Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In the last month, we all have been hearing about the coronavirus being spread throughout the world. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is believed to spread mainly from person to person. Spread between people who are in close contact with another (within about six feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The NECA Safety and HR Department have forwarded some information to the supervisors through the NECA Email addresses. OEH&E has given a presentation and provided handouts.
We are asking all NECA Employees to limit their travel for the time being. We are taking proactive measures to continue raising awareness and to plan for the potential spread of COVID-19 virus in the NECA Company workplace. The travel limit recommended is intended to raise awareness and not to create unnecessary panic.
If you are sick, you should stay at home as a precaution. Please notify your immediate supervisor that you are sick and will not be coming into work. If you cannot reach your immediate supervisor, please call your area superintendents.
Following are some steps to protect yourself;
1. Clean your hands often.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid close contact.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
1. Stay at home if you are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
2. Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Wear a facemask if you are sick.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you cannot wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers.
4. Clean and disinfect.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
5. Other
- Stretch & Flex Canceled until further notice.
- Minimize large meetings/training’s of 8 or more by using conference calls or limiting the number people when possible.
Questions or Concerns:
Ray Smith is NECA point of contact for all issues and updates related to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus Hotlines if Ray is not available
New Mexico -855-600-3453
Arizona -844-542-8201
You can find more information at www.cdc.qov/conronavrus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html or http://cv.nmhealth.org/