Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #8
15 February 2020
To The University Community
From Norman Dennis E. Marquez, MD
University Physician
Subject Advisory on the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Bulletin #8
Situation summary:
- From DOH, total of 455 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) recorded; 3 are confirmed (+) for SARS-CoV-2; 386 tested (-); 66 pending results (as of 12nn, 14 February 2020)
- 1 PUI died of cardiovascular cause and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2
- 2 of the repatriated Filipinos being quarantined in the Athletes’ Village were given medical treatment for non-COVID-19 related diseases; the rest remain asymptomatic
- Contrary to a reported case last week, a study published in Lancet revealed that there is no current evidence for intrauterine infection (vertical transmission)
- No new country reported cases since Feb 6, after Belgium confirmed its first case
o China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Russia, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Sweden, UAE
Interim strategies recommended for employers: (based on recommendations by the CDC). These apply until new studies/data suggest otherwise.
Actively encourage sick employees to stay home:
- Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (normal less than 38° C), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
- Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies.
- Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies.
-Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.
- Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual.
- Isolate sick employees:
- CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be isolated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).
- Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees:
- Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
- Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
- Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol; or, wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
- Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene.
- Perform routine environmental cleaning:
-Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
-No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.
-Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.
- Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:
- Check the CDC’s Traveller’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travellers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
-Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
-Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed.
- Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the SARS-CoV-2:
-Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with SARS-CoV-2 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
- If an employee is confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by law.
General preventive measures:
- Proper hygiene practices and effective hand-washing techniques
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing then properly dispose of used tissue paper as infectious waste
- Keep a distance of at least 1 meter (around 3 feet) from a person suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 infection or flu-like signs and symptoms
- Avoid touching eyes after coughing/sneezing
- Do not spit just anywhere
- Proper handling and disposal of wastes; used masks should be considered as infectious waste and should be disposed properly
- Avoid unnecessary assembly or mass gathering, especially in closed venues
- Gargle with warm saline solution 2-3x a day when having cough and sore throat
- Hydrate regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Process raw food properly/hygienically and cook food well
Members of the community or visitors to the Ateneo campuses are highly encouraged to inform/call the Office of Health Services/Infirmaries in their respective units (for students and visitors) or OHRMOD (for faculty, professionals, administrators, staff) if you manifest the following:
- fever WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever, cough/cold, difficulty breathing WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- severe acute respiratory infection requiring hospitalization WITH a history of travel to areas with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms
- fever or signs and symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of close contact with any of the following:
o a confirmed or suspected person infected with SARS-CoV-2
o a healthcare facility in China
Should you develop the signs and symptoms at home, do not go to school and inform/call the appropriate offices for specific concerns. Wear a mask and minimize contact with other people at home. Please inform/call your family doctor about your condition before going to his/her clinic so that they can take precautions as well.
You can also refer to the following links for more information and updates:
Department of Health, https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov
World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
These bulletins are intended to provide general updates and relevant guidelines as events related to the COVID-19 outbreak evolve. Expect changes and adjustments in precaution guidelines as well as in preventing the spread of the infection as new information emerge daily. Also, given the volume of news reports and opinions being circulated in the media and the internet, we enjoin everyone to refrain from sharing unverified information that can confuse or mislead others.
If you have any concerns/inquiries, you may send me an email at nmarquez@ateneo.edu or to Engr. Josephy Almosera at jalmosera@ateneo.edu.
Let us work together to build a safer and healthier community that we may serve the people for the greater glory of God.
