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With the death toll in Washington state up to 9, Idaho-based companies can expect to take more precautionary measures, which could impact business in the Gem state. There are now over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout 15 states with thin the U.S. Washington, which borders a sizable part of Idaho, has recently been strongly impacted by the effects of the virus. There's no mistaking that the rising number of cases is causing disruption.
Large corporations have taken this into account and have been doing their best to avoid further spread of the virus. Apple, McDonald's and Starbucks are among the growing number of companies that have shuttered stores, reduced service or removed staff from China as the coronavirus outbreak continues to dampen global economic activity. Google recently announced that their "Cloud Next" Conference, the largest annual conference globally with an average of 30,000 attendees has been cancelled to reduce the risk of potential spreading. Facebook cancelled their "F8 Developers" conferences only days ago as well.
Recommended Strategies for Employers To Use Now
Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C]) signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines. Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
Separate sick employees
Employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately
Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
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Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps
Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed.
Additional Measures
Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor
If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
One of the key attributes from these corporations that Idaho businesses can learn from is the ability to predict. This is an important ability every day in business, but especially in times where there is a lot of hype and panic in the market. Predicting allows you to make smart, proactive decisions so you can be prepared. Idaho tech companies such as Micron and HP have already begun using predictive measures to accommodate the mass hysteria surrounding COVID-19.
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