What do you do when an employee has the coronavirus?
Since we began our series “ 19 hospitality questions on Covid-1 , and as hotels began to re-open for business, we have responded to several interesting questions on COVID-19. This is one question that everyone should not only ask, but be aware of what needs to be done - should the need arise to address a potential coronavirus case.
Here is our quick six-step guide to addressing a reported COVID-19 case in the workplace:
Step 1: Isolate / quarantine infected employee
If the employee calls in as having tested positive or is exhibiting symptoms for COVID-19, he or she should be instructed to immediately seek medical treatment whilst staying away from the workplace. Return to work is only after public health officers provide a clean bill of health.
Step 2: Conduct contact tracing to identify individuals in 6-15-48 of infected employee
Upon learning that your employee has tested positive, act quickly to identify all other employees and/or other 3rd parties who the employee may have interacted with. Whilst asking the infected employee to identify all individuals who have been exposed to the infection – use the ‘6-15-48’ rule. I.e. about those who worked alongside, within 6 feet, for 15 minutes or more with the infected employee, 48 hours prior to the onset of the symptoms. It is very likely that the medical officers will pursue this course of action as well.
Step 3: Address those employees who were in close proximity to infected employee
Follow the MOH guidelines. It may be prudent to send all non-essential workers who worked in close proximity to the infected employee to either work from or stay at home – for 14 days, to ensure non-spread of infection. Whilst quarantined ask employees to seek medical assistance if symptoms arise.
Step 4: Recording, Reporting and investigating the work relatedness of COVID-19
Check local and government guidance to determine if there are other investigation, reporting, or recording mandates when a potential case of COVID-19 is encountered, and what is to be done, should it be positive one. In any case document your efforts to establish if the COVID-19 case was work-related. While out-of-work activities may have led to the illness, do not discount the possibility that he or she may have contracted it after close exposure to a customer or co-worker.
Step 5: Clean and disinfect your workplace
After a confirmed COVID-19 case, the MOH guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the workplace. Clean and disinfect all areas (e.g. offices, bathrooms and common areas), used by the infected person, focusing particularly on frequently touched surfaces.
Step 6: Determine if other employees and any third parties should be informed
Following a confirmed COVID-19 case, and where recommended by the local health authorities, notify all employees who work in the section or area where the employee works of the situation. Proper and timely communication is key to avoiding any panic. Avoid disclosing the name of the employee concerned. Inform employees and third parties of the actions you have taken – such as requiring employees who worked closely to the infected worker to stay at home and the details of the cleaning and sanitising efforts done in the aftermath. Remind employees to seek medical attention should they exhibit symptoms.
Hospitality Sri Lanka
The above article is from our video series “19-Hospitality Related Questions on Covid-19", which can be viewed on our Youtube channel here Why not take a moment to share your experience with us, or if you have a question you'd like answered, get in touch through reachus@hospitalitysrilanka.com We hope to hear from you, and in the meantime, check out our social media feeds on Facebook and Instagram. Shafeek Wahab - Editor, Hospitality Sri Lanka
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