25 Aug 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): How to Protect Yourself and Others

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At VPI Working Solutions, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, our clients, and our community. We have created a resource compiled with health and safety tips from trustworthy sources, to protect yourself and others during this pandemic. These safety tips and information will become especially important to follow, as our regions and economy start re-opening.

This transition can mean different things to different people. Whether you (or someone you live with) are starting a new job, returning to the workplace, or going to school, please ensure you are taking all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.

In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

  • If you return to work, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.
  • Keep these items on hand when returning to work: a mask, tissues, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if possible.

Considerations for Returning to Work

Are you or someone in your household at increased risk of severe illness? You may need to take extra precautions.

  • If you are at increased risk for severe illness, check with your employer to see if there are policies and practices in place to reduce your risk at work, like telework or modified job responsibilities.
Are you the primary caregiver for your child or someone else?
If so, here are some things to think about:

  • If someone else will be taking care of your child, ask them to review information about caring for children.
  • If someone else will be providing care for a household member that is at increased risk of severe illness or needs extra precautions, ask them to review information on extra precautions.
Are there ways you can minimize the number of people you interact with?

  • In addition to any measures your business may have implemented to reduce your risk (e.g., installed barriers), take additional steps to minimize the number of people you interact with.
  • Interacting with more people raises your risk since some people may have the virus and not know it since they have no symptoms.
  • Can you have virtual meetings to limit the number of in-person interactions?
  • When interacting with other people, are policies in place for colleagues or customers to wear a mask and to keep 6 feet of space between others?
What is the length of time that you will be interacting with people?

  • Spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected.
  • Spending more time with people increases their risk of becoming infected if there is any chance that you may already be infected.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Additional Resources

Reading Resources

Returning to Work

Returning to School (Elementary through Secondary)

Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

Maintaining Mental Health

Video Resources

Free E-Learnings

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