Health & Safety at Work and Home T WINSBURG PUBLIC L IBRARY
T H I S G U I D E I S I N T E N D E D F O R I N F O R M A T I O N A L A N D E D U C A T I O N A L P U R P O S E S O N L Y . T H I S G U I D E S H O U L D N O T B E U S E D A S A R E P L A C E M E N T F O R M E D I C A L O R L E G A L A D V I C E .
COVID-19
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
Are COVID-19 symptoms different for children?
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and
cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. They may also be asymptomatic
carriers, meaning they can pass the disease to others without exhibiting any symptoms.
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than
adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up
most of the known cases to date.
It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness--for
example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs.
Who is at higher risk for severe illness?
COVID-19 is a new disease, and there is limited information regarding risk factors for
severe onset of the illness. Based on currently available information and clinical
expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical
conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19
are:
◦ People 65 years and older
◦ People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Which underlying medical conditions pose a risk for people of all ages?
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised
• Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow
or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and
other immune weakening medications
• People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged
period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their
mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The
droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but
do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus
on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main
way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as
sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface.
Sources and Further Reading on Symptoms
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
Taking your Temperature
What
temperature
is considered
a fever?
What is a normal body temperature and does it fluctuate?
While body temperature is usually considered “normal” at 98.6° Fahrenheit, newer studies
suggest the average person today actually runs a little cooler than that – somewhere
between 97.5° F and 97.9° F.
Typically anything in the range of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit is considered normal, but there are
times when a perfectly healthy person might have a body temperature that’s slightly higher or
slightly lower than that. A normal temperature is usually lower in the morning and increases during
the day. It reaches its high in the late afternoon or evening. In adults, a fever is considered to be a
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above.
Please also be aware if you take any fever-reducing medication to alleviate a different symptom.
Be sure to self-monitor any other symptoms, and if possible, take your temperature before you
take any medication.
Should I take my temperature at home?
If you have access to a thermometer, it is good practice to monitor your temperature
at home, so that if you do detect a fever you can minimize exposure to others.
It’s important to note that the manufacturer of the temperature device you use
provides information on how to use it. Be sure to read and follow the instructions to
obtain an accurate temperature. The information may also include how the results of
the device correlate with the results from other methods of taking a temperature.
How do I take my temperature at home?
Digital thermometers
A digital thermometer is the most accurate
and quickest way to take a temperature.
A digital thermometer can be used in several
different ways, but the most common use for
adults and children over 4 who are able to
hold a thermometer in their mouth is the
oral method.
No-touch infrared and temporal artery (forehead) thermometers
Forehead thermometers are placed on the
temporal artery of the forehead and
measure the infrared heat from the head.
Sources and Further Reading on Taking Your Temperature
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9959-thermometers-how-to-take-your-temperature
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-temperature-what-is-and-isnt-normal/
http://saidsupport.org/what-is-the-most-accurate-way-to-take-a-temperature-is-oral-temporal-ear-or-
rectal-best/
https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/fever-temperatures-
tw9223
Face Masks
Why wear a face mask?
Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
advises that Americans wear cloth face coverings as
a possible way to protect one another from infection.
Masks can help protect against viral shedding in the
pre-symptomatic stage and prevent asymptomatic
carriers from spreading the virus.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings
in public settings where other social distancing
measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery
stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of
significant community-based transmission.
https://www.uhhospitals.org/-/media/Files/Coronavirus/UH-Healthy-Restart-Playbook5-6-
2020.pdf?la=en&hash=C851F997E15030B7E21B8FDE79837F8BDB2E501C
Who is required to wear a cloth mask or face covering?
All employers and employees at Ohio workplaces are required to wear a mask while on the job unless one of the following apply:
◦ An employee in a particular position is prohibited by a law or regulation from wearing a face covering
◦ A face covering is not advisable for health purposes
◦ There is a practical reason the face covering cannot be worn
◦ An employee is sitting alone in an enclosed workspace.
If any of these exceptions apply, written justification must be provided upon request.
Are there exemptions in regards to face masks?
The library will be encouraging and allowing face masks to be worn by all visitors. The state
decision to exempt customers from the requirement was made to protect Ohioans who cannot
wear face coverings, such as people who have severe asthma or breathing issues, hearing aids,
autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, or claustrophobia. In addition, face coverings should
NEVER be worn by or placed on people who are younger than 2, have difficulty breathing, or are
unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove them without assistance.
How do you properly put on and take off a mask?
Putting on face masks that tie
https://www.uhhospitals.org/-
/media/Files/Coronavirus/UH-
Healthy-Restart-Playbook5-6-
2020.pdf?la=en&hash=C851F9
97E15030B7E21B8FDE79837
F8BDB2E501C
Putting on earloop masks
https://www.uhhospitals.org/-
/media/Files/Coronavirus/UH
-Healthy-Restart-Playbook5-6-
2020.pdf?la=en&hash=C851
F997E15030B7E21B8FDE79
837F8BDB2E501C
Face Mask Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
◦ Assure that the mask fits snugly but
comfortably against the side of the face
◦ Secure the mask with ties or ear loops
◦ Include multiple layers of fabric
◦ Allow for breathing without restriction
◦ Make sure that the mask is able to be
laundered and machine dried without
damage or change to shape
◦ Wash after each use
DON’T:
◦ Touch the front of the mask once you put it on
◦ Lower the mask down to expose the nose
◦ Pull the mask away from your face to have a
conversation
◦ Lower the mask to your chin to eat and then
pull back up
◦ Wear the mask if it is wet or damp
◦ NEVER turn the mask inside out and replace it
on your face.
How do you wash and maintain a mask?
Launder mask in hot water, either by hand or in a washing machine (The CDC states that cloth
masks should be able to withstand being laundered without damage to the shape).
Fold mask with outside surface folded onto itself and store in a clean, sealed paper bag or
breathable container, not a plastic bag, purse, or pockets.
You can also hang your mask from its tie if available in a secure place, or place it on a piece of
paper or napkin that you can then throw away.
If you touch your face or the outside of the mask, wash your hands.
The Cleveland Clinic advises that reusable (cloth) face masks should be laundered after every
use.
It’s important to remember that cloth masks are not a substitute for social
distancing.
You should still maintain 6 feet of distance from other people even while
wearing a mask.
Sources and Further Reading on Masks and Face Coverings
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/unsure-about-actually-wearing-a-face-mask-heres-how-and-why-to-do-it/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGE5eny_9gA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwPWdkbyizw
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.pdf
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-
masks
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering.pdf
Handwashing & Gloves
How often should I wash my hands throughout the day?
After you have been in a public place and touched an
item that may be frequently touched by other people
(door handles, gas pumps, etc.)
Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as that is
how germs can enter your body
Before, during, and after preparing food Before eating food
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal
waste
After handling pet food or pet treats After touching garbage
Before and after caring for someone at home who is
sick with vomiting or diarrhea
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has
used the toilet
Before and after treating a cut or wound After using the toilet
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. During the COVID-
19 pandemic, you should clean your hands for all of the following situations:
While working at the library, we recommend that you wash your hands every one to two
hours if you are regularly interacting with the public or public areas.
When washing your hands, it’s important to follow these 5
steps every time.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold),
turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and
under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer?
Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
It’s especially important to wash your hands when they’re
visibly dirty. The graphic here helps illustrate the best motions
to use while lathering and scrubbing your hands to clean them
fully.
How to wash your
hands thoroughly
https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_a
nd_When_Brochure.pdf
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least
60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on
hands in many situations, however they do not get rid of
all types of germs.
This graphic helps illustrate the steps you should take
when using hand sanitizer. Generally, you should:
• Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read
the label to learn the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and
fingers until your hands are dry. This should take
around 20 seconds.
How to use hand
sanitizer correctly
https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf
When should I wear gloves?
You may choose to wear gloves while
handling materials.
Wearing gloves routinely as protection
against infection is not recommended by the
CDC. It’s much more effective to frequently
clean your hands or use alcohol based hand
sanitizer.
Gloves are only good protection if the person
wearing them follows good protective
measures.
How to safely wear and
remove gloves
There are many factors that play into why gloves aren’t always an
effective protection measure. There could be a tear or rip in the
gloves, you could put them on or take them off incorrectly, but most
importantly, the gloves could give you a false sense of security – and
you end up touching everything, including your face, leading to self-
contamination.
To safely remove gloves, follow the steps on this graphic.
1. Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist.
2. Peel the glove away from your body, pulling it inside out.
3. Hold the glove you just removed in your gloved hand
4. Peel off the second glove by putting your fingers inside the glove
at the top of your wrist
5. Turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from your
body, leaving the first glove inside the second.
6. Dispose of the gloves safely. Do not reuse the gloves.
7. Clean your hands immediately after removing gloves.
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/poster-how-to-remove-gloves.pdf
Sources and Further Reading on Handwashing and Gloves
https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf
https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/poster-how-to-remove-gloves.pdf]
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-shouldnt-wear-gloves-to-the-grocery-store/
Social Distancing & Shared Work Spaces
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other
people outside of your home. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with
contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home.
To practice social or physical distancing:
•Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
•Do not gather in groups
•Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
•Limit contact outside of your immediate family
Cleaning & disinfecting shared/public equipment
It is important to clean and disinfect regularly to prevent spread of illness. The New York City
Department of Health recommends this guidance for cleaning and disinfecting non-health care
settings:
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
•Frequently touched surfaces and objects vary by location. Examples include doorknobs, light
switches, handrails, kitchen appliances, counter tops, drawer pulls, tables, sinks, faucet and toilet
handles, drinking fountains, elevator buttons, push plates, phones, keys and remote controls.
•When cleaning workspaces, cubicles and other office areas, make sure to disinfect frequently
touched surfaces and objects, such as desks, chairs, phones, printers, keyboards and computer
mice.
How to clean and disinfect
Coronaviruses are relatively easy to kill with most disinfectants. When using cleaning and disinfecting products, always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Follow label directions and existing procedures for using gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Throw away gloves after each cleaning.
Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, etc.
Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics.
Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting. ◦ If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
Cleaning computers & electronics
General cleaning tips
• Use a lint-free cloth, such as a screen wipe or a
cloth made from microfiber.
• Avoid excessive wiping and submerging item in
cleanser to avoid damage.
• Unplug all external power sources and cables.
• Do not use aerosol sprays, bleach or abrasive
cleaners.
• Ensure moisture does not get into any openings.
• Never spray cleaner directly on an item.
Cleaning computers & electronics
Approved COVID-19 disinfectants safe for computers, accessories and electronics
• Using a Clorox disinfectant wipe or a wipe containing 70% alcohol, gently and carefully wipe the hard,
nonporous surface of the item. This includes the display, keyboard, mouse and the exterior surface of the
item. If you have concerns about the cleaning product being used, please refer to the manufacturer’s
recommendations and warning label.
• When using a disinfectant wipe, it is important to follow the contact time found on the label. It may be
necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the recommended contact time.
• Do not use fabric or leather surfaces on items, as this can scratch or damage to the items.
• Do not use bleach to disinfect computers and electronics.
What are the main ways to limit infection?
•Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds at a time.
•Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if you don’t have access to soap and water.
•Avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes.
•Keep a safe distance from others. The CDC recommends at least 6 feet.
•If you become infected, avoid public places until you recover fully. Stay home and rest.
Managing anxiety around COVID-19
Anxiety can be difficult to manage, especially in times of high stress. Dr. Amy Acton strongly recommends that anyone feeling anxiety should use the following tips from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help themselves adjust more easily:
• Do everything you can to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Follow the steps outlined in this presentation to help prevent the spread of infection.
• Take advantage of the free COVID Careline, where you can talk with someone about your concerns. They are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-720-9616.
• Check out resources provided by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at mha.ohio.gov/
• Try to embrace the return to structure. If you can, try to get into your work routine at home before physically returning – wake up at the normal time, get bathed and dressed as you would normally, and try to return to your normal timeline during the day.
• Try to make sure you are getting a healthy night’s sleep.
• Remember – it is okay and normal to feel anxious. There is nothing wrong with feeling anxious about changes and uncertain times, and you are not alone in these feelings.
Sources and Further Reading on Social Distancing and Shared Spaces
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-wear-a-face-mask#other-protection https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.uhhospitals.org/-/media/Files/Coronavirus/UH-Healthy-Restart-Playbook5-6-2020.pdf?la=en&hash=C851F997E15030B7E21B8FDE79837F8BDB2E501C
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/disinfection-guidance-for-businesses-covid19.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/covid-19-cleaning-computers-electronics.pdf