations and programming to both advance their mission and protect their staff and stakeholders.
CBOs may also benefit from reviewing CDC’s COVID-19 information focused on workplaces, events and gatherings, food service providers, youth sports, youth and summer camps, childcare programs, and people at higher risk of severe illness.
Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind
The more people an individual interacts with, and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. Location can be a factor, too, with outdoor activities generally being less risky than indoor activities. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases as follows:

Lowest risk: Meetings and other activities are conducted virtually. Only essential activities (i.e., provision of essential services) occur in person.
More risk: Small, in-person gatherings like board meetings or support groups are held. Outdoor activities and meetings are prioritized. Individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and do not share objects. No food is served at meetings or events. Most staff telework and if staff or stakeholders are present in a facility, they are required to wear masks (if able) and maintain social distancing. Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting practices are implemented. Attendees at the organization’s meeting and events come from the same local geographic area (e.g., community, town, city, county).
Higher risk: Indoor activities are held. Medium-sized in-person gatherings are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart. In CBO facilities, common areas are closed, and staff are encouraged to wear masks (if able) and maintain social distancing. Food is served in pre-packaged boxes with disposable utensils to eliminate the need for shared items or congregating around serving tables. For meetings and events, a limited number of attendees come from outside the local geographic area.
Highest risk: Standard operations and programming are resumed. Large in-person gatherings are held where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart. Food is served “potluck” or family style. Many event attendees come from outside the local geographic area.

Targeting COVID-19’s Spread
The virus that causes COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Someone can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own nose, mouth, or possibly their eyes. Therefore, personal prevention practices (such as staying home when sick, social distancing, wearing a mask, and handwashing) and environmental prevention practices (such as cleaning and disinfection) are important ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
These prevention principles are covered in this document. They provide CBOs with actions to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread during sponsored activities.
Promoting Healthy Behaviors that Reduce Spread of COVID-19
CBOs should consider implementing strategies to encourage behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Staying Home when Appropriate 
Educate staff and stakeholders about when they should stay home and when it is safe to gather in person with other people for work or group activities.
Develop policies that encourage sick employees to stay at home without fear of reprisal, and ensure employees are aware of these policies.
Actively encourage stakeholders who are sick to stay home.
Staff and stakeholders should stay home if they have tested positive for or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Staff and stakeholders who have recently had close contact with a person with symptoms of or diagnosed with COVID-19 should also stay home and monitor their health.
CDC’s criteria can help inform people when it is safe to gather with others:

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette 
Require frequent employee handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and increase monitoring to ensure adherence.
If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used; rub hands together until dry.
Encourage staff to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Encourage alternate forms of greeting besides handshakes, hugs, and kissing. For example, introduce a new practice of waving or bowing.
Encourage clients and others coming to your office or attending events to engage in these same practices.

Masks  
Require the use of masks among staff and volunteers, as feasible. Masks are most essential in times when social distancing is difficult. Information should be provided to all staff and volunteers on proper use, removal, and washing of masks.
Note: Masks should not be placed on:
Babies or children younger than 2 years old
Anyone who has trouble breathing
Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

Masks are meant to protect other people in case the wearer may have the virus and not know it. Masks are not meant to be a substitute for personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, respirators, or other medical personal protective equipment.
Encourage clients and other stakeholders coming to your facility or attending events to bring and use masks.

Adequate Supplies
Ensure you have accessible sinks and enough supplies available for staff, facility visitors, and attendees to clean their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes at all events. Supplies include soap, water, a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), tissues, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant wipes, masks (as feasible), and no-touch/foot pedal trash cans (preferably covered).

Signs and Messages 
Post signs in highly visible locations (e.g., at building entrances, in restrooms) that promote everyday protective measures and describe how to stop the spreadpdf icon of germs by properly washing handsand properly wearing a maskimage icon.
Use the preferred language(s) of staff and stakeholders for signs and messages.
Consider developing signs and messages in alternative formats (e.g., large print, Braille, American Sign Language) for people who have low vision or are blind or people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
At events, broadcast regular announcements on reducing the spread of COVID-19 on PA system
Include messages (for example, videos) about behaviors that prevent spread of COVID-19 when communicating with staff, volunteers, and others who may be in your facility, attend your events, or receive your services.
Find freely available CDC print and digital resources on CDC’s COVID-19 communications main page.

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Maintaining Healthy Environments
CBOs should consider implementing strategies to maintain healthy environments.
Cleaning and Disinfection 
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains, grab bars, hand railings) at least daily or between use as much as possible. Plan for and take these precautions when renting event space and ensure that other groups who may use your facilities take these precautions.
Clean and disinfect shared objects (e.g., microphones, office equipment, payment devices) between each use.
Develop a schedule for increased, routine cleaning and disinfection.
If transport vehicles (e.g., buses, vans) are used by the CBO staff, drivers and passengers should practice all safety actions and protocols as indicated (e.g., hand hygiene, masksimage icon). To clean and disinfect buses, vans, or other vehicles see guidance for bus transit operators and for drivers for hire and adapt as needed.
Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaners and disinfectants,external icon including storing products securely away from children and ensuring there is adequate ventilation when using these products.
Use EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19pdf icon. Always read and follow label instructions for each product.
Use disposable gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash:
After using disposable gloves, throw them out in a lined trash can.
Do not disinfect or reuse the gloves.
Wash hands after removing gloves.

Restrooms
Consider limiting the number of people that use the restroom at one time to allow for social distancing.
If lines form near the restroom, ensure people remain at least 6 feet from each other.
Ensure that restrooms are:
Cleaned and disinfected regularly, particularly high-touch surfaces such as faucets, toilets, doorknobs, and light switches. Clean and disinfect restrooms daily or more often, if possible, and use EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19pdf icon.
Regularly stocked with supplies for handwashing, including soap, water, and disposable paper towels or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid supplying reusable towels.

Ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants and keep products away from children.

Ventilation 
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling or triggering asthma symptoms).

Water Systems
To minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with stagnant water, take steps to ensure that all water systems and features (e.g., sink faucets, drinking fountains, decorative fountains) are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown. Drinking fountains should be cleaned and sanitized, but encourage people working in or visiting your facility to bring their own water, as feasible, to minimize use and touching of water fountains.

Physical Barriers and Guides 
Provide physical guides (e.g., guides for creating “one-way routes”), such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that individuals remain at least 6 feet apart in lines and at other times.
Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart. Barriers can be useful at reception areas, distribution counters, and other areas where remaining at least 6 feet apart is difficult.

Communal Spaces 
Use methods to physically separate employees in all areas of the facilities including work areas and other areas such as meeting rooms, break rooms, parking lots, entrance and exit areas, and locker rooms; otherwise, stagger use and clean and disinfect between use.
Arrange reception or other communal seating area chairs by turning, draping (covering chair with tape or fabric so seats cannot be used), spacing, or removing chairs to maintain social distancing.

Food Service
There is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from eating food. However, sharing utensils and congregating around food service areas may present risks.
If food is offered at any meeting or event, have individual, pre-packaged boxes or bags instead of a potluck, buffet, or family-style meal. Avoid sharing of foods and utensils.
If the organization hosts an event that includes food service, refer to CDC’s COVID-19 considerations for restaurants and bars.
Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that individuals not from the same household remain at least 6 feet apart when waiting in line to order or pick up.
Use disposable food service items (e.g., utensils, dishes). If disposable items are not feasible or desirable, ensure that all non-disposable food service items are handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Individuals should wash their hands after removing their gloves or after directly handling used food service items.

Shared Objects 
Discourage people from sharing items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect in between use, such as food containers, tools, equipment, or supplies.
Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high-touch materials to the extent possible; otherwise, limit use of supplies and equipment to one group of people at a time and clean and disinfect between use.

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Maintaining Healthy Operations
CBOs should consider implementing strategies to maintain healthy operations.
Regulatory Awareness
Be aware of local or state regulatory agency policies related to group gatherings to determine if events can be held.

Participation in Community Response Efforts
Consider participating with local authorities in broader COVID-19 community response efforts (e.g., sitting on community response committees) and collaborating with other CBOs to coordinate activities or limit duplication of efforts, where possible.
Inform local authorities about areas of concern or previously unknown issues as well as community or organizational resources that might be helpful in responding to changing circumstances in the community.

Flexible and Responsive Operations and Communication Plans
Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making protocols so that the organization can adjust operations, services, and programming in response to changing community conditions.
Develop a communication plan to alert stakeholders to changes in operations and ensure that contact information is up to date.
Develop information-sharing systems with partners, including local health officials.

Designated COVID-19 Point of Contact
Designate a staff person to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. All staff and stakeholders should know who this person is and how to contact them.

Protections for Staff and Others who are at Higher Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19
Offer options that limit exposure risk (e.g., telework, modified job responsibilities) for staff at higher risk for severe illness (including older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions).
As feasible, offer options that limit the COVID-19 exposure risk (e.g., virtual attendance) for stakeholders who are at higher risk for severe illness. Replace in-person meetings with video- or tele-conference calls whenever possible.
Limit event attendance to staff and attendees who live in the local geographic area (e.g., community, city, town, county) to reduce risk of spread from areas with higher levels of COVID-19.
Put in place policies that protect the privacy of people at higher risk for severe illness regarding their underlying medical conditions.

Social Distancing and Modifying Layouts 
Reconfigure office spaces, waiting or meeting rooms, break rooms, conference rooms, or similar areas to allow for at least 6 feet between people.
In situations where people will form lines, encourage people to stay at least 6 feet apart by providing signs or other visual cues such as tape or chalk marks.
Limit attendance at events to allow for social distancing, or host smaller events in larger rooms.
Prioritize outdoor activities where attendees can remain at least 6 feet from others not living in their household.
If distributing items like food or supplies, consider using drive-up distribution so that people can maintain distance from each other and to eliminate the need to touch doorknobs and other items and surfaces in a facility.
Consider temporarily suspending singing, chanting, or shouting during events especially when participants are in close proximity to each other. If attendees choose to sing, chant, or shout, encourage them to wear masks and increase distance between people to greater than 6 feet.

Meetings, Gatherings, and Performances
Pursue virtual group events, gatherings, or meetings, if possible, and promote social distancing of at least 6 feet between people if in-person events are held. Limit group size to the extent possible.
Prioritize outdoor activities where attendees can remain at least 6 feet from others not living in their household.
When planning events, consult CDC’s Considerations for Gatherings and Community Events.
Limit any nonessential visitors, spectators, and volunteers at events.
Limit activities involving external groups or organizations as much as possible – especially with individuals not from the local geographic area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).
Consider temporarily suspending musical performances that involve singing or playing wind instruments. If such events are held, musicians should be spaced as far apart as feasible, ideally farther than 6 feet apart.

Childcare and Youth Programming

Identifying Small Groups and Keeping Them Together (Cohorting)
Ensure that groupings of staff, volunteers, and program participants are as small and as static as possible. CBOs should consider:
Scheduling staff and volunteers together in small groups (cohorts) so that they are always scheduled to work on the same days/times together, reducing their exposure risk.
Ensuring attendees of regular events (e.g., support groups) are scheduled with the same group of attendees for each event so that individuals are in contact with the same people for each visit, and so that distinct groupings do not mix.
Limit use of supplies and equipment to one group of people at a time and clean and disinfect between use.

Staggered Scheduling
Stagger arrival times or locations for meetings and events.
Use flexible worksites (e.g., telework) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts) to help establish policies and practices for social distancing of at least 6 feet between employees, volunteers, and others.

Transportation
For employees who commute to work using public transportation or ride sharing, encourage them to use transportation options that minimize close contact with others (e.g., walking or biking, driving or riding by car – alone or with household members only) or consider offering the following support:

Where possible, avoid activities that require shared transportation vehicles.
If using shared transportation vehicles like vans or buses, clean and disinfect them according to the guidance for bus transit operators or drivers for hire. Ensure that drivers and passengers wear masks, if they are able; remain about 6 feet apart, as feasible; and wash their hands as soon as possible after the trip.

Communication Systems
Put systems in place to:
Encourage staff and stakeholders who come to your facility or attend events sponsored by your organization to self-report to the designated COVID-19 point of contact if they have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days in accordance with health information sharing regulations for COVID-19external icon (e.g., see “Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts” in the Preparing for When Someone Gets Sick section below), and other applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
Notify staff and stakeholders of cancellations and restrictions in place to limit exposure to COVID-19 (e.g., limited hours of operation).
Identify and address potential language, cultural, and environmental barriers associated with communicating COVID-19 information to organization staff and stakeholders. Tailor information so that it is easily understood by various audiences and is available in a variety of languages and formats.
Learn more about reaching people of diverse languages and cultures by visiting: Know Your Audience. You can also, learn more about communicating to staff in a crisis at Crisis Communications.

Leave (Time Off) Policies
Implement flexible sick leave policies and practices that are not punitive and that enable employees to stay home when they are sick, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, are caring for someone who is sick, or who must stay home with children if schools or childcare centers are closed.
Examine and revise policies for leave, telework, and employee compensation as needed.
Ensure employees are aware of these policies.

Back-Up Staffing Plan
Monitor absenteeism of employees and critical volunteers, cross-train staff and volunteers, and create a roster of trained back-up staff and volunteers.
Develop policies for employees and volunteers to return to their duties and the facility after having COVID-19. CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation and quarantine can inform these policies.

Staff Training
Train staff on all safety protocols. Use CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers as a guide.
Conduct training virtually or ensure that participants maintain social distancing during training.
As volunteers often perform important duties, consider similar monitoring, planning, and training for them.
Consider that volunteer and staffing levels may need to increase to implement cleaning and safety protocols.

Close Contact
CBO staff or volunteers who have close contact (within 6 feet) with clients (e.g., people who visit client homes) should take extra precautions. CBOs should consult with local public health officials and occupational safety and health professionals to decide whether staff or volunteers should wear any form of personal protective equipment rather than or in addition to a mask. Masks are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Masks are not meant to be a substitute for personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, respirators, or other medical personal protective equipment.
Limit the amount of time staff or volunteers are in close contact (within 6 feet) with others, to the extent feasible.
Maintain a supply of masks for clients to wear (if able) and provide guidance on how to wear them properly.
Remind clients to cover their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Ensure employees and volunteers wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Before entering a client’s home and upon leaving
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After putting on, touching, or removing masks

Employees and volunteers should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Recognize Signs and Symptoms 
If feasible, conduct daily health checks (e.g., temperature screening and/or symptom checking) of staff, volunteers, and others who come to your facility or attend your events safely and respectfully, and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.
CBOs should consider using examples of screening methods in CDC’s General Business FAQs as a guide.

Sharing Facilities  
Encourage any organizations that share or use your facility to also follow these considerations. Limit shared facility use, if possible.

Support Coping and Resilience
Promote employees’ ability to eat healthy foods, exercise, get enough sleep, and find time to unwind.
Encourage employees and others to talk with people they trust about their concerns and how they are feeling.
Consider posting signs for the national distress hotline: 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUsto 66746; the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224; and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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Preparing for When Someone Gets Sick
CBOs should consider strategies to implement when someone gets sick.
Advise Sick Individuals of Home Isolation Criteria

Isolate and Transport Those Who are Sick 
Make sure that staff and others at your facility or event know that they should not come to the facility or event, and that they should notify the designated COVID-19 point of contact if they become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.
Immediately separate anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath). People who are sick should go home or to a healthcare facility, depending on how severe their symptoms are, and follow CDC guidance for caring for themselves. Anyone who has had close contact with a person who has symptoms should be separated, sent home, and advised to follow CDC guidance for community-related exposure (see “Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts” below). If symptoms develop, individuals should follow CDC guidance for caring for themselves.
Identify an isolation area(s) to separate anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or who has tested positive but does not have symptoms.
Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone who becomes sick to their home or to a healthcare facility. If you are calling an ambulance or bringing someone to the hospital, try to call first to alert them that the person may have COVID-19.

Clean and Disinfect

Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts 

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Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

For more information on CDC’s web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.

Updates have been made to align with the new school resources and tools that were released on July 23rd and 24th and the latest COVID-19 information.
Changes to the considerations as of August 21, 2020:
Expanded considerations on planning and preparing schools before opening
Updated considerations on ventilation
Updated considerations on food service
Updated considerations for students who may be unable to wear masks
Updated considerations for students with special healthcare needs and disabilities
Updated considerations on cohorting, staggering, and alternating strategies
Updated considerations on recognizing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and screening
Updated considerations on coping and support
Updated considerations on making plans for accommodations
Updated considerations for Direct Service Providers (DSPs)

Considerations for schools
As communities in the United States consider how to safely re-open K-12 school buildings and in-person services, CDC offers updated considerations for mitigation strategies that K-12 school administrators can use to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19.  These updated Considerations for Schools are intended to aid school administrators as they consider how to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, teachers, staff, their families, and communities:
Promoting behaviors that reduce COVID-19’s spread
Maintaining healthy environments
Maintaining healthy operations
Preparing for when someone gets sick
Schools should determine, in collaboration with state and local health officials to the extent possible, whether and how to implement each of these considerations while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community. It is also critically important to develop strategies that can be revised and adapted depending on the level of viral transmission in the school and throughout the community and done with close communication with state and/or local public health authorities and recognizing the differences between school districts, including urban, suburban, and rural districts. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any Federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which schools must comply (e.g., Individuals with Disabilities Education Actexternal icon).
School-based health facilities may refer to CDC’s Guidance for U.S. Healthcare Facilities and may find it helpful to reference the Ten Ways Healthcare Systems Can Operate Effectively During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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Guiding principles to keep in mind
Everyone’s goal is to prioritize the reopening of schools as safely and as quickly as possible given the many known and established benefits of in-person learning. In order to enable this and assist schools with their day-to-day operations, it is important to adopt and diligently implement actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 inside the school and out in the community. Vigilance to these actions will moderate the risk of in-school transmission regardless of the underlying community burden – with risk being the lowest if community transmission is low and there is fidelity to implementing proven mitigation strategies.
The statement The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools this Fall highlights that parents and school leaders are very eager for schools to reopen, but understandably concerned about the health and safety of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children and COVID-19
In general, children with COVID-19 are less likely to have severe symptoms than adults or experience an asymptomatic infection – meaning they do not have any signs or symptoms of disease (1-7).
Analysis of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalization data from 14 states from early March to late July 2020 found the cumulative rate of COVID-19–associated hospitalization among children was over 20 times lower compared to adults (8.0 versus 164.5 per 100,000 population) (8). Although the cumulative rate is low, one in three children hospitalized with COVID-19 was admitted to an intensive care unit so the risk is not negligible (8). Similarly, the death rate among school-aged children is much lower than the rate among adults (9, 10). Also, the comparatively low risk for hospitalization and death among children themselves must be contextualized to the risk posed to teachers, school administrators, and other staff in the school environment. The risk of teachers, school administrators, and other staff in the school is expected to mirror that of other adults in the community if they contract COVID-19.
To be sure, the best available evidence from countries that have reopened schools indicates that COVID-19 poses low risks to school-aged children – at least in areas with low community transmission. That said, the body of evidence is growing that children of all ages are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection (3-7) and, contrary to early reports (11, 12), might play a role in transmission (7, 13, 14).
The many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks posed by COVID-19 spread. Of key significance, in-person learning is in the best interest of students, when compared to virtual learning. Application and adherence to mitigation measures provided in this document and similar to those implemented at essential workplaces can help schools reopen and stay open safely for in-person learning.
Deciding how to reopen
School officials should make decisions about school reopening based on available data including levels of community transmission and their capacity to implement appropriate mitigation measures in schools to protect students, teachers, administrators, and other staff. Schools should also consider other aspects of students’ risk and wellbeing that arise when schools do not reopen for in-person classes. This includes the potential adverse impacts on students’ social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health, as well as the critical services provided to students to help mitigate health disparities and serve children in need, such as school lunch programs, special education services, after-school programs and mental health services.
The unique and critical role that schools play makes them a priority for reopening and remaining open, enabling students to receive both academic instruction and enable the provision of other critical services and supports. By strictly implementing mitigation strategies, schools will be able to meet the needs of their students and community, while reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread.
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Taking actions to lower the risk of COVID-19 spread
COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It may be 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 eyes, nose, or mouth. Therefore, personal prevention practices (such as handwashing, staying home when sick) and environmental cleaning and disinfection are important principles that are discussed below. Fortunately, there are a number of actions school administrators can take to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread during school sessions and activities.
In order to reach the goal of reopening schools as safely and as quickly as possible for in-person learning, and help schools remain open, it is important to adopt and diligently implement actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 inside the school and out in the community.  This means that students, families, teachers, school staff, and all community members take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play.
Continuum of risk
By model of learning and implementation of proven mitigation strategies
In general, the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools increases across the continuum of virtual, hybrid, to in-person learning with the risk moderated for hybrid and in-person learning based upon the range of mitigation strategies put in place and the extent they are conscientiously followed.
While not exhaustive, this stratification attempts to characterize the risks of spread among students, teachers, and staff across this continuum:
Lowest risk:
Students and teachers engage in virtual-only classes, activities, and events
Some risk:
Hybrid Learning Model: Some students participate in virtual learning and other students participate in in-person learning
Small, in-person classes, activities, and events
Cohorting, alternating schedules, and staggered schedules are applied rigorously
No mixing of groups of students and teachers throughout/across school days
Students and teachers do not share objects
Students, teachers, and staff follow all steps to protect themselves and others at all times including proper use of face masks, social distancing, hand hygiene
Regularly scheduled (i.e., at least daily or between uses) cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas implemented with fidelity
Medium risk:
Hybrid Learning Model: Most students participate in in-person learning, some students participate in virtual learning
Larger in-person classes, activities, and events
Cohorting, alternating schedules, and staggered schedules are applied with some exceptions
Some mixing of groups of students and teachers throughout/across school days
Students and teachers minimally share objects
Students, teachers, and staff follow all steps to protect themselves and others such as proper use of face masks, social distancing, hand hygiene
Regularly scheduled cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas largely implemented with fidelity
Higher risk:
Students and teachers engage in in-person only learning, activities, and events
Students minimally mix between classes and activities
Students and teachers share some objects
Students, teachers, and staff follow some steps to protect themselves and others at all times such as proper use of face masks, social distancing, hand hygiene
Irregular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas
Highest risk:
Students and teachers engage in in-person only learning, activities, and events
Students mix freely between classes and activities
Students and teachers freely share objects
Students, teachers, and staff do not/are not required to follow steps to protect themselves and others such as proper use of face masks, social distancing, hand hygiene
Irregular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas
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Plan and prepare
Emergency operations plans: review, update, and implement EOPs
The most important actions for school administrators to take before reopening in-person services and facilities are planning and preparing. To best prepare, schools should expect that students, teachers, or staff may contract symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and schools must know what to do when this happens. Regardless of the number of cases in a community, every school should have a plan in place to protect staff, children, and their families from the spread of COVID-19 and a response plan in place for if/when a student, teacher, or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. This plan should be developed in collaboration with state and local public health departments; school nurses, parents, caregivers, and guardians; student leaders; community members; and other relevant partners. Schools should prioritize EOP components that address infectious disease outbreaks and their consequences.
Reference key resources on emergency preparedness while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.

School nurses, teachers, staff, parents, student leaders, and other community stakeholders (e.g., youth service organizations, health centers, etc.) should be involved in the development of the Emergency Operations Plans (EOP). Some of the strategies school administrators should consider while developing their EOP:
Develop a protocol for monitoring local COVID-19 data in your community to keep track of the level of community transmission, to make decisions about changes to mitigation strategies, and to help determine whether school closures may be necessary. This should include daily review of official public health data for the community surrounding the school. Contact the state, local, tribal, or territorial Public Health Department for references to local COVID-19 data.
Develop and test information-sharing systems (e.g., school-to-parent email or texting protocols, periodic virtual meetings with parent/teachers, etc.) with school and community partners and key stakeholders. Use institutional information systems for day-to-day reporting on information that can help to detect and respond to an outbreak, such as number of cases and absenteeism or changes in the number of visits to the health center by students, teachers, and other staff.
Adopt mitigation strategies to promote healthy behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19, maintain healthy school environments and operations, and plan what to do if a student, teacher, or staff member gets sick.
Examine the accessibility of information and resources to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain healthy environments and determine whether they are culturally relevant, in plain language, and available in appropriate languages and accessible formats.
In consultation with local officials, establish transparent criteria for when the school will suspend in-person learning to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19, as well as transparent criteria for when to resume in-person learning.
Assess students’ special needs (such as continuing education, meal programs, and other services) and develop strategies to address these needs if in-person learning is suspended or if a student needs to self-isolate as a result of a diagnosis of or exposure to COVID-19.
Ensure the EOP takes into consideration students with disabilities, students with special healthcare needs, students experiencing homelessness, migrant students and those with English learners, etc.
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Promote behaviors that reduce spread of COVID-19

Schools may consider implementing several strategies to encourage behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Staying home when appropriate
Educate staff and families about when they/their child(ren) should stay home and when they can return to school.
Actively encourage employees and students who are sick or who have recently had close contact (less than 6 feet for fifteen minutes or more) with a person with COVID-19 to stay home. Develop policies that encourage sick employees and students to stay at home without fear of reprisal, and ensure employees, students, and students’ families are aware of these policies. Consider not assessing schools based on absenteeism, and offering virtual learning and telework options, if feasible.
Staff and students should stay home if they have tested positive for or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Staff and students who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 should also stay home and monitor their health.
CDC’s criteria can help inform when employees should return to work:
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and increase monitoring to ensure adherence among students and staff.
Encourage staff and students to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol should be used (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer).
Masks
Teach and reinforce use of masks. The use of masks is one of many important mitigation strategies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Masks are not Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., surgical masks, respirators).
Appropriate and consistent use of masks is most important when students, teachers, and staff are indoors and when social distancing is difficult to implement or maintain. Individuals should be frequently reminded not to touch the face covering or mask and to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. Information should be provided to staff, students, and students’ families on proper use, removal, and washing of masks.
Masks should not be placed on:

Children younger than 2 years old
Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious
Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

Younger students, such as those in early elementary school (Pre-K through 3rd grade).
Students, teachers, and staff with severe asthma or other breathing difficulties.
Students, teachers, and staff with special educational or healthcare needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

While masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recognizes there are specific instances when wearing a mask may not be feasible. In these instances, parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers, staff, and school administrators should consider adaptations and alternatives whenever possible. They may need to consult with healthcare providers for advice about wearing masks.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing—or those who care for or interact with a person who is hearing impaired—may be unable to wear masks if they rely on lipreading to communicate. This may be particularly relevant for faculty or staff teaching or working with students who may be deaf or hard of hearing. In this situation, consider using a clear mask that covers the nose and wraps securely around the face. If a clear mask isn’t available, consider whether faculty and staff can use written communication (including closed captioning) and decrease background noise to improve communication while wearing a mask that blocks your lips.
Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control.
In addition to those who interact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the following groups of teachers and staff may also consider using clear masks:

Teachers of young students (e.g., teaching young students to read).
Teachers of students who are English language learners
Teachers of students with disabilities

Clear masks should be determined not to cause any breathing difficulties or over heating for the wearer. Clear masks are not face shields. CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for masks because of a lack of evidence of their effectiveness to control the spread of the virus from the source for source control.
Adequate supplies
Ensure you have accessible sinks and enough supplies for people to clean their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Supplies include soap, a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), tissues, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer), disinfectant wipes, masks (as feasible) and no-touch /foot-pedal trash cans (preferably covered).
Signs and messages
Post signs in highly visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms) that promote everyday protective measurespdf icon and describe how to stop the spreadpdf icon of germs (such as by properly washing hands and properly wearing a maskimage icon). Signs should include visual cues (such as clear, easy-to-understand pictures demonstrating the healthy behaviors) at the appropriate reading and literacy level.
Broadcast regular announcements on reducing the spread of COVID-19 on PA systems.
Use simple, clear, and effective language about behaviors that prevent spread of COVID-19 when communicating with staff and families (such as on school websites, in emails, and through school social media accounts). If feasible, provide communication in multiple languages.
Use communication methods that are accessible for all students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities.
Translate materials into common languages spoken by students, faculty, and staff and people in the school community.
Find freely available CDC print and digital resources on CDC’s communications resources main page. CDC also has American Sign Language videos related to COVID-19 and other communication tools.
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Maintaining healthy environments

School administrators may consider implementing several strategies to maintain healthy environments.
Cleaning and disinfection
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., playground equipment, door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains) within the school and on school buses at least daily or between use as much as possible. Use of shared objects (e.g., gym or physical education equipment, art supplies, toys, games) should be limited when possible, or cleaned between use.
Develop a schedule for increased frequency of routine cleaning and disinfection.
If transport vehicles (e.g., buses) are used by the school, drivers should practice all safety actions and protocols as indicated for other staff (e.g., hand hygiene, masks). To clean and disinfect school buses or other transport vehicles, see guidance for bus transit operators.
Shared objects
Discourage sharing of items that are difficult to clean or disinfect.
Keep each child’s belongings separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas.
Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high touch materials to the extent possible (e.g., assigning each student their own art supplies, equipment) or limit use of supplies and equipment by one group of children at a time and clean and disinfect between use.
Avoid sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids.
Ventilation
Consider ventilation system upgrades or improvements and other steps to increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants in the school. Obtain consultation from experienced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) professionals when considering changes to HVAC systems and equipment.  Some of the recommendations below are based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guidance for Building Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemicexternal icon. Review additional ASHRAE guidelines for schools and universitiespdf iconexternal icon for further information on ventilation recommendations for different types of buildings and building readiness for occupancy. Not all steps are applicable for all scenarios.
Improvement steps may include some or all of the following activities:
Increase outdoor air ventilation, using caution in highly polluted areas.

When weather conditions allow, increase fresh outdoor air by opening windows and doors. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to children using the facility.
Use fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows.  Position fans securely and carefully in or near windows so as not to induce potentially contaminated airflow directly from one person over another (strategic window fan placement in exhaust mode can help draw fresh air into room via other open windows and doors without generating strong room air currents).
Decrease occupancy in areas where outdoor ventilation cannot be increased.

Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and provide acceptable indoor air quality for the current occupancy level for each space.
Increase total airflow supply to occupied spaces, when possible.
Disable demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) controls that reduce air supply based on occupancy or temperature during occupied hours.
Further open minimum outdoor air dampers to reduce or eliminate HVAC air recirculation. In mild weather, this will not affect thermal comfort or humidity. However, this may be difficult to do in cold, hot, or humid weather.
Improve central air filtration:

Increase air filtrationexternal icon to as high as possible without significantly diminishing design airflow.
Inspect filter housing and racks to ensure appropriate filter fit and check for ways to minimize filter bypass
Check filters to ensure they are within service life and appropriately installed.

Consider running the HVAC system at maximum outside airflow for 2 hours before and after the school is occupied.
Ensure restroom exhaust fans are functional and operating at full capacity when the school is occupied.
Inspect and maintain local exhaust ventilation in areas such as restrooms, kitchens, cooking areas, etc.
Use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to help enhance air cleaning (especially in higher risk areas such as the nurse’s office).
Inspect and maintain local exhaust ventilation in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, cooking areas, etc.
Use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to help enhance air cleaning (especially in higher risk areas such as nurse’s office and special education classrooms).
Generate clean-to-less-clean air movement by re-evaluating the positioning of supply and exhaust air diffusers and/or dampers (especially in higher risk areas such as the nurse’s office).
Consider using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a supplement to help inactivate SARS-CoV-2, especially if options for increasing room ventilation are limited.
Ventilation considerations are also important on school buses.
*Note: The ventilation intervention considerations listed above come with a range of initial costs and operating costs which, along with risk assessment parameters such as community incidence rates, facemask compliance expectations and classroom density, may affect considerations for which interventions are implemented.  Acquisition cost estimates (per room) for the listed ventilation interventions range from $0.00 (opening a window; inspecting and maintain local exhaust ventilation; disabling DCV controls; or repositioning outdoor air dampers) to

Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19 on a viral or an antibody test, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.
We do not know how much protection (immunity) antibodies to the virus might provide against getting infected again. Confirmed and suspected cases of reinfection have been reported, but remain rare. Scientists are working to understand this.