1. Educate the Workforce

It is important to know the facts about COVID-19 and gain those facts from reliable sources.

2. Wash Your Hands

The best way to stay safe in the workplace during COVID-19 is to wash your hands. When washing with soap and water, be sure to wash for at least 20 seconds. When using hand sanitizer, be sure to use a hand sanitizer that is greater than 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizer may be the quickest disinfecting option, but soap and water are the most effective.

3. Don’t Shake Hands

Resist the urge to shake hands when greeting someone in the workplace. A bow, nod, or wave will suffice. Also, do your best to avoid using your fingertips. You can use your arm to open doors or your knuckle to press buttons.

4. Clean and Disinfect

Clean and disinfect workstations, doorknobs, and all other frequently touched surfaces in the workplace. And don’t forget to disinfect your phone!

5. Keep Your Distance

Stay at least two arms’ length away, or six feet apart, from other people in the workplace. Don’t work in groups and try to limit face-to-face contact when possible.

6. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Depending on which state you live in, you may be required to wear a face mask when out in public. Whether your state requires it or not, a face mask can protect you and those around you from coronavirus.

7. Avoid Sharing Food and Drink

Avoid reaching for candy in communal bowls or drinking coffee from the pot in the breakroom.

8. Leave Your Reusable Bags at Home

Many states, cities, and stores endorse using recyclable plastic bags during COVID-19 to prevent germs traveling with the unwashed, reusable bags.

9. Stop Handling Cash

Cash carries germs, passing through countless hands from around the country. Use contactless forms of payment when possible.

10. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

Even if they are not officially diagnosed, employees should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus.

11. Quarantine Employees Potentially Exposed

If an employee has recently been to an area heavily affected by COVID-19, that employee should be quarantined for at least two weeks to stop the potential spread throughout the workplace.

12. Screen Incoming Workers and Visitors

Employers may take employees temperatures and asses symptoms prior to starting work to be proactive in stopping the spread.

13. Check-in with Yourself

Don’t neglect your mental health during this time of chaos. Take the time to reflect on what you may need to relieve stress, worry, and fatigue.

14. Check in with Co-workers

After you’ve taken care of yourself, check-in with your co-workers. Be sure to give support to those who are struggling.

15. Allow Non-essential Employees to Work Remotely

If a person’s work can be done from home, allow them to work from home until it is safe to return to the office.

16. Travel Safely

Postpone or cancel trips that are to areas heavily affected by COVID-19. Also, do your best to avoid crowded public transport when commuting to and from work.

17. Limit Stops on the Way Home

Use grocery pick-up or delivery services to limit the stops you have to make on your way home from work.

18. Support Local Businesses

Order takeout for lunch or dinner from local restaurants to support the community.

19. Watch for Daily Developments

The CDC gives updates on COVID-19 daily. Stay informed on how to stay safe.

20. Spread Positivity

We are all in this together. There are better days ahead.