Stop the spread of Coronavirus
Dear FEW Members,
This is a serious time of concern for our nation. FEW has a responsibility to ensure our preparedness for an infectious disease outbreak in light of the coronavirus. It is important to FEW that all members and citizens are aware and prepared to avoid panic even as we know that much remains unknown with the Coronavirus epidemic.
FEW’s Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan
As we learn more each day about the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) FEW believes, out of an abundance of caution, that we should have an outbreak response plan in place.
To be clear, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that “the severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time.” That said, they do encourage we all play a part to implement strategies to avoid and protect each other from an infectious disease outbreak. FEW will follow the guidance of CDC and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), along with our commitment to community and member safety, is why we feel it is important to ensure that a plan is in place in response to any impact of an infectious disease outbreak.
Members’ Safety
First and foremost is the safety of our members. Therefore, if members feel they are at risk, they should make sure they make their and their families’ safety their first priority.
Should we learn from guidance of local officials that an infectious disease outbreak has impacted our area, you will receive an email providing you any and all information that we may be aware of and what, if any, action the organization will be taking to ensure member safety.
Prevent Illness
Please be safe. Members who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are encouraged to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4 or greater) for at least 24 hours.
- Exercise cough and sneeze etiquette. The CDC suggests:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in a waste basket.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hand.
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Practice Hand Hygiene. See the CDC Clean Hands Webpage for further details.
- Perform routine environmental cleaning.
- Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace. Wipe down your desks, keyboards and telephones regularly.
- Wipe down kitchen counters after use.
Remember it is up to all of us to make safety a priority. Don’t panic but, play your part in ending this infectious disease outbreak.