ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — In order to help better curb the spread of COVID-19, the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) has announced new recommendations for essential workplaces in Allegan County.
The new recommendations include screening for symptoms and exposure, as well as sanitizing and isolation and quarantine instructions.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is the potential for the virus to spread in essential personnel at workplaces that are unable to function remotely,” officials said in a statement. “ACHD has adapted a screening tool packet for essential employees.”
The use of this new screening tool is recommended for all individuals entering a workplace building and that are in contact with others.
The form asks employees if they are experiencing any of the common COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) and any further steps that should be taken.
These next steps may include quarantine, which would involve a well employee staying home for 14 days after potential exposure, or isolation, where a sick employee would stay home for seven days after symptoms begin AND until the employee is fever-free for three days.
Following these recommendations is highly encouraged to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spreading among essential personnel. Along with the use of this screening tool, ACHD also recommends:
- Frequent handwashing for 20 seconds with soap and water
- Frequent sanitization of surfaces that are touched regularly (phones, workspaces, equipment, light switches, door handles, etc.)
- Working remotely from home whenever possible
- Making sure employees have space to be six feet apart from one another
- Sick leave policies that encourage ill employees to stay home when showing symptoms
General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling the Allegan County Health Department Hotline at 269-686-4546 or email COVID-19@allegancounty.org.
The latest information about COVID-19 is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus; cdc.gov/coronavirus.
