The CDC Begins to Ease Coronavirus Restrictions as Cases Drop

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has eased some of the physical distancing guidelines for people who’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus

The guidance, which updated yesterday, will allow asymptomatic people who’ve been exposed to the virus to go back to work as long they take their temperature twice a day, practice physical distancing, and wear a face mask.

According to the CDC, critical workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to and during their work shift:

  • Pre-Screen: Employers should measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to them starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility.

  • Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program.

  • Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.

  • Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.

  • Disinfect and Clean workspaces: Clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment routinely.

If the employee becomes sick during the day, they should be sent home immediately. Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected. Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and 2 days prior to symptoms should be compiled. Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed.