Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

Valued Clients,

Our goal is to have a safe, healthy, and educated workforce to continue to shine in the business community we serve. As the COVID – 19 topic is dynamic in nature and evolving rapidly, we will continue to monitor this closely and encourage you to do so as well. 

Please find the following information as a guide for controlling this emerging risk:    

What is COVID 2019? A respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first detected in China, and an outbreak of COVID 19 began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. It spread throughout 31 other countries and territories, including the United States. 

What is a Pandemic? A worldwide spread of a new disease. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads around the world, and most people do not have immunity. Viruses that have caused past pandemics typically originated from animal influenza viruses. 

What is the Impact in the US? As of the latest publication of the CDC, The United States is NOT currently experiencing an influenza pandemic.

What is the Impact on our business? COVID – 19 will spread throughout all states, and as we are in the middle of the flu season, below is a helpful link from the CDC’s website with actions you can take to help prevent the spread of illness within our office and homes. For now, we will live our lives and conduct business with extra caution, as the CDC recommends. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a great site, Coronavirus Disease 2019, that explains the situation and how you can protect yourself. Many of the necessary precautions are what you would expect:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Get a flu shot
  • Disinfect the surfaces in your home and office
  • Don’t go to work (or school or church) if you are feeling sick; fever, coughing and shortness of breath
  • Use proper personal protective equipment in a healthcare environment

With COVID-19, those who are elderly or with challenged immune systems must care for themselves.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday-preventive-actions-8.5×11.pdf

We encourage all employees to stay current on the latest information available on the coronavirus (COVID 19) as the situation evolves. Below are links to helpful information and preventive measures provided by the World Health Organization WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).    

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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