NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

While there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission of this virus in the United States, now is a good opportunity for workers and employers to review relevant workplace health guidance. Interim guidance and resources are available from OSHA. Their webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infections with, 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).  Based on how other similar viruses spread, infected people may be able to spread the 2019-nCoV through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. Employers and workers should consult interim CDC guidance specific to 2019-nCoV, along with existing resources for other coronaviruses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), for precautions appropriate for this similar virus. 

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/27/2020