Southern Illinois Healthcare gives COVID-19 update

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Our team of infectious disease and emergency preparedness personnel continue to collaborate with local, state and federal officials regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). While COVID-19 is new, preparing for and responding to epidemics and pandemics (e.g., H1N1, Swine Flu, MERS, SARS, Ebola) isn't.

<h3 class="breakHead">Signs and Symptoms</h3>

COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, which occurs when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms for COVID-19 usually appear two to 14 days after initial exposure to the disease.

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

Current recommended strategies for employers to use now

• Encourage proper hand-washing hygiene for all employees: wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If hands are not visibly soiled, they could also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Encourage employees to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it immediately.

• Perform routine environmental cleaning, ensuring high-touch surfaces are disinfected.

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Encourage them to contact their primary care provider or call the SIH COVID-19 Hotline (844.988.7800) now open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for medical advice if they have not previously done so.

• If your employee begins to shows symptoms while at work, send them home and instruct them to contact their primary care provider or call the SIH COVID-19 Hotline (844.988.7800) now open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for medical guidance.

• Employers should not require a positive COVID-19 test result or a health care provider's note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave or to return to work.