Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Respirators
What is an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR)?
An N95 FFR is a type of respirator which removes particles from the air that
are breathed through it. These respirators filter out at least 95% of very
small (0.3 micron) particles. N95 FFRs are capable of filtering out all types
of particles, including bacteria and viruses.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Respirators
What methods should healthcare facilities consider in order to avoid unintentional loss of PPE during COVID-19?
Monitoring PPE supply inventory and maintaining control over PPE supplies may
help prevent unintentional product losses that may occur due to theft, damage,
or accidental loss. Inventory systems should be employed to track daily usage
and identify areas of higher than expected use. This information can be used
to implement additional conservation strategies tailored to specific patient
care areas such as hospital units or outpatient facilities. Inventory tracking
within a health system may also assist in confirming PPE deliveries and
optimizing distribution of PPE supplies to specific facilities.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Gloves
What standards should be considered when choosing gloves?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)external icon has developed standards for patient examination gloves.
Standard specifications for nitrile gloves, natural rubber gloves, and polychloroprene gloves indicate higher minimum tensile strength and elongation requirements compared to vinyl gloves.1,2,3,4
The ASTM has developed standards for patient examination gloves. Length requirements for patient exam gloves must be a minimum of 220mm-230mm depending on glove size and material type.1,2,3,4


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Gowns
Is it acceptable for emergency medical services to wear coveralls as an alternative to gowns when COVID-19 is suspected in a patient needing emergency transport?
Unlike patient care in the controlled environment of a healthcare facility,
care and transport by EMS present unique challenges because of the nature of
the setting. Coveralls are an acceptable alternative to gowns when caring for
and transporting suspect COVID-19 patients. While no clinical studies have
been done to compare gowns and coveralls, both have been used effectively by
healthcare workers in clinical settings during patient care. CDC’s
Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing used in Healthcare for
Protection against Microorganisms in Blood and Body
Fluids guidance
provides a comparison between gowns and coveralls, including test methods and
performance requirements. Coveralls typically provide 360-degree protection
because they are designed to cover the whole body, including the back and
lower legs, and sometimes the head and feet as well. This added coverage may
be necessary for some work tasks involved in medical transport. However,
coveralls may lead to increased heat stress compared to gowns due to the total
area covered by the fabric. Training on how to properly remove (doff) a
coverall is important to prevent self-contamination. Comparatively, gowns are
easier to put on and, in particular, to take off.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Gowns
What types of gowns are available for healthcare personnel to protect from COVID-19?

While the transmissibility of COVID-19 is not fully understood, gowns are available that protect against microorganisms. The choice of gown should be made based on the level of risk of contamination. Certain areas of surgical and isolation gowns are defined as “critical zones” where direct contact with blood, body fluids, and/or other potentially infectious materials is most likely to occur. (ANSI/AAMI PB70pdf iconexternal icon).
If there is a medium to high risk of contamination and need for a large critical zone, isolation gowns that claim moderate to high barrier protection (ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 or 4pdf iconexternal icon) can be used.
For healthcare activities with low, medium, or high risk of contamination, surgical gowns (ANSI/AAMI PB70 Levels 1-4pdf iconexternal icon), can be used. These gowns are intended to be worn by healthcare personnel during surgical procedures.
If the risk of bodily fluid exposure is low or minimal, gowns that claim minimal or low levels of barrier protection (ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 1 or 2pdf iconexternal icon) can be used. These gowns should not be worn during surgical or invasive procedures, or for medium to high risk contamination patient care activities.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Respirators
My employees complain that Surgical N95 respirators are hot and uncomfortable - what can I do?
The requirements for surgical N95 respirators that make them resistant to high
velocity streams of body fluids and help protect the sterile field can result
in a design that has a higher breathing resistance (makes it more difficult to
breath) than a typical N95 respirator. Also, surgical N95 respirators are
designed without exhalation valves which are sometimes perceived as warmer
inside the mask than typical N95 respirators. If you are receiving complaints,
you may consider having employees who are not doing surgery, not working in a
sterile field, or not potentially exposed to high velocity streams of body
fluids wear a standard N95 with an exhalation valve.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Gowns
What is the difference between gowns and coveralls?

CDC’s guidance for Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing used in Healthcare for Protection against Microorganisms in Blood and Body Fluids provides additional comparisons between gowns and coveralls.
Gowns are easier to put on and, in particular, to take off. They are generally more familiar to healthcare workers and hence more likely to be used and removed correctly. These factors also facilitate training in their correct use.
Coveralls typically provide 360-degree protection because they are designed to cover the whole body, including the back and lower legs, and sometimes the head and feet as well. Surgical/isolation gowns do not provide continuous whole-body protection (e.g., they have possible openings in the back, and typically provide coverage to the mid-calf only).
The level of heat stress generated due to the added layer of clothing is also expected to be less for gowns when compared to coveralls due to several factors, such as the openings in the design of gowns and total area covered by the fabric.


Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
Respirators
What is a Surgical N95 respirator and who needs to wear it?

A surgical N95 (also referred as a medical respirator) is recommended only for use by healthcare personnel (HCP) who need protection from both airborne and fluid hazards (e.g., splashes, sprays). These respirators are not used or needed outside of healthcare settings. In times of shortage, only HCP who are working in a sterile field or who may be exposed to high velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters of blood or body fluids should wear these respirators, such as in operative or procedural settings. Most HCP caring for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients should not need to use surgical N95 respirators and can use standard N95 respirators.
If a surgical N95 is not available for use in operative or procedural settings, then an unvalved N95 respirator may be used with a faceshield to help block high velocity streams of blood and body fluids.


Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
If there is a case in the facility
What should administrators do if there is a case of COVID-19 in our facility?
Work with local health authorities to communicate the possible exposure to
residents, staff, and visitors. Clean and disinfect all shared facilities and
high-touch surfaces. Limit visitors to essential staff and visitors. Staff
and, when possible, visitors should be screened for signs and symptoms of
COVID-19 before entering the facility. Residents will need to actively monitor
their health for COVID-19 symptoms. Cancel group activities. Residences that
become ill should be advised to call the medical facility in advance of their
visit. See CDC’s full interim guidance for more
details.


Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
If there is a case in the facility
What should administrators do if a resident or staff shows symptoms of COVID-19?
Ask residents to actively monitor (at least daily) for COVID-19
symptoms,
including fever and respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, new or change
in cough). Administrators should work with local health authorities to
establish procedures for those who become sick. Sick residents should avoid
contact with individuals who are healthy. If you think someone may have
COVID-19, ask them to self-isolate and you should contact local health
officials.


Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
Planning and Preparedness
How can my retirement community or independent living facility prepare for COVID-19?
Administrators should take the following actions to prevent a COVID-19
outbreak in their community or
facility:

Promote social distancing
Cancel public or group activities and events
Inform workers and volunteers to avoid close contact with residents
When possible, limit visitors and volunteers to essential persons
Advise residents to stay home and avoid public places
Alter schedules to reduce mixing (e.g., stagger meal, activity, arrival/departure times)

Support residents in preparing
Establish the ‘buddy’ system to ensure residents stay connected.
Encourage residents to have extra medications and supplies.
Identify residents with unique needs and work with them to tailor these strategies.
Find ways to support residents in managing stress and anxiety.
Inform residents using print materials and high-visibility posters

Encourage everyone to take everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Ensure hand hygiene supplies (e.g., hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol) are readily available in all buildings.

Monitor for cases and take action when someone is sick.
Screen workers and when possible volunteers
Ask residents to self-monitor for symptoms
Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your facility among staff, so you can identify if the rate of absenteeism increases.
Implement flexible sick-leave policies and actively encourage sick employees to stay home
Coordinate with local health facilities if you suspect a resident or staff member may have COVID-19


Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
Planning and Preparedness
Does CDC have recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces?
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs,
light switches, countertops) with cleaners that you typically use. Use all
cleaning products according to the directions on the label. Practice strict
infection control procedures if there is a case in your
facility.
Follow CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for
Communities.


Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
Planning and Preparedness
What actions can residents and staff take to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Encourage residents and staff to take everyday preventive
actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Actions
include staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes;
cleaning and then disinfecting frequently touched
surfaces; and washing hands often with soap and water.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Air or Cruise Travel
Should I go on a cruise?
CDC recommends that all travelers defer all cruise ship travel
worldwide. Recent
reports of COVID-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise
ship passengers and crew. Like many other viruses, COVID-19 appears to spread
more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
International Travel
Should I cancel my international trip?
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel
because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some health care systems are overwhelmed and
there may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas. Many
countries are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines,
closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance
notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and in-country
travel may be unpredictable. If you choose to travel internationally, your
travel plans may be disrupted, and you may have to remain outside the United
States for an indefinite length of time.
CDC also recommends all travelers defer all cruise ship travel
worldwide.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
General
If I travel, what steps should I take to help reduce my chances of getting sick?

Avoid contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Air or Cruise Travel
What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?
Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and
other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an
airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers, avoid touching
your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands often with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60% alcohol.
Learn more about Exposure Risk During
Travel


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
International Travel
When can I return to work after international travel?
Currently, all international travelers arriving into the US should stay home
for 14 days after their arrival. At home, they are expected to monitor their
health and practice social distancing. To protect the health of others, these
travelers should not to go to work or school for 14 days.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
General
Should travelers wear facemasks or coverings?
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC recommends that everyone wear a
cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in the community setting, including
during travel if they must travel. This as an additional public health measure
people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not
instead of) social distancing, frequent hand cleaning and other everyday
preventive actions. A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the
wearer but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This
would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have
symptoms. Medical masks and N-95 respirators are still reserved for healthcare
workers and other first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Domestic Travel
Is it safe to travel to visit family or friends?
Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you
travel, learn if coronavirus is spreading in your local area or in any of the
places you are going. Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if
you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from
COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra
precautions.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
International Travel
What can I expect when arriving to the United States?
At this time, travel restrictions and entry screening apply only to travelers
arriving from some countries or regions with widespread ongoing transmission
of COVID-19. [Note: US policies are subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic
evolves.]
You may be screened when you arrive in the United States. After you arrive
home, take the following steps to protect yourself and others:

Stay at home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
Monitor your health. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters) This is referred to as “social distancing.”

Check CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Travel
webpage to find the current
travel health notice level for your international travel.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
International Travel
What can I expect when departing other countries?
Some countries are conducting exit screening for all passengers leaving their
country. Before being permitted to board a departing flight, you may have your
temperature taken and be asked questions about your travel history and health.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Domestic Travel
Is it safe to travel to campgrounds or go camping?
Going camping at a time when much of the United States is experiencing
community spread of COVID-19 can pose a risk to you if you come in close
contact with others or share public facilities (like restrooms or picnic
areas) at campsites or along the trails. Exposure may be especially unsafe if
you are more likely to get very ill from
COVID-19 and are planning to be in remote areas, without easy access to
medical care. Also be aware that many local, state, and national public parks
have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19.


Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Air or Cruise Travel
What happens if there is a sick passenger on an international or domestic flight?
Under current federal regulations, pilots must report all illnesses and deaths
to CDC before arriving to a US destination. According to CDC disease
protocols, if a sick traveler is considered to be a public health risk, CDC
works with local and state health departments and international public health
agencies to contact passengers and crew exposed to that sick traveler.
Be sure to give the airline your current contact information when booking your
ticket so you can be notified if you are exposed to a sick traveler on a
flight.
Learn more about Contact Investigation


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
Are people with HIV at higher risk for COVID-19 than other people?
At the present time, we have no specific information about the risk of
COVID-19 in people with HIV.
Older adults and people of any age who have a serious underlying medical
condition might be at higher risk for severe illness, including people who are
immunocompromised. The risk for people with HIV getting very sick is greatest
in:

People with a low CD4 cell count, and
People not on HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART).

People with HIV can also be at increased risk of getting very sick with
COVID-19 based on their age and other medical conditions.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
Can HIV medicine (ART) be used to treat COVID-19?
Some types of HIV medicine (for example, lopinavir-ritonavir) to treat
COVID-19 are being evaluated. Results from a clinical trialexternal
icon in China showed that
lopinavir-ritonavir did not speed up recovery or reduce the amount of virus
produced in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia. More than 15
clinical trials of HIV medicines are registered on ClinicalTrials.govexternal
icon.
Until more is known about the effects of these medicines on COVID-19, people
with HIV should not switch their HIV medicine in an attempt to prevent or
treat COVID-19.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
What can everyone do to minimize stigma about COVID-19?
Minimizing stigma and misinformation about COVID-19 is very important. People
with HIV have experience in dealing with stigma and can be allies in
preventing COVID-19 stigma. Learn how you can reduce stigma and help prevent
the spread of rumors about COVID-19.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
Are shortages of HIV medicine (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) expected?
Drug shortages or anticipated problems with HIV medicine have not been
identified.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring the drug
supply chain as the COVID-19 outbreak has the potential to disrupt the supply
of medical and pharmaceutical products in the United States.
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) has
also remained in contact with the major manufacturers of HIV medicine as many
of these products rely on ingredients produced in China.
As of March 10, 2020, there were no reports of manufacturing concerns or
supply shortages.
Learn more about the FDA’s response to COVID-19external
icon.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
What can people with HIV do to protect themselves from COVID-19?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent
getting sick is to avoid exposure to the virus.
People with HIV should take everyday preventive
actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
People with HIV should also continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This
includes:

Eating right,
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and
Reducing stress as much as possible.

Staying healthy helps your immune system fight off infection should it occur.
If you have HIV and are taking your HIV medicine, it is important to continue
your treatment and follow the advice of your health care provider. This is the
best way to keep your immune system healthy.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
What else can people with HIV who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 do to protect themselves?
Nearly half of people in the United States with diagnosed HIV are aged 50
years and older. People with HIV also have higher rates of certain underlying
health conditions. Both increased age and these conditions can increase their
risk for more severe illness if people with
HIV get COVID-19, especially people with advanced HIV.
Steps that people with HIV can take to
prepare in addition
to what is recommended for everybody:

Make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of your HIV medicine and any other medications or medical supplies you need for managing HIV.
Talk to your health care provider and make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, including vaccinations against seasonal influenza and bacterial pneumonia because these vaccine preventable diseases disproportionally affect people with HIV.
Establish a plan for clinical care if you have to stay at home for a couple of weeks. Try to establish a telemedicine link through your HIV care provider’s online portal. If telemedicine is not available to you, make sure you can communicate with your provider by phone or text.
Make sure you can maintain a social network remotely, such as online, by phone, or by video chat. This can help you stay socially connected and mentally healthy, which is especially important for people with HIV.
People with HIV can sometimes be more likely than others to need extra help, from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, and others. If you become sick make sure you stay in touch by phone or email with people who can help you.


What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
Call your health care provider if you develop
symptoms that could be
consistent with COVID-19. Discuss how to get evaluated and how to avoid
potentially exposing others to COVID-19.
Learn more about COVID-19 and what to do if you get
sick.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
What else can people with chronic liver disease do to protect themselves from COVID-19?
People with chronic liver disease should take steps that everyone can take to
prevent getting
COVID-19. They should also take the same preventive
actions
being taken by people with other serious underlying medical conditions to
avoid getting sick with or spreading COVID-19.
In addition, people with chronic liver disease can take the following
measures:

If you are currently taking treatment for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or other chronic conditions, make sure you have enough of your medication at home to reduce unnecessary visits to health services or pharmacies. You may be eligible for up to a 90-day supply of medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination. CDC recommends that people with chronic liver disease receive vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza (flu), and pneumococcal disease.
If you must stay at home for a couple of weeks, come up with a plan to continue your care. Try to establish a telemedicine link through your hepatitis provider’s online portal. If telemedicine is not available to you, make sure you can communicate with your provider by phone or text.
Make sure you can maintain a social network remotely, such as online, by phone, or by video chat. This can help you stay socially connected and mentally healthy.
Smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuanaexternal icon could increase your risk of severe respiratory illness. Quitting smoking or vaping may reduce your chances of developing serious complications from COVID-19.
If you become sick, make sure you stay in touch by phone or email with people who can help you.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
What can people with substance use disorder and liver disease do to protect themselves from COVID-19?
The best way to avoid COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
People with liver disease should take the same preventive
actions
being taken by people with other underlying conditions to avoid getting sick
with or spreading COVID-19. In addition, people with substance use disorder
should stay in contact with their primary care provider and continue
prescribed treatments. People who inject drugs should continue to use sterile
injection equipment.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Are people with cancer, like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), at increased risk for severe COVID-19?
We do not know whether patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are at
higher risk for severe COVID-19 than those without HCC. However, one study
reported a link between cancer and worse COVID-19 disease or death. Cancer
patients with
weakened immune systems after chemotherapy are more likely to get infections
with other germs and it is possible that this is the case with SARS-CoV-2 as
well. However, SARS-CoV-2 spreads easily, even for people with healthy immune
systems. People of all ages with serious underlying medical conditions are at
higher risk for severe COVID-19, particularly if
the underlying medical conditions are not well controlled.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
What can people with hepatitis B or hepatitis C do to protect themselves from COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to
the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People with liver disease should take the same
preventive actions being taken by people with other underlying conditions to avoid
getting sick with or spreading COVID-19.
People with hepatitis B or hepatitis
C should also continue to maintain a healthy
lifestyle. If you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C and are being treated for
your infection, it is important to continue your treatment and follow the
advice of your healthcare provider. This is the best way to keep your immune
system healthy.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Are people who live in areas that have experienced an outbreak of hepatitis A in the past year still at risk for hepatitis A during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Hepatitis A outbreaks are still ongoing in over 30
states during the COVID-19
pandemic. People in all states who are at high risk for hepatitis A infection
should continue to practice good hand hygiene and avoid large gatherings
during the COVID-19 pandemic. They should also request hepatitis A vaccine
from their healthcare providers during their next visit.
If you are a member of any of these groups, and if you are contacting your
provider for any reason, you should request the hepatitis A vaccine :

People who use drugs (injection or non-injection)
People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
People who are or were recently incarcerated (e.g., in prison)
People with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
What can everyone do to minimize stigma about COVID-19?
Minimizing stigma and misinformation about COVID-19 is very important. People
with liver disease have experience in dealing with stigma and can be allies in
preventing COVID-19 stigma. Learn how you can reduce stigma and help prevent
the spread of rumors about COVID-19.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Do people living with or at risk of viral hepatitis need to take special precautions to prevent COVID-19
Yes, 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 and
need to take special precautions.
**** CDC offers COVID-19 guidance for some of the groups at risk for viral
hepatitis or severe illness from viral hepatitis:

People with HIV
People experiencing unsheltered homelessness
People who are incarcerated (e.g., in prison)


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Are people with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C at higher risk for COVID-19 than other people?
Currently, we have no information about whether people with hepatitis B or
hepatitis C are at increased risk for getting COVID-19 or having severe
COVID-19. However, based on available information and clinical expertise,
older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical
conditions, including people with liver disease, might be at higher risk for
severe illness from COVID-19, particularly if the underlying medical
conditions are not well controlled.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Should people with chronic liver disease travel at this time?
People with chronic liver disease, like others with higher risk for severe
COVID-19 illnesspdf icon, should stay at home if possible, and avoid unnecessary
travel.
For the latest CDC travel recommendations, visit CDC’s COVID-19 travel
information page.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Can antivirals used to treat hepatitis B or hepatitis C be used to treat COVID-19?
We do not know at this time. Currently there are no drugs approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)external
icon specifically for the treatment of COVID-19, although FDA has
granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the use of remdesivir to treat
severe cases. Remdesivir is not used to treat hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Researchers are studying new drugs and drugs that are already approved for
other health conditions to determine their safety and effectiveness in
treating COVID-19. In the meantime, never take a prescription medicine or drug
if it is not prescribed for you by your doctor for your health condition.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19 or been exposed to a person with COVID-19?
Call your healthcare provider if you develop
symptoms of COVID-19 or if you
have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19. Discuss how to get
evaluated and how to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Learn more about COVID-19 and what to do if you get
sick.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Does COVID-19 damage the liver?
Some patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have had increased levels of liver
enzymes — like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) — that indicate their livers are at least temporarily damaged. Also,
liver damage is more common in patients who have severe COVID-19 disease.
However, we do not know if this increase in liver enzyme levels is related
directly to the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) being in the liver or
if liver damage results from other factors.
More research is needed to determine if COVID-19 patients with hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver, and other chronic liver diseases are more
likely to suffer from liver damage than COVID-19 patients without chronic
liver disease.


What to Know About Liver Disease and COVID-19
Are shortages of hepatitis B or hepatitis C medicine expected?
No drug shortages or anticipated problems with medicine used to treat
hepatitis B or hepatitis C have been identified to date.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring the drug
supply chain because the COVID-19 outbreak has the potential to disrupt the
supply of medical and pharmaceutical products in the United States.
Learn more about the FDA’s response to COVID-19external
icon and information on drug shortagesexternal
icon.


Apply for a coronavirus test if you're an essential worker
When to apply for a test
Apply within the first 3 days of having symptoms. The test is best taken
within 5 days of symptoms starting.
You might not get a test if you apply - it depends how many tests are
available in your area.
 Start now


Apply for a coronavirus test if you're an essential worker
What the test involves
You’ll usually have the option of taking the test at home or at a drive-
through testing site.
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of
your throat, using a long cotton bud.
See the NHS 111 online coronavirus service for
advice about dealing with the symptoms of coronavirus.


Apply for coronavirus tests for a care home
What you need to apply
You’ll need:

the care home’s CQC location ID
total number of residents, including number of residents with coronavirus symptoms
total number of staff, including agency staff
your contact details

 Start now


Apply for coronavirus tests for a care home
What the test involves
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your resident’s or staff
member’s nose and the back of their throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can read guidance on how to do the
tests.
This test only tells you if you have coronavirus at the time of taking the
test. It doesn’t tell you if you’ve ever had coronavirus in the past.


Apply for coronavirus tests for a care home
Who can make the application
To apply, you need to be the care home manager who’s registered with the Care
Quality Commission (CQC).
You can also apply if you’re a Local Director of Public Health or one of their
representatives.


Arrange the funeral
Moving a body for a funeral abroad
You need permission from a coroner to move a body for a funeral abroad. Apply
at least 4 days before you want the body to be moved.
Find a local coroner using the Coroners’ Society of England and Wales
website.
There is a different process in Scotland
and Northern Ireland.


Arrange the funeral
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and arranging or attending a funeral
There are restrictions affecting funeral arrangements because of coronavirus.
Contact your funeral director, if you’re using one, for help and guidance
about how this could affect you.
Who can attend
There are limitations on who can attend a funeral, and how many people can
attend. Only members of the person’s household or immediate family should
usually attend.
If no household or family members can attend, a small number of close friends
can go to the funeral. Your local council can provide
more details about what is allowed.
If you’re attending
You must respect social distancing guidelines at a funeral and keep 2 metres
apart from people outside your household.
You should not attend a funeral if you are unwell with coronavirus symptoms.
If you’re self-isolating because someone in your household has symptoms, you
can attend if you do not have symptoms yourself.


Arrange the funeral
Funeral directors
Choose a funeral director who’s a member of either:

National Association of Funeral Directors
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)

These organisations have codes of practice - they must give you a price list
when asked.
Some local councils run their own funeral
services,
for example for non-religious burials. The British Humanist
Association and
Institute of Civil Funerals can also help with non-
religious funerals.
*[SAIF]: The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors


Arrange the funeral
Funeral costs
Funeral costs can include:

funeral director fees
things the funeral director pays for on your behalf (called ‘disbursements’ or ‘third-party costs’), for example crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
local authority burial or cremation fees

Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quote. You can get quotes
from several funeral directors to see what is available within your budget.
Paying for a funeral
The funeral can be paid for:

from a financial scheme the person had, for example a pre-paid funeral plan or insurance policy
by you, or other family members or friends
with money from the person’s estate (savings, for example) - getting access to this is called applying for a ‘grant of representation’ (sometimes called ‘applying for probate’)

You can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you have
difficulty paying for the funeral.


Bereavement Support Payment
If your partner died more than 21 months ago
You may still be able to claim BSP if your husband, wife or civil partner’s
cause of death was confirmed more than 21 months after the death. Call the
Bereavement Service helpline.
If your husband, wife or civil partner died before 6 April 2017, you may be
able to get Widowed Parent’s Allowance instead.
*[BSP]: Bereavement Support Payment


Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
In this section

2.1 Protecting people who are at higher risk
2.2 People who need to self-isolate
2.3 Equality in the workplace

Objective: That everyone should work from home, unless they cannot work from
home.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Consider who is needed on site, for example, support staff should work from home if at all possible.

Planning for the minimum number of people needed to be on site to operate safely and effectively, for example, workers deemed necessary to carry out physical works, supervise work, or conduct work in order to operate safely.

Monitoring the wellbeing of people who are working from home and helping them stay connected to those operating in an outdoor environment, especially if the majority of their colleagues are on-site.

Keeping in touch with off-site workers on their working arrangements including their welfare, mental and physical health and personal security.

Providing equipment for people to work from home safely and effectively, for example, remote access to work systems.


Construction and other outdoor work
4. Managing your customers, visitors and contractors
In this section

4.1 Manage contacts
4.2 Providing and explaining available guidance

4.1 Manage contacts
Objective: To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to the worksite.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Where site visits are required, site guidance on social distancing and hygiene should be explained to visitors on or before arrival.

Encouraging visits via remote connection/working where this is an option.

Limiting the number of visitors at any one time.

Determine if schedules for essential services and contractor visits can be revised to reduce interaction and overlap between people.

Maintaining a record of all visitors, if this is practical.

4.2 Providing and explaining available guidance
Objective: To make sure people understand what they need to do to maintain
safety.
Ensuring public notices are visible and help inform workers, customers,
visitors, contractors and the public to maintain social distancing whilst near
the workplace.
There is a high likelihood in some areas that working outdoors will draw the
attention of the public. Visible signage may be used to inform the public of
the type of work that is being performed.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing signage to inform the public as to the course of business.

Providing signage at entrances to the worksite to remind the public and workers to maintain social distancing.

Providing signage on rights of way that cross your workplace to remind the public to maintain social distancing.

Establishing host responsibilities relating to COVID-19, providing any necessary training for people who act as hosts for visitors.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
In this section

3.1 Coming to work and leaving work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
3.3 Making the main workplace safe for people who work statically
3.4 Meetings
3.5 Common areas
3.6 Accidents, security and other incidents

Objective: To maintain 2m social distancing wherever possible, including while
arriving at and departing from work, while in work, and when travelling
between sites.
You must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible.
Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full in relation
to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity
needs to continue for the business to operate, and, if so, take all the
mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their
staff.
Mitigating actions include:

further increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning
keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible
reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others)

Social distancing applies to all parts of a business, not just the place where
people spend most of their time, but also entrances and exits, break rooms,
canteens and similar settings. These are often the most challenging areas to
maintain social distancing.


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.3 Making the main workplace safe for people who work statically
Objective: To maintain social distancing between people who work in one place.
It is recognised that in outdoor workplaces it might be rare to have a fixed
or static place of work. However, there may be some situations where this is
the case.
For people who work in one place, workstations should allow them to maintain
social distancing wherever possible.
Workstations should be assigned to an individual as much as possible. If they
need to be shared, they should be shared by the smallest possible number of
people.
If it is not possible to keep workstations 2m apart then businesses should
consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to operate,
and if so take all mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of
transmission.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Changing layouts to allow people to work further apart from each other.

Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, arranging people to work side by side or facing away from each other rather than face-to-face.

Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, using screens to separate people from each other.

Using a consistent pairing system if people have to work in close proximity, for example, during two-person working, lifting or maintenance activities that cannot be redesigned.


Construction and other outdoor work
1. Thinking about risk
In this section

1.1 Managing risk
1.2 Sharing the results of your risk assessment

Objective: That all employers carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment.
Everyone needs to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19. As an employer, you
also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to
their health and safety. This means you need to think about the risks they
face and do everything reasonably practicable to minimise them, recognising
you cannot completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19.
You must make sure that the risk assessment for your business addresses the
risks of COVID-19, using this guidance to inform your decisions and control
measures. A risk assessment is not about creating huge amounts of paperwork,
but rather about identifying sensible measures to control the risks in your
workplace. If you have fewer than 5 workers, or are self-employed, you don’t
have to write anything down as part of your risk assessment. Your risk
assessment will help you decide whether you have done everything you need to.
The Health and Safety Executive has guidance for business on how to manage
risk and risk assessment at work along with specific advice to help control the risk of
coronavirus in workplaces.
Employers have a duty to consult their people on health and safety. You can do
this by listening and talking to them about the work and how you will manage
risks from COVID-19. The people who do the work are often the best people to
understand the risks in the workplace and will have a view on how to work
safely. Involving them in making decisions shows that you take their health
and safety seriously. You must consult with the health and safety
representative selected by a recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a
representative chosen by workers. As an employer, you cannot decide who the
representative will be.
At its most effective, full involvement of your workers creates a culture
where relationships between employers and workers are based on collaboration,
trust and joint problem solving. As is normal practice, workers should be
involved in assessing workplace risks and the development and review of
workplace health and safety policies in partnership with the employer.
Employers and workers should always come together to resolve issues. If
concerns still cannot be resolved, see below for further steps you can take.
Where the enforcing authority, such as the HSE or your local authority,
identifies employers who are not taking action to comply with the relevant
public health legislation and guidance to control public health risks, they
will consider taking a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks.
For example, this would cover employers not taking appropriate action to
socially distance, where possible. The actions the HSE can take include the
provision of specific advice to employers through to issuing enforcement
notices to help secure improvements.
How to raise a concern:

contact your employee representative
contact your trade union if you have one
contact HSE at:

HSE COVID-19 enquiries
Telephone: 0300 790 6787 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 8pm)
Online: working safely enquiry
form
[COVID-19]: coronavirus
  [HSE]: Health and Safety Executive


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.4 Meetings
Objective: To reduce or eliminate transmission due to face-to-face meetings
and maintain social distancing in meetings.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Only absolutely necessary participants should attend meetings and should maintain 2m separation throughout.

Avoiding transmission during meetings, for example, avoid sharing pens and or other objects.

Providing hand sanitiser in meeting rooms.

Holding meetings outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms whenever possible.

Using remote working tools to avoid in-person meetings.

For areas where regular meetings take place, use floor signage to help people maintain social distancing.


Construction and other outdoor work
8. Inbound and outbound goods
Objective: To maintain social distancing and avoid surface transmission when
goods enter and leave the site especially in high volume situations, for
example builders’ yard or despatch areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Revising pick-up and drop-off collection points, procedures, signage and markings.

Minimising unnecessary contact at gatehouse security, yard and warehouse, for example, non-contact deliveries where the nature of the product allows for use of electronic pre-booking.

Considering methods to reduce frequency of deliveries, for example by ordering larger quantities less often.

Where possible and safe, having single workers load or unload vehicles.

Where possible, using the same pairs of people for loads where more than one is needed.

Enabling drivers to access welfare facilities when required, consistent with other guidance.

Encouraging drivers to stay in their vehicles where this does not compromise their safety and existing safe working practice, such as preventing drive-aways.

Definitions
Refers to areas and amenities which are provided for the common use of more
than one person including canteens, reception areas, meeting rooms, areas of
worship, toilets, gardens, fire escapes, kitchens, fitness facilities, store
rooms, laundry facilities.
Refers to people who have specific underlying health conditions that make them
extremely vulnerable to severe illness if they contract COVID-19. Clinically
extremely vulnerable people will have received a letter telling them they are
in this group, or will have been told by their GP. Who is ‘clinically
extremely vulnerable’?
Refers to people who may be at increased risk from COVID-19, including those
aged 70 or over and those with some underlying health conditions. Who is
‘clinically vulnerable’?


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
Objective: To maintain social distancing while using common areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or places to eat.

Using safe outdoor areas for breaks.

Creating additional space by using other parts of the workplace freed up by remote working.

Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.


Construction and other outdoor work
7. Managing your workforce
7.3 Communications and training
In this section

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
7.2 Work-related travel
7.3 Communications and training

7.3 Communications and training
7.3.1 Returning to work
Objective: To make sure all workers understand COVID-19 related safety
procedures.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing clear, consistent and regular communication to improve understanding and consistency of ways of working.

Engaging with workers and worker representatives through existing communication routes and worker representatives to explain and agree any changes in working arrangements.

Developing communication and training materials for workers prior to returning to site, especially around new procedures for arrival at work.

7.3.2 Ongoing communications and signage
Objective: To make sure all workers on site are kept up to date with how
safety measures are being implemented or updated.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Ongoing engagement with workers (including through trades unions or employee representative groups) to monitor and understand any unforeseen impacts of changes to working environments.

Awareness and focus on the importance of mental health at times of uncertainty. The government has published guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Using visual communications, for example, whiteboards or signage, to explain safe working practices around the working site to reduce the need for face-to-face communications.

Communicating approaches and operational procedures to suppliers, customers or trade bodies to help their adoption and to share experience.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
What do we mean by ‘construction and other outdoor work’?
Working outdoors includes many people in:

construction
energy and utilities
farming and agriculture (including seasonal labour)
forestry
waste management and other infrastructure
railway services
street and highway services


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.6 Accidents, security and other incidents
Objective: To prioritise safety during incidents.
In an emergency, for example, an accident, fire, break-in or trespass, people
do not have to stay 2m apart if it would be unsafe.
People involved in the provision of assistance to others should pay particular
attention to sanitation measures immediately afterwards, including washing
hands.


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
Objective: To maintain social distancing wherever possible, while people
travel through the workplace.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites. For example, restricting access to some areas, encouraging use of telephones where permitted, and cleaning them between use.

Reducing job rotation and equipment rotation, for example, single tasks for the day.

Implementing one-way systems where possible on walkways around the workplace.

Using signage such as ground markings or being creative with other objects to mark out 2m to allow controlled flows of people moving throughout the site.

Reducing occupancy of vehicles used for onsite travel, for example, shuttle buses, and when needed, social distancing measures should be followed within the vehicles.

Separating sites into working zones to keep different groups of workers physically separated as much as practical.

Planning site access and ‘area of safety’ points to enable social distancing.

Reducing the number of people in attendance at site inductions and consider holding them outdoors wherever possible with social distancing.

Regulating use of high traffic areas including corridors, lifts, turnstiles and walkways to maintain social distancing.


Construction and other outdoor work
7. Managing your workforce
7.2 Work-related travel
In this section

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
7.2 Work-related travel
7.3 Communications and training

7.2 Work-related travel
7.2.1 Cars, accommodation and visits
Objective: To avoid unnecessary work travel and keep people safe when they do
need to travel between locations.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Minimising non-essential travel –consider remote options first.

Minimising the number of people travelling together in any one vehicle, using fixed travel partners, increasing ventilation when possible and avoiding sitting face-to-face.

Cleaning shared vehicles between shifts or on handover.

Where workers are required to stay away from their home, centrally logging the stay and making sure any overnight accommodation meets social distancing guidelines.

7.2.2 Deliveries to other sites
Objective: To help workers delivering to other sites such as markets or
customer premises to maintain social distancing and hygiene practices.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Putting in place procedures to minimise person-to-person contact during deliveries to other sites.

Maintaining consistent pairing where two-person deliveries are required.

Minimising contact during payments and exchange of documentation, for example, by using electronic payment methods and electronically signed and exchanged documents.


Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
2.2 People who need to self-isolate
Objective: To make sure individuals who are advised to stay at home under
existing government
guidance do not physically come to work. This includes individuals who have
symptoms of COVID-19 as well as those who live in a household with someone who
has symptoms.
Steps that will usually be needed

Enabling workers to work from home while self-isolating if appropriate.

See current guidance for employees and employers relating to statutory sick pay due to COVID-19.

See current guidance for people who have symptoms and those who live with others who have symptoms.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings
In this section

6.1 Face coverings

PPE protects the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include
items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility
clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory
protective equipment, such as face masks.
Where you are already using PPE in your work activity to protect against non-
COVID-19 risks, you should continue to do so.
At the start of this document we described the steps you need to take to
manage COVID-19 risk in the workplace. This includes working from home and
staying 2m away from each other in the workplace if at all possible.When
managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is
not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the
risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social
distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE.
The exception is clinical settings, like a hospital, or a small handful of
other roles for which Public Health England advises use of PPE, for example,
first responders and immigration enforcement officers. If you are in one of
these groups you should refer to the advice at:

COVID-19: personal protective equipment (PPE) plan
COVID-19: cleaning in non-healthcare settings

Workplaces should not encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect
against COVID-19 outside clinical settings or when responding to a suspected
or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Unless you are in a situation where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is very
high, your risk assessment should reflect the fact that the role of PPE in
providing additional protection is extremely limited. However, if your risk
assessment does show that PPE is required, then you must provide this PPE free
of charge to workers who need it. Any PPE provided must fit properly.
[PPE]: Personal protective equipment
  [COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
7. Managing your workforce
7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
In this section

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
7.2 Work-related travel
7.3 Communications and training

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
Objective: To change the way work is organised to create distinct groups and
reduce the number of contacts each worker has.
Steps that will usually be needed:

As far as possible, where people are split into teams or shift groups, fixing these teams or shift groups so that where contact is unavoidable, this happens between the same people.

Identifying areas where people have to directly pass things to each other, such as shared tools, materials or job instructions, and find ways to remove direct contact, for example by using drop-off points or transfer zones.

For those workers who are required to travel and stay away from home in onsite accommodation, creating fixed groups of workers so that where contact is unavoidable, this happens between the same people.

Minimising worker congregation at bottlenecks such as timeclocks, entrances and exits and maintaining social distancing during shift handovers.


Construction and other outdoor work
1. Thinking about risk
1.1 Managing risk
Objective: To reduce risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking
preventative measures, in order of priority
Employers have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably
practicable level by taking preventative measures. Employers must work with
any other employers or contractors sharing the workplace so that everybody’s
health and safety is protected. In the context of COVID-19 this means working
through these steps in order:

In every workplace, increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning.

Businesses and workplaces should make every reasonable effort to enable working from home as a first option. Where working from home is not possible, workplaces should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (keeping people 2m apart wherever possible).

Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full, in relation to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to operate, and, if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their staff.

Further mitigating actions include:
– increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning
– keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
– using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
– using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face)
whenever possible
– reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed
teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others)

Finally, if people must work face-to-face for a sustained period with more than a small group of fixed partners, then you will need to assess whether the activity can safely go ahead. No one is obliged to work in an unsafe work environment.

In your assessment you should have particular regard to whether the people
doing the work are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
The recommendations in the rest of this document are ones you should consider
as you go through this process. You could also consider any advice that has
been produced specifically for your sector, for example by trade associations
or trades unions.
If you have not already done so, you should carry out an assessment of the
risks posed by COVID-19 in your workplace as soon as possible. If you are
currently operating, you are likely to have gone through a lot of this
thinking already. We recommend that you use this document to identify any
further improvements you should make.
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
2.3 Equality in the workplace
Objective: To treat everyone in your workplace equally.
In applying this guidance, employers should be mindful of the particular needs
of different groups of workers or individuals.
It is breaking the law to discriminate, directly or indirectly, against anyone
because of a protected characteristic such as age, sex or disability.
Employers also have particular responsibilities towards disabled workers and
those who are new or expectant mothers.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Understanding and taking into account the particular circumstances of those with different protected characteristics.

Involving and communicating appropriately with workers whose protected characteristics might either expose them to a different degree of risk, or might make any steps you are thinking about inappropriate or challenging for them.

Considering whether you need to put in place any particular measures or adjustments to take account of your duties under the equalities legislation.

Making reasonable adjustments to avoid disabled workers being put at a disadvantage, and assessing the health and safety risks for new or expectant mothers.

Making sure that the steps you take do not have an unjustifiable negative impact on some groups compared to others, for example those with caring responsibilities or those with religious commitments.


Construction and other outdoor work
3. Social distancing at work
3.1 Coming to work and leaving work
Objective: To maintain social distancing wherever possible, on arrival and
departure and to ensure handwashing upon arrival.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Staggering arrival and departure times at work to reduce crowding into and out of the workplace, taking account of the impact on those with protected characteristics.

Providing additional parking or facilities such as bike-racks to help people walk, run, or cycle to work where possible.

Limiting passengers in corporate vehicles, for example, work minibuses. This could include leaving seats empty.

Reducing congestion, for example, by having more entry points to the workplace.

Using markings and introducing one-way flow at entry and exit points.

Providing handwashing facilities, or hand sanitiser where not possible, at entry and exit points.

Providing alternatives to touch-based security devices such as keypads.

Defining process alternatives for entry/exit points where appropriate, for example deactivating pass readers at turnstiles in favour of showing a pass to security personnel at a distance.


Construction and other outdoor work
2. Who should go to work
2.1 Protecting people who are at higher risk
Objective:To protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals.
Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals have been strongly advised not to
work outside the home.
Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness
(for example, people with some pre-existing conditions) have been asked to
take extra care in observing social distancing and should be helped to work
from home, either in their current role or in an alternative role.
If clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) individuals
cannot work from home, they should be offered the option of the safest
available on-site roles, enabling them to stay 2m away from others. If they
have to spend time within 2m of others, you should carefully assess whether
this involves an acceptable level of risk. As for any workplace risk you must
take into account specific duties to those with protected characteristics,
including, for example, expectant mothers who are, as always, entitled to
suspension on full pay if suitable roles cannot be found. Particular attention
should also be paid to people who live with clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing support for workers around mental health and wellbeing. This could include advice or telephone support.

See current guidance for advice on who is in the clinically extremely vulnerable and clinically vulnerable groups.


Construction and other outdoor work
5. Cleaning and sanitising the workplace
In this section

5.1 Before reopening
5.2 Keeping your workplace clean
5.3 Hygiene: handwashing, sanitation facilities and toilets
5.4 Changing rooms and showers
5.5 Handling equipment, materials, waste, and onsite vehicles

5.1 Before reopening
Objective: To make sure that any site or location that has been closed or
partially operated is clean and ready to restart, including:

conducting a risk assessment for all sites, or part of sites, that have been closed, before restarting work
carrying out cleaning procedures and providing hand sanitiser, before restarting work

5.2 Keeping your workplace clean
Objective: To keep the workplace clean and prevent transmission by touching
contaminated surfaces.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Frequent cleaning of work areas and equipment between uses, using your usual cleaning products.

Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, such as buckets, site equipment and control panels, and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements.

Clearing workspaces and removing waste and belongings from the work area at the end of shift.

Sanitisation of all hand tools, controls, machinery and equipment after use.

If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19 then you should refer to the specific guidance.

5.3 Hygiene: handwashing, sanitation facilities and toilets
Objective: To help everyone keep good hygiene through the working day.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing additional handwashing facilities, for example, pop-ups, particularly on a large site or where there are significant numbers of personnel on site.

Using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to increase handwashing frequency, avoid touching your face and to cough or sneeze into a tissue which is binned safely, or into your arm if a tissue is not available.

Providing regular reminders and signage to maintain hygiene standards.

Providing hand sanitisers in multiple locations in addition to washrooms.

Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept clean and social distancing is achieved as much as possible.

Enhancing cleaning for busy areas.

Special care should be taken for cleaning of portable toilets.

Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection.

Providing hand drying facilities – either paper towels or electrical driers.

5.4 Changing rooms and showers
Objective: To minimise the risk of transmission in changing rooms and showers.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Where shower and changing facilities are required, setting clear use and cleaning guidance for showers, lockers and changing rooms to ensure they are kept clean and clear of personal items and that social distancing is achieved as much as possible.

Introducing enhanced cleaning of all facilities regularly during the day and at the end of the day.

5.5 Handling equipment, materials, waste, and onsite vehicles
Objective: To reduce transmission through contact with objects that come into
the workplace and vehicles at the worksite.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Cleaning procedures for the parts of shared equipment you touch after each use, thinking about equipment, tools and vehicles, for example, pallet trucks and forklift trucks.

Encouraging increased handwashing and introducing more handwashing facilities for workers handling goods and merchandise or providing hand sanitiser where this is not practical.

Regular cleaning of vehicles that workers may take home.

Regular cleaning of reusable delivery boxes.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Construction and other outdoor work
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings
6.1 Face coverings
There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally
beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a
face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are
infected but have not developed symptoms.
A face covering can be very simple and may be worn in enclosed spaces where
social distancing isn’t possible. It just needs to cover your mouth and nose.
It is not the same as a face mask, such as the surgical masks or respirators
used by health and care workers. Similarly, face coverings are not the same as
the PPE used to manage risks like dust and spray in an industrial context.
Supplies of PPE, including face masks, must continue to be reserved for those
who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and
care workers, and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust
hazards.
It is important to know that the evidence of the benefit of using a face
covering to protect others is weak and the effect is likely to be small,
therefore face coverings are not a replacement for the other ways of managing
risk, including minimising time spent in contact, using fixed teams and
partnering for close-up work, and increasing hand and surface washing. These
other measures remain the best ways of managing risk in the workplace and
government would therefore not expect to see employers relying on face
coverings as risk management for the purpose of their health and safety
assessments.
Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by law, including in
the workplace. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face
coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them
off. You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by
police officers and staff for the purposes of identification.
Employers should support their workers in using face coverings safely if they
choose to wear one. This means telling workers:

wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
when wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands
change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
continue to wash your hands regularly
change and wash your face covering daily
if the material is washable, wash in line with manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste
practise social distancing wherever possible

You can make face-coverings at home. Find guidance on how to wear and make a
face-covering on GOV.UK.
*[PPE]: Personal protective equipment


Construction and other outdoor work
1. Thinking about risk
1.2 Sharing the results of your risk assessment
You should share the results of your risk assessment with your workforce. If
possible, you should consider publishing the results on your website (and we
would expect all businesses with over 50 workers to do so).
Below you will find a notice you should display in your workplace to show you
have followed this guidance.
Staying COVID-19 Secure in
2020
(This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an
accessible
format.)
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Entering the UK
Who does not need to provide their details or self-isolate for 14 days
You will not need to fill in the form or self-isolate for 14 days if you’re
travelling to the UK from:

Ireland
the Channel Islands
the Isle of Man

There are other reasons why you might not need to fill in the form or self-
isolate. Read the list of who does not need to fill in the form or self-
isolate.
The rules about who does not need to fill in the form or self-isolate will
remain under review and may change in the future. You’ll be able to find more
information on this page when it’s available.


Entering the UK
Self-isolate for your first 14 days in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, go straight to the place where you will self-
isolate. Your friends or family can collect you from the airport, port or
station. Only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use
public transport, wear something that covers your nose and mouth and stay 2
metres apart from other people.
You must not leave the place you’re staying for 14 days.
You can only leave if:

you need urgent medical treatment
you need support from social services
you need food and medicine and cannot get them delivered or get a friend or family member to bring them
you’re going to the funeral of a close relative, or for other compassionate reasons
there’s an emergency, for example there’s a fire at the place you’re staying

You cannot have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are
providing essential care.
If you’re at home or staying with friends or family, avoid contact with the
people you’re staying with and minimise the time you spend in shared areas.
If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you cannot use shared areas such
as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities. Stay 2 metres away
from all other guests and staff.
If you will not be able to safely self-isolate at the place you’re planning to
stay, tell Border Force officers when you arrive in the UK. They’ll give you a
choice of accommodation to stay at.
After 14 days
If you do not have any coronavirus symptoms after 14 days, you can stop self-
isolating. You will then need to follow the same rules as people who live in
the UK. Check the rules for the nation you’re staying in:

England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland

Find out what to do if you develop coronavirus
symptoms.


Entering the UK
Provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK
From 8 June, if you’re travelling to the UK you’ll need to fill in an online
form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel.
You’ll be able to find the form on this page when it’s available - check again
before you travel.
You might need to show that you’ve completed the form when you arrive at the
UK border.
If you refuse to fill in the form, you may be fined. You also may not be
allowed to enter the UK (unless you’re either British or a UK resident).
The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone
you’ve travelled with develops coronavirus symptoms, and to check that you’re
self-isolating for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms
Do not travel if you have coronavirus
symptoms.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms when you’re travelling to the UK, tell the
crew or driver on your plane, ferry, train or bus. They’ll let staff in the
airport, port or station know, so they can tell you what you should do next
when you arrive.


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.3 Workplaces and workstations
Objective: To maintain social-distancing between individuals when they are at
their workstations.
For people who work in one place, workstations should allow them to maintain
social-distancing wherever possible.
Workstations should be assigned to an individual as much as possible. If they
need to be shared they should be shared by the smallest possible number of
people.
If it is not possible to keep workstations 2m apart, then extra attention
needs to be paid to equipment, cleaning and hygiene to reduce risk.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Reviewing layouts, line set-ups or processes to allow people to work further apart from each other.

Using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help workers keep to a 2m distance.

Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, arranging people to work side-by-side or facing away from each other rather than face-to-face.

Only where it is not possible to move workstations further apart, installing screens to separate people from one another.

Using a consistent pairing system if people have to work in close proximity, for example, during 2-person working, lifting or maintenance activities that cannot be redesigned.


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
Objective: To maintain social-distancing while using common areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or places to eat.

Using safe outside areas for breaks.

Creating additional space by using other parts of the worksite or building that have been freed up by remote working.

Using protective screening for staff in receptions or similar areas.

Providing packaged meals or similar to avoid opening staff canteens, where possible.

Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.

Encouraging staff to stay on-site during working hours.

Considering use of social distance marking for other common areas such as toilets, showers, lockers and changing rooms and in any other areas where queues typically form.


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.4 Meetings
Objective: To reduce transmission due to face-to-face meetings and maintain
social-distancing in meetings.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Using remote working tools to avoid in-person meetings.

Only absolutely necessary participants should attend meetings and should maintain 2m separation throughout.

Avoiding transmission during meetings, for example, from sharing pens and other objects.

Providing hand sanitiser in meeting rooms.

Holding meetings outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms whenever possible.

For areas where regular meetings take place, using floor signage to help people maintain social-distancing.


Factories, plants and warehouses
1. Thinking about risk
1.1 Managing risk
Objective: To reduce risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking
preventative measures, in order of priority.
Employers have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably
practicable level by taking preventative measures. Employers must work with
any other employers or contractors sharing the workplace so that everybody’s
health and safety is protected. In the context of COVID-19 this means working
through these steps in order:

In every workplace, increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning.

Businesses and workplaces should make every reasonable effort to enable working from home as a first option. Where working from home is not possible, workplaces should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (keeping people 2m apart wherever possible).

Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full, in relation to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to operate, and if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their staff.

Further mitigating actions include:
– increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning
– keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
– using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
– using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face)
whenever possible
– reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed
teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others)

Finally, if people must work face-to-face for a sustained period with more than a small group of fixed partners, then you will need to assess whether the activity can safely go ahead. No one is obliged to work in an unsafe work environment.

In this assessment you should have particular regard to whether the people
doing the work are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
The recommendations in the rest of this document are ones you should consider
as you go through this process. You could also consider any advice that has
been produced specifically for your sector, for example by trade associations
or trades unions.
If you have not already done so, you should carry out an assessment of the
risks posed by COVID-19 in your workplace as soon as possible. If you are
currently operating, you are likely to have gone through a lot of this
thinking already. We recommend that you use this document to identify any
further improvements you should make.
*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
In this section

3.1 Coming to work and leaving work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
3.3 Workplaces and workstations
3.4 Meetings
3.5 Common areas
3.6 Accidents, security and other incidents

Objective: To maintain 2m social-distancing wherever possible, including while
arriving at and departing from work, while in work, and when travelling
between sites.
You must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible.
Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full in relation
to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity
needs to continue for the business to operate, and, if so, take all the
mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between their
staff.
Mitigating actions include:

further increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning
keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible.
reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’ (so each person works with only a few others).

Social distancing applies to all parts of a business, not just the place where
people spend most of their time, but also entrances and exits, break rooms and
canteens and similar settings. These are often the most challenging areas to
maintain social distancing.


Factories, plants and warehouses
What do we mean by ‘factories, plants and warehouses’?
Factories, plants and warehouses include industrial environments such as:

manufacturing and chemical plants
food and other large processing plants
warehouses
distribution centres
port operations


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.2 Moving around buildings and worksites
Objective: To maintain social-distancing wherever possible, while people
travel through the workplace.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites, for example, restricting access to some areas, encouraging use of radios or telephones, where permitted, and cleaning them between use.

Reducing job and equipment rotation.

Introducing more one-way flow through buildings.

Reducing maximum occupancy for lifts, providing hand sanitiser for the operation of lifts, and encouraging use of stairs wherever possible.

Making sure that people with disabilities are able to access lifts.

Reducing occupancy of vehicles used for onsite travel, for example, shuttle buses.

Regulating use of high traffic areas including corridors, lifts, turnstiles and walkways to maintain social-distancing.

Example lift practices.


Factories, plants and warehouses
7. Workforce management
7.3 Communications and training
In this section

7.1 Shift patterns and working groups
7.2 Work-related travel
7.3 Communications and training

7.3 Communications and training
7.3.1 Returning to work
Objective: To make sure all workers understand COVID-19 related safety
procedures.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing clear, consistent and regular communication to improve understanding and consistency of ways of working.

Engaging with workers and worker representatives through existing communication routes to explain and agree any changes in working arrangements.

Developing communication and training materials for workers prior to returning to site, especially around new procedures for arrival at work.

7.3.2 Ongoing communications and signage
Objective: To make sure all workers are kept up to date with how safety
measures are being implemented or updated.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Ongoing engagement with workers, including through trades unions or employee representative groups, to monitor and understand any unforeseen impacts of changes to working environments.

Awareness and focus on the importance of mental health at times of uncertainty. The government has published guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Using simple, clear messaging to explain guidelines using images and clear language, with consideration of groups for which English may not be their first language.

Using visual communications, for example, whiteboards or signage, to explain changes to production schedules, breakdowns or materials shortages, to reduce the need for face-to-face communications.

Communicating approaches and operational procedures to suppliers, customers or trade bodies to help their adoption and to share experience.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Factories, plants and warehouses
2. Who should go to work
2.1 Protecting people who are at higher risk
Objective: To protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely
vulnerable individuals.
Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals have been strongly advised not to
work outside the home.
Clinically vulnerable individuals, who are at higher risk of severe illness
(for example, people with some pre-existing conditions), have been asked to
take extra care in observing social-distancing and should be helped to work
from home, either in their current role or in an alternative role.
If clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) individuals
cannot work from home, they should be offered the option of the safest
available on-site roles, enabling them to stay 2m away from others. If they
have to spend time within 2m of others, you should carefully assess whether
this involves an acceptable level of risk. As for any workplace risk you must
take into account specific duties to those with protected characteristics,
including, for example, expectant mothers who are, as always, entitled to
suspension on full pay if suitable roles cannot be found. Particular attention
should also be paid to people who live with clinically extremely vulnerable
individuals.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing support for workers around mental health and wellbeing. This could include advice or telephone support.

See current guidance for advice on who is in the clinically extremely vulnerable and clinically vulnerable groups.


Factories, plants and warehouses
2. Who should go to work
2.3 People who have protected characteristics
Objective: To treat everyone in your workplace equally.
In applying this guidance, employers should be mindful of the particular needs
of different groups of workers or individuals.
It is breaking the law to discriminate, directly or indirectly, against anyone
because of a protected characteristic such as age, sex or disability.
Employers also have particular responsibilities towards disabled workers and
those who are new or expectant mothers.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Understanding and taking into account the particular circumstances of those with different protected characteristics.

Involving and communicating appropriately with workers whose protected characteristics might either expose them to a different degree of risk, or might make any steps you are thinking about inappropriate or challenging for them.

Considering whether you need to put in place any particular measures or adjustments to take account of your duties under the equalities legislation.

Making reasonable adjustments to avoid disabled workers being put at a disadvantage, and assessing the health and safety risks for new or expectant mothers.

Making sure that the steps you take do not have an unjustifiable negative impact on some groups compared to others, for example, those with caring responsibilities or those with religious commitments.


Factories, plants and warehouses
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings
In this section

6.1 Face coverings

PPE protects the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include
items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility
clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory
protective equipment, such as face masks.
Where you are already using PPE in your work activity to protect against non-
COVID-19 risks, you should continue to do so.
At the start of this document we described the steps you need to take to
manage COVID-19 risk in the workplace. This includes working from home and
staying 2m away from each other in the workplace if at all possible. When
managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is
not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the
risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social
distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE.
The exception is clinical settings, like a hospital, or a small handful of
other roles for which Public Health England advises use of PPE. For example,
first responders and immigration enforcement officers. If you are in one of
these groups you should refer to the advice at:

COVID-19: personal protective equipment (PPE) plan
COVID-19: cleaning in non-healthcare settings

Workplaces should not encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect
against COVID-19 outside clinical settings or when responding to a suspected
or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Unless you are in a situation where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is very
high, your risk assessment should reflect the fact that the role of PPE in
providing additional protection is extremely limited. However, if your risk
assessment does show that PPE is required, then you must provide this PPE free
of charge to workers who need it. Any PPE provided must fit properly.
[PPE]: Personal protective equipment
  [COVID-19]: coronavirus


Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Social distancing at work
3.6 Accidents, security and other incidents
Objective: To prioritise safety during incidents.
In an emergency, for example, an accident, fire, or break-in, people do not
have to stay 2m apart if it would be unsafe.
People involved in the provision of assistance to others should pay particular
attention to sanitation measures immediately afterwards, including washing
hands.


Factories, plants and warehouses
5. Cleaning the workplace
In this section

5.1 Before reopening
5.2 Keeping the workplace clean
5.3 Hygiene: handwashing, sanitation facilities and toilets
5.4 Changing rooms and showers
5.5 Handling goods, merchandise and other materials, and onsite vehicles

5.1 Before reopening
Objective: To make sure that any site or location that has been closed or
partially operated is clean and ready to restart, including:

an assessment for all sites, or parts of sites, that have been closed, before restarting work
cleaning procedures and providing hand sanitiser, before restarting work

Steps that will usually be needed:

Checking whether you need to service or adjust ventilation systems, for example, so that they do not automatically reduce ventilation levels due to lower than normal occupancy levels.

Most air conditioning systems do not need adjustment, however where systems serve multiple buildings or you are unsure, advice should be sought from your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers or advisers.

Positive pressure systems can operate as normal.

5.2 Keeping the workplace clean
Objective: To keep the workplace clean and prevent transmission by touching
contaminated surfaces.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Frequent cleaning of work areas and equipment between uses, using your usual cleaning products.

Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, such as door handles, pump handles and printers, and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements.

Clearing workspaces and removing waste and belongings from the work area at the end of a shift.

If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19 then you refer to the guidance on cleaning in non-healthcare settings

5.3 Hygiene: handwashing, sanitation facilities and toilets
Objective: To help everyone keep good hygiene through the working day.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to increase handwashing frequency, avoid touching your face and the need to cough or sneeze into a tissue which is binned safely, or into your arm if a tissue is not available.

Providing regular reminders and signage to maintain hygiene standards.

Providing hand sanitiser in multiple locations in addition to washrooms.

Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept clean and social-distancing is achieved as much as possible.

Enhancing cleaning for busy areas.

Special care should be taken for cleaning of portable toilets.

Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection.

Providing hand drying facilities – either paper towels or electrical driers.

5.4 Changing rooms and showers
Objective: To minimise the risk of transmission in changing rooms and showers.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Where shower and changing facilities are required, setting clear use and cleaning guidance for showers, lockers and changing rooms to ensure they are kept clean and clear of personal items and that social-distancing is achieved as much as possible.

Introducing enhanced cleaning of all facilities regularly during the day and at the end of the day.

5.5 Handling goods, merchandise and other materials, and onsite vehicles
Objective: To reduce transmission through contact with objects that come into
the workplace and vehicles at the worksite.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Cleaning procedures for the parts of shared equipment you touch after each use, thinking about equipment, tools and vehicles, for example, pallet trucks and forklift trucks.

Encouraging increased handwashing and introducing more handwashing facilities for workers handling goods and merchandise or providing hand sanitiser where this is not practical.

Regular cleaning of vehicles that workers may take home.

Regular cleaning of reusable delivery boxes.

[HVAC]: heating ventilation and air conditioning
  [COVID-19]: coronavirus


Factories, plants and warehouses
4. Managing your customers, visitors and contractors
In this section

4.1 Manage contacts
4.2 Providing and explaining available guidance

4.1 Manage contacts
Objective: To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to factories, plants
and warehouses.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Encouraging visits via remote connection or remote working for visitors where this is an option.

Limiting the number of visitors at any one time.

Determining if schedules for essential services and contractor visits can be revised to reduce interaction and overlap between people, for example, carrying out services at night.

Maintaining a record of all visitors, if this is practical.

4.2 Providing and explaining available guidance
Objective: To make sure people understand what they need to do to maintain
safety.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Providing clear guidance on social-distancing and hygiene to people, for example, inbound delivery drivers or safety critical visitors, on arrival, for example, signage, visual aids, and before arrival, for example, by phone, on the website, by email.

Establishing host responsibilities relating to COVID-19, providing any necessary training for people who act as hosts for visitors.

Reviewing entry and exit routes for visitors and contractors to minimise contact with other people.

Coordinating and cooperating with other occupiers for those working in facilities shared with other businesses, including with landlords and other tenants.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus


Factories, plants and warehouses
2. Who should go to work
2.2 People who need to self-isolate
Objective: To make sure individuals who are advised to stay at home under
existing government
guidance do not physically come to work. This includes individuals who have
symptoms of COVID-19 as well as those who live in a household with someone who
has symptoms.
Steps that will usually be needed:

Enabling workers to work from home while self-isolating if appropriate.

See current guidance for employers relating to statutory sick pay due to COVID-19.

See current guidance for people who have symptoms and those who live with others who have symptoms.

*[COVID-19]: coronavirus