CNSM COVID-19 Awareness and Prevention Guidelines

Science Safety OfficeCollege of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

California State University, Long Beach

June 2020

www.csulb.edu/cnsm/safety

Course OverviewThis course will provide you with the information you will need to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy upon your return to campus and will be organized into the following sections:

• Background• Symptoms• Transmission• How to Stop the Spread• Returning to CNSM Research• Conclusion

Background• Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to infect

mammals and birds including cattle, bats, chickens and other domestic animals.

• Up to 10% of common colds are caused by coronaviruses.

• Significant illnesses caused by other types of coronaviruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

• The coronaviruses causing SARS and MERS originated in animals and were spread to humans.

• A new type (novel) coronavirus has been recently identified causing what has been termed “coronavirus disease 2019” abbreviated COVID-19.

Background 2• The COVID-19 illness is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has

been so named due to its similarity to the SARS virus (now referred to as SARS-CoV-1).

• The first outbreak was identified in Wuhan China and has spread to become a worldwide pandemic.

• Although it can affect any individual, COVID-19 is known to be especially dangerous and potentially life threatening in

• people over the age of 65.

• immunocompromised individuals.

• individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity.

• By following the information provided in this presentation, individuals who will return to campus will be able to minimize further spread of COVID-19.

Symptoms

Symptoms 2• Symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:

• cough

• fever

• chills

• muscle pain

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• sore throat

• new loss of taste or smell

• Other reported symptoms include headache, runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Transmission• Transmission means the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

which causes the COVID-19 illness.• COVID-19 is a respiratory illness meaning it affects the lungs

and other parts of the respiratory system including the nose, nasal cavity and mouth.

Transmission 2• The SARS-CoV-2 virus is spread from person to person in the

following ways:• Respiratory secretions containing the virus in the form of droplets and

aerosols (small particles) are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

• Droplets fall quickly traveling only short distances.

• Aerosols can remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time and can travel greater distances.

• Respiratory secretions carrying the virus land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or are inhaled into the lungs.

• A person can also become infected when they touch surfaces that have become contaminated with the virus and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

• The mouth and nose (and possibly the eyes) are where the virus enter the body and respiratory tract.

Stop the Spread

Stop the Spread 2• The following measures prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay at Your Residence if Sick• If you are sick or are experiencing any signs of illness, you must stay at

your place of residence and notify your supervisor.• If at work, inform your supervisor and leave campus.• Supervisors: You must notify the Dean’s Office as soon as you are

notified by your personnel.• Campus health and safety professionals will be notified so that they may take

immediate action.

• If you think you may have COVID-19, seek advice from your personal doctor or Student Health Services.

• You may need to follow-up with your supervisor to identify areas where you worked and people with whom you have had close contact.

• The SARS-CoV-2 virus can also be passed by asymptomatic transmission or from an individual showing no signs or symptoms of illness.

• Physical distancing (also sometimes referred to as social distancing) helps prevent the spread of the virus by individuals not aware they are infected.

Symptom Pre-Screening• You will be required to complete COVID-19 Pre-Screen on

each day that you will come to campus.• The CNSM Building Occupancy Survey must also be

completed each day after the pre-screen.• Surveys must be completed truthfully.• Health-related data is kept confidential.

Isolation vs. Quarantine• It is important to understand infection control terminology.• Isolation – the practice of separating sick people with an

infectious disease (such as COVID-19) from those who are healthy.

• If you become sick, you will need to isolate yourself from others.• Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical assistance if symptoms

worsen.

• Quarantine – the practice of separating those who have been or may have been exposed to a pathogen (such as the COVID-19 virus) but are not showing signs of symptoms.

• The quarantined individuals are monitored for signs of the disease.• If you have close contact with someone who is sick, you will need to

quarantine for at least 14 days. Contact your personal doctor or Student Health Services for further directions.

Hand Washing

• Regular hand washing helps stop the spread of COVID-19.• Public health guidelines require hands be washed every 30

minutes when on campus except when gloves are worn.• There should be a sink with soap for handwashing in each lab and there

will be at least one restroom open in each building.• Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used where

handwashing is not available, such as during field operations.• The University has placed hand sanitizers near building entrances

Cleaning and Disinfection

• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces helps stop the spread of COVID-19.• The SARS-CoV-2 can remain active on surfaces for up to five days depending on

the surface material.• Common area fixtures including building door handles and stairway handrails

will be disinfected regularly, but avoiding high-touch surfaces in public areas is recommended.

• You will be responsible for disinfection of all other surfaces you will touch or contact in any way.

• These may include your lab’s door(s), light switches, equipment, counter tops as well as similar items in common rooms you may use.

Cleaners and Disinfectants• Cleaning is the removal of dirt and other impurities from

surfaces.• Disinfection is the killing or inactivation of infections agents

such as viruses on a surface.• Dirty surfaces must be cleaned prior to disinfection because dirt

and other impurities can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants.

• Contact time is the amount of time a given disinfectant must remain on a surface to be effective.

• Contact time varies with the type and concentration of disinfectant being used.

• Science Safety Office has prepared a Guide to Disinfection.• Call or email Science Safety Office to request disinfection

supplies.

Cleaners and Disinfectants 2Acceptable disinfectants include any of the following:• Those that are EPA Registered

• Hazards: vary by disinfectant, read all product information in including the Safety Data Sheet

• Contact time required: varies by disinfectant, can be 10 minutes or more

• 70% Alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl)• Hazards: Flammable (keep away from flames, eye protection required)• Contact time required: until surface is dry

• Diluted Household Bleach• Hazards: Corrosive (eye protection required)• Must be prepared fresh daily from concentrated stock• Contact time required: 1 minute at 1000ppm free chlorine (1/3 cup

bleach in 1 gallon water)

High-Touch Surfaces - Exterior

• Examples of high-touch surfaces that will require frequent cleaning and disinfection:

• Door handles on building exteriors (HSCI shown)• These will be routinely disinfected but you may disinfect them if you

wish.

• Virus (too small to be seen) may be on these surfaces

High-Touch Surfaces - Interior

• Examples of high-touch surfaces that will require frequent cleaning and disinfection:

• Door handle(s) on building interior rooms you will touch (MLSC shown)

• You must disinfect these.

• Virus (too small to be seen) may be on these surfaces.

Lists of High-Touch Surfaces• Restrooms - If You Use It, Please

Help Keep It Clean and Safe!• Door Handles• Toilet Seats• Toilet Flush Handles• Faucet Knobs

• Offices• Desktops• Keyboards• Mouse• Phones• Chair Armrests• Writing Implements• Office Accessories (e.g. Staplers,

Calculators, Tape Dispenser)• Door Knobs/Handles• Door Access Keypads

• Breakrooms - It’s Everyone’s Responsibility!

• Refrigerator Handles• Water Cooler Dispenser• Coffee Maker• Countertops• Cabinet Handles• Microwave Buttons• Elevators• Buttons• Rails

• Stair and Floor Rails

• Vehicles • Steering Wheel• Door Handle• Dashboard Instruments• Windshield Mirror

Personal Habits of Concern

• Stop the spread of COVID-19 by being mindful of personal habits.• Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (sometimes referred to as

your “T-Zone”) can allow the virus to enter your body and so must be avoided.

• Sneezing or coughing into a tissue (or sleeve if not available) will prevent droplets and aerosols from spreading.

• Do not share cellphones, desks, tools, or work equipment.

Face Coverings and Masks

• Wear a face covering to stop the spread of COVID-19.• Face coverings (or masks) are used as a means of infection control

for COVID-19 and are required to be worn at all times while you are on campus.

• Cloth face coverings help protect you but more importantly everyone else you have contact with if you are asymptomatic.

• Masks for employees are available for pickup at the Beach Building Services customer services desk (call 562.985.4357 for location and hours).

Face Coverings and Masks 2• Types of facial coverings include bandanas, neck gaiters,

homemade sewn cloth or a scarf.• Surgical masks (sometimes referred to as procedure masks) may be

worn in some situations.

• Wearing a face covering does not eliminate the need to physically distance yourself from others or to wash your hands frequently.

• Facial coverings are not to be shared and will not protect you from laboratory hazards such as chemicals.

• All standard laboratory safety policies must be followed.

• Facial coverings should cover the nose, mouth, and chin, fit snugly and not be worn if wet or damaged.

• Cloth masks shall be washed with regular laundry daily.

Physical Distancing

• Practice physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.• Physical distancing means avoiding all unnecessary close contact

with other individuals (unless they share your place of residence).• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a minimum of 6

feet of separation especially in hallways, labs, equipment rooms, restrooms, and stairwells.

• If a room or area is too small to allow proper physical distancing, wait until the current occupant has exited before you enter.

Physical Distancing 2Additional physical distancing considerations:

• Avoid gathering in rooms or mingling in common areas.• Everyone must stand at least 6 feet apart.

• Be especially mindful to keep your distance in bathrooms.• Wait, at a distance of 6 feet, until a sink or other fixture is available for

use.

• Consider returning at another time if restroom is crowded.

• Workstations (in labs or other places) must be at least 6 feet apart.

• Do your work from a remote location whenever possible.• Use remote forms of communication (video conferencing, email,

telephone) whenever possible.

Returning to Work in CNSM• Operations at CSULB have been restricted since the state

issued the Safer-At-Home health order in March 2020.• The County of Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach issued

similar orders.• Since March, multi-stage plans have been developed that

will serve as guides to easing restrictions.• We began in Stage 1 and have progressed through Stage 2.• CNSM research operations suspended during Stage 1 are

allowed to resume in Stage 3 at limited capacity.• Eventually, restrictions will be further eased.

Returning to Work in CNSM 2• Individuals who come to campus must follow the infection control

steps described in this training to prevent the further spread of SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.

• COVID-19 is a serious disease and has been responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in the United States alone.

• Should public health indicators show unfavorable trends, research and other operations will be placed back on hold.

• CNSM has prepared many documents useful in guiding the resumption of our research for both laboratory and field operations.

• Information from these documents will be posted in your lab or area.

• These documents are available on the COVID-19 Info for CNSM Personnel.

Conclusion• Contact your research advisor or supervisor with any questions.• Additional contacts include:

• Barbara Taylor (Barbara.Taylor@csulb.edu), Assoc. Dean Research.

• John de la Cuesta (John.delaCuesta@csulb.edu), Science Safety Officer.

• Chris Frost (Chris.Frost@csulb.edu), Asst. Science Safety Officer.

• Visit www.csulb.edu/covid-19 for more information.• The campus Physical (Social) Distancing Protocols can be found under Health

and Safety.

• To complete this training, complete the COVID-19 Awareness and Prevention Quiz on the Science Safety Office website.

• Remember: you must complete the online COVID-19 Pre-Screen and the CNSM Building Occupancy Survey each day before you come to campus.

• Do not come to campus if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.