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