COVID-19 numbers increasing in the community and at work

With an increasing number of COVID-19 infections in the community and among employees, the COVID-19 Surge Level has been upgraded from Surge Level 1 to Surge Level 2, as of today (May 12).

Nearly 200 employees are currently out of work due to COVID-19 infection. Employee Health Services (EHS) has been tracking employee infections and found that many employees were infected at work by other employees and in situations where masks were not being worn. 

On Monday, May 9, mask-wearing requirements were increased to include non-clinical areas inside all clinical care buildings (conference rooms and shared workspaces, etc.). Virtual meetings are strongly encouraged. In-person meetings are strongly discouraged, unless necessary for people to meet in-person. When gathering near others, such as around a computer screen, wearing a mask is strongly encouraged. More detailed guidance for meetings and work situations is available in the Coronavirus Resource Center, under ‘Current Information’ and ‘COVID-19 Event and Meeting Guidance.’

Everyone is asked to pay closer attention to their health each day. Many employees reported feeling “just a sore throat,” then went to work only to later learn they had exposed numerous co-workers to COVID-19. 

The concern with workplace exposure is not only risking an employee’s well-being, but it can also have a drastic impact on an entire unit – which can then impact health services for patients or a department’s ability to function, including in patient care capabilities. ANY symptoms on a workday should be reported through the Daily Qualtrics Symptom Survey.

Employees are strongly encouraged to wear masks whenever they are around other people – whether at work or in the community – due to the high levels of virus spread happening now. The number of employees out of work has been increasing over the past week. Everyone is reminded to take precautions and assess their personal health daily for any unusual feelings of illness.