COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Factors that influence racial and ethnic minority group health
Health differences between racial and ethnic groups are often due to economic
and social conditions that are more common among some racial and ethnic
minorities than whites. In public health emergencies, these conditions can
also isolate people from the resources they need to prepare for and respond to
outbreaks.1,13, 14
Living conditions
For many people in racial and ethnic minority groups, living conditions may
contribute to underlying health conditions and make it difficult to follow
steps to prevent getting sick with COVID-19 or to seek treatment if they do
get sick.

Members of racial and ethnic minorities may be more likely to live in densely populated areas because of institutional racism in the form of residential housing segregation. People living in densely populated areas may find it more difficult to practice prevention measures such as social distancing.
Research also suggests that racial residential segregation is a fundamental cause of health disparities. For example, racial residential segregation is linked with a variety of adverse health outcomes and underlying health conditions.2-5 These underlying conditions can also increase the likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19.
Many members of racial and ethnic minorities live in neighborhoods that are further from grocery stores and medical facilities , making it more difficult to receive care if sick and stock up on supplies that would allow them to stay home.
Multi-generational households , which may be more common among some racial and ethnic minority families6, may find it difficult to take precautions to protect older family members or isolate those who are sick, if space in the household is limited.
Racial and ethnic minority groups are over-represented in jails, prisons, and detention centers , which have specific risks due to congregate living, shared food service, and more.

Work circumstances
The types of work and policies in the work environments where people in some
racial and ethnic groups are overrepresented can also contribute to their risk
for getting sick with COVID-19. Examples include:

Critical workers: The risk of infection may be greater for workers in essential industries who continue to work outside the home despite outbreaks in their communities, including some people who may need to continue working in these jobs because of their economic circumstances.
Nearly a quarter of employed Hispanic and Black or African American workers are employed in service industry jobs compared to 16% of non-Hispanic whites.
Hispanic workers account for 17% of total employment but constitute 53% of agricultural workers; Black or African Americans make up 12% of all employed workers, but account for 30% of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.7

A lack of paid sick leave: Workers without paid sick leave might be more likely to continue to work even when they are sick for any reason. This can increase workers exposure to other workers who may have COVID-19, or, in turn, expose others them if they themselves have COVID-19. Hispanic workers have lower rates of access to paid leave than white non-Hispanic workers.8

Underlying health conditions and lower access to care
Existing health disparities, such as poorer underlying health and barriers to
getting health care, might make members of many racial and ethnic minority
groups especially vulnerable in public health emergencies like outbreaks of
COVID-19.

Not having health insurance: Compared to whites, Hispanics are almost 3 times as likely to be uninsured, and African Americans are almost twice as likely to be uninsured.9 In all age groups, blacks were more likely than whites to report not being able to see a doctor in the past year because of cost.10
Inadequate access is also driven by a long-standing distrust of the health care system, language barriers, and financial implications associated with missing work to receive care.
S erious underlying medical conditions : Compared to whites, black Americans experience higher death rates, and higher prevalence rates of chronic conditions.10
Stigma and systemic inequalities may undermine prevention efforts, increase levels of chronic and toxic stress, and ultimately sustain health and health care disparities.


COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
What can be done
History shows that severe illness and death rates tend to be higher for racial
and ethnic minority groups during public health emergencies.12 Addressing the
needs of vulnerable populations in emergencies includes improving day-to-day
life and harnessing the strengths of these groups. Shared faith, family, and
cultural institutions are common sources of social support. These institutions
can empower and encourage individuals and communities to take actions to
prevent the spread of COVID-19, care for those who become sick, and help
community members cope with
stress. For example, families,
churches and other groups in affected populations can help their communities
face an epidemic by consulting CDC guidance documents for their organization
type.
The federal government is undertaking the following:

Collecting data to monitor and track disparities among racial and ethnic groups in the number of COVID-19 cases, complications, and deaths to share broadly and inform decisions on how to effectively address observed disparities. These data will be translated into information to improve the clinical management of patients, allocation of resources, and targeted public health information. Supporting partnerships between scientific researchers, professional organizations, community organizations, and community members to address their need for information to prevent COVID-19 in racial and ethnic minority communities.
Providing clinical guidance and guidance to support actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools, workplaces and community settings, including those serving racial and ethnic minorities.

Public health professionals can do the following:

Ensure that communications about COVID-19 and its impact on different population groups is frequent, clear, transparent, and credible.
Work with other sectors , such as faith and community education, business, transportation, and housing organizations, to share information and implement strategies to address social and economic barriers to implementing steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Link more people among racial and ethnic minority groups to healthcare services for serious underlying medical conditions — for example, services to help them obtain necessary medications, follow treatment plans, or get testing and treatment if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
Provide information forhealthcare professionals and health systems to understand cultural differences among patients and how patients interact with providers and the healthcare system. The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (The National CLAS Standards) aim to improve health care quality and advance health equity by establishing a framework for organizations to serve the nation’s increasingly diverse communities.
Use evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities. Those most vulnerable before an emergency are also the most vulnerable during and after an emergency.

Community organizations can do the following:

Prepare community health workers in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities to educate and link people to free or low-cost services.
Prioritize resources for clinics, private practices, and other organizations that serve minority populations.
Leverage effective health promotion programs in community, work, school, and home settings to disseminate recommendations and information about COVID-19.
Work across sectors to connect people with services, such as grocery delivery or temporary housing, that help them practice social distancing. Connect people to healthcare providers and resources to help them get medications they may need.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, promote precautions to protect individuals in your community, including the correct use of cloth face coverings and equip communities with supplies to make them.
Help combat the spread of rumors and misinformation by providing credible information from official sources.

Learn more about what community organizations
can do.
Healthcare systems and healthcare providers can do the following:

Implement standardized protocols in accordance with CDC guidance and quality improvement initiatives, especially in facilities that serve large minority populations.

Identify and address implicit bias that could hinder patient-provider interactions and communication.11

Provide medical interpretation services for patients who need them.

Work with communities and healthcare professional organizations to reduce cultural barriers to care.
Connect patients with community resources that can help older adults and people with underlying conditions adhere to their care plans, including help getting extra supplies and medications they need and reminders for them to take their medicines.
Learn about social and economic conditions that may put some patients at higher risk for getting sick with COVID-19 than others — for example, conditions that make it harder for some people to take steps to prevent infection.
Promote a trusting relationship by encouraging patients to call and ask questions.


What You Can Do
What others can do
Community support
Community preparedness planning for
COVID-19 should include older
adults and people with disabilities , and the organizations that support
them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services
and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their
health and independence.
Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction
and spread of COVID-19. See guidance for long-term care
facilities.
Family and caregiver support

Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility , monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
Learn more about caring for someone sick at home


COVID-19 and Animals
Risk of animals spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to people
Some coronaviruses that infect animals can sometimes be spread to humans and
then spread between people, but this is rare. This is what happened with the
virus that caused the current outbreak of COVID-19. However, we do not know
the exact source of this virus. Public health officials and partners are
working hard to identify the source of COVID-19. The first infections were
linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to
person.
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through
respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. Recent studies show
that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role
in the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals
play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on
the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading
COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.


COVID-19 and Animals
Risk of people spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to animals
We are still learning about this virus, but we know it is primarily spreading
from person-to-person and it appears that it can spread from people to animals
in some situations.
The first
case in the United States of an animal testing positive for the virus
that causes COVID-19 was a tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New
York City. Samples from this tiger were collected and tested after several
lions and tigers at the zoo showed signs of respiratory illness. Public health
officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo
employee who was infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. This
investigation is ongoing.
CDC is working with human and animal health partners to monitor this situation
and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Further
studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be
affected by COVID-19.
For more information, visit CDC’s If You Have
Pets and Healthy Pets,
Healthy People website.


If You Have Pets
Risk of people spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to pets
We are still learning about the virus that causes COVID-19, but it appears
that it can spread from people to animals in some situations.
CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats,
reported to be
infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with
people with COVID-19. Only a few of the pets reported to be positive showed
signs of illness.


If You Have Pets
What to do if you own pets
Until we learn more about how this virus affects animals, treat pets as you
would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection.

Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected
with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person
with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet gets sick or if you have
any concerns about your pet’s health.


If You Have Pets
Protect pets if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you
should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would
with people. Until we know more about this virus, people sick with COVID-19
should avoid contact with pets and other animals.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your
pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them
know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer
telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your
veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s
treatment and care.
For more information visit: What to Do if You are
Sick.


If You Have Pets
Stay healthy around animals
In the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a
significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Based on the limited information
available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is
considered to be low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can
make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy
habits around pets and
other animals.

Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
Be aware that children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems, and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry.

For more information, visit CDC’s COVID-19 and
Animals, and Healthy
Pets, Healthy People website.


What to Do if Your Pet Tests Positive for the Virus that Causes COVID-19
If your pet is tested for COVID-19 and is confirmed to be infected
Depending on how sick your pet is, your veterinarian may recommend that your
pet be isolated at home, instead of staying in the hospital. Some pets did not
show any signs of illness, but those pets that did get sick all had mild
disease that could be taken care of at home.
If your veterinarian recommends home isolation and you are able to care for
your pet at home, follow this advice to protect yourself and others.


What to Do if Your Pet Tests Positive for the Virus that Causes COVID-19
What to do if your pet gets sick

Keep your pet at home, except to get medical care
Talk with your veterinarian regularly. Call before you take your pet to the veterinary clinic. Be sure to alert your veterinarian if your pet has trouble breathing, or if you think it is an emergency.
While most pets appear to show only mild symptoms or no symptoms, we are still learning about how they are affected by the virus. Even if your pet appears to be feeling better, avoid the following activities until your veterinarian determines that it is safe for your pet to do so or your pet has met the guidance to end their isolation:
Visits to veterinary hospitals, without calling the veterinarian first
Visits to human healthcare facilities or schools
Visits to parks (including dog parks), markets, or other gatherings such as festivals
Visits to the groomer, including mobile grooming salons
Visits to pet daycares or boarding facilities
Other outings such as playdates, hikes, or visiting other homes, with or without pets
Using dog walkers or pet-sitters that live outside your home

Separate your pet from other people and pets in your home

Have the pet stay in a designated “sick room” (such as a laundry room or extra bathroom) if possible, or otherwise be separated from people and other animals. This is the same way a person with COVID-19 would separate from others in their household.

Avoid contact with the pet as much as possible, including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.

If possible, provide a separate litterbox or bathroom area from other pets.

DOGS: If you have a private backyard where your dog can go to the bathroom, do
not take them for walks. If you must walk your dog, limit it to bathroom
breaks only, stay close to your home, and keep your pet at least 6 feet away
from other pets and people. Do not let other people touch or interact with
your dog.
CATS: Cats should be kept inside. Do not allow cats that have tested positive
for the virus that causes COVID-19 to roam outside.
CLEANING UP: There is no evidence to suggest that waste from infected pets
needs any additional disinfection. Wear gloves when cleaning up after your
pet, and place fecal material or litterbox waste in a sealed bag before
disposing. Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after
cleaning up after your pet.

Provide bedding, bowls or containers, treats, and toys that are separate from those used by other people or animals in the household.

Disinfect bowls, toys, and other animal care items with an EPA-registered disinfectant and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Soft items like towels, blankets, and other bedding, can be safely laundered and reused. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill animal can be washed with other items.

Monitor your pet’s symptoms
It is important to keep track of your pet’s symptoms during home isolation. If
you think your pet has new symptoms or is getting worse, call your
veterinarian.
Pets sick with COVID-19 may have:

Fever
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Lethargy (unusual laziness or sluggish)
Sneezing
Runny nose
Eye discharge
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Follow all care instructions from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may
have you keep a written log of your pet’s symptoms.
If your pet develops new symptoms or seems to be getting worse, including
trouble breathing, you should call your veterinarian right away. Your
veterinarian may be able to advise you over the phone or may tell you to bring
your pet to their clinic or go to another clinic that can better care for your
pet.
Protect yourself when caring for a sick pet

Follow similar recommended precautions as for people caring for an infected person at home.
If you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, another household member should care for the pet, if possible.
People should wear a cloth face covering and gloves in the same room or area as the sick pet.
Animals should not wear a cloth face covering or mask. Do not try to put a cloth face covering on your pet.

Use gloves when handling the pet’s dishes, toys, or bedding and when picking up feces (poop). Throw out gloves and place waste material or litterbox waste in a sealed bag before throwing away in a trashcan lined with a trash bag. Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning up after your pet.
Clean your hands regularly throughout the day.
Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each Make sure everyone in the home does the same, especially after touching the sick pet or handling their dishes, toys, or bedding.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and then disinfect:
Follow cleaning and disinfecting recommendations found on CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products not intended or approved for use on animals. There is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people or other animals from the skin, fur, or hair of pets. Using chemical disinfectants on your pet could make them very sick or kill them.

When it is safe for your pet to be around others: ending home isolation

Follow your veterinarian’s advice for when it is safe for your pet to be around other people and animals. Some pets may need follow-up testing to see if they are still positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. If the animal is not being monitored by a veterinarian or public health official, owners should keep them isolated until:

At least 72 hours since their clinical signs of illness have resolved without the use of medications intended to relieve symptoms;
AND

At least 14 days have passed since their clinical signs first appeared.


Coronavirus in the United StatesâConsiderations for Travelers
If You Travel
Protect yourself and others during your trip:

Clean your hands often.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after touching surfaces frequently touched by others, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before touching your face or eating.
If soap and water are not available, bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid close contact with others.
Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others.

Wear a cloth face covering in public.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores.


Coronavirus in the United StatesâConsiderations for Travelers
Considerations for Types of Travel
Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. We don’t
know if one type of travel is safer than others; however, airports, bus
stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be
exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where
it can be hard to social distance (keep 6 feet apart from other people).
Consider the following risks for getting or spreading COVID-19, depending on
how you travel:

Air travel: Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Bus or train travel: Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within 6 feet of others.
Car travel: Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces.
RV travel: You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others.


Coronavirus in the United StatesâConsiderations for Travelers
Anticipate Travel Needs

Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy to reach.
Bring a cloth face covering to wear in public places.
Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.
If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.


Coronavirus in the United StatesâConsiderations for Travelers
State and Local Travel Restrictions
Follow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and
travel guidance, check the state or local health
department
where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination. While you
are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place
travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated
quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking
for updates as you travel.


Coronavirus in the United StatesâConsiderations for Travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is it safe to travel to campgrounds/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.


CDCâs role in helping cruise ship travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Outbreaks of infectious diseases can happen on cruise ships because people
spend time close together and with travelers from many countries. Disease can
spread between ships when crew members from a ship with an outbreak transfer
to other ships. Infected people may also travel on cruise ships between
countries. For these reasons, outbreaks of COVID-19 on cruise ships pose a
risk for rapid spread of disease beyond the voyage and into communities across
the globe.
Because of the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the high risk
of COVID-19 spread on cruise ships, the US government issued a No Sail Order
for cruise ships in waters subject to US jurisdiction and has advised US
travelers to defer all cruise
travel.
The No Sail Order is published in the Federal
Register.
CDC continues to work to control COVID-19 on cruise ships at sea while also
protecting against further introduction and spread of COVID-19 into
communities. The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, and aggressive
efforts are needed to contain the spread. CDC will continue to evaluate and
update our recommendations as the situation evolves.
What is the No Sail Order?
In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the increased risk of
spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships, CDC published the first industry-wide No
Sail Order on March 14 to
prevent, among other things, new passengers from boarding cruise ships. CDC
extended its No Sail Order, effective April 15, 2020, to continue to suspend
all cruise ship operations in waters subject to US jurisdiction. Among other
things, cruise lines are required to develop comprehensive plans to prevent,
detect, respond to, and contain COVID-19 on their cruise ships to protect the
health and safety of both passengers and crew.
How long is the No Sail Order in effect?
The extended Order is in effect until one of the following occurs:

The Secretary of Health and Human Services declares that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency, or
The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
100 days have passed from April 15, the date the extended order was published in the Federal Register and went into effect. 100 days from April 15 is July 24.

Why did CDC extend the No Sail Order?
The No Sail Order was extended to protect the public, cruise ship passengers,
cruise ship crews, and other industry workers. By restricting cruise ship
passenger operations, the Order helps achieve several public health goals:

Prevents further spread of COVID-19 into and within the United States
Preserves critical federal, state, and local resources that are needed to respond to COVID-19
Preserves critical healthcare, emergency, and port resources

What cruise ships does the No Sail Order cover?
The No Sail Order applies to all cruise ships, which it defines as commercial
passenger ships with the capacity to carry more than 250 people and where an
overnight stay onboard by passengers or crew is anticipated. The Order applies
to all cruise ships operating, or seeking to operate, in waters subject to US
jurisdiction, including those that have previously voluntarily suspended
operations. It does not apply to cargo ships.
What does the No Sail Order mean for my upcoming trip?
Passengers who plan to travel by cruise ship should contact their cruise line
companies directly for further information.
On March 17, 2020, CDC issued a Level 3 travel health
notice
with a clear recommendation to avoid all cruise travel due to ongoing spread
of COVID-19 and the increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious
diseases on cruise ships. The No Sail Order suspends all cruise ship
operations in waters subject to US jurisdiction.
What is CDC doing to help cruise ships with crew still on board?
We are currently in a phase of the pandemic where it is necessary to implement
strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Just as the American public
has a role to play in practicing social distancing, cruise lines have a role
to play in properly caring for their crew, including making sure they can
practice social distancing, isolating them if they are sick, and quarantining
them if they have been exposed to COVID-19.
CDC is committed to the safety and well-being of crew members while onboard
and as they disembark. CDC is allowing crew members to disembark from cruise
ships in U.S. waters and return home if cruise lines submit a signed
attestation stating that they
have complied with requirements to safely disembark their crew members. Crew
members who remain onboard and want to disembark should contact their cruise
ship or cruise line about meeting CDC requirements for safe disembarkation and
transport. A list of disembarkations that CDC has approved is available
here.
Crew members on ships in or intending to be in US waters who have questions
about the process for disembarkation or who have concerns about what their
ship is doing to prevent COVID-19 onboard can share their questions or
concerns with CDC by sending an email to
eocevent431@cdc.gov.
Cruise ships have medical facilities on board that can provide medical care to
sick crew members as needed. As part of their cruise ship plans, cruise lines
should make sure they have enough medical staff, equipment, supplies, and
other resources to provide care for sick people on board. They also need a
plan to transfer sick crew members to a hospital on land if they need medical
care that the ship’s medical facility can’t provide.
CDC and federal partners are monitoring ships with crew only, and we are
working with the cruise companies and local and state health departments to
ensure that seriously ill crew members can get medical assistance on land if
the ship can’t provide it. CDC remains committed to humanitarian medical
evacuation for people in need of lifesaving support. Emergency medical
evacuations do not require CDC approval.
What is CDC doing to help cruise ships with passengers still on board?
A small number of passengers are still aboard cruise ships in and around US
waters. These passengers are awaiting repatriation to their home countries.
CDC is working with partners as part of the Unified Command, including Coast
Guard, Customs and Border Protection, port authorities, local and state health
departments, and Department of State, along with cruise lines, to help
remaining cruise ship passengers get home as quickly and safely as possible.
These are cruise ships that had international voyages with U.S. ports, and
therefore are under CDC jurisdiction. International voyages without U.S. ports
of call are not under CDC jurisdiction and not included.
International cruise voyages with U.S. domestic ports of call have been
suspended since March 14, 2020, under CDC’s No Sail
Order. Therefore, this chart is available
for historical purposes but is no longer being updated.
Cruise Ships Affected by COVID-19 Ship name | Voyage Start Date | Voyage End
Date
---|---|---
Carnival Freedom | 8-Mar | 15-Mar
Carnival Imagination | 5-Mar | 8-Mar
Carnival Valor | 29-Feb | 5-Mar
Carnival Valor | 5-Mar | 9-Mar
Carnival Valor | 9-Mar | 14-Mar
Carnival Vista | 15-Feb | 22-Feb
Carnival Vista | 29-Feb | 7-Mar
Celebrity Eclipse | 2-Mar | 30-Mar
Celebrity Infinity | 5-Mar | 9-Mar
Celebrity Reflection | 13-Mar | 17-Mar
Celebrity Summit | 29-Feb | 7-Mar
Coral Princess | 5-Mar | 4-Apr
Crown Princess | 6-Mar | 16-Mar
Disney Wonder | 28-Feb | 2-Mar
Disney Wonder | 6-Mar | 20-Mar
Grand Princess | 11-Feb | 21-Feb
Grand Princess | 21-Feb | 7-Mar
Holland America Zaandam | 7-Mar | 2-Apr
MSC Armonia | 2-Mar | 9-Mar
MSC Meraviglia | 1-Mar | 8-Mar
Norwegian Bliss | 1-Mar | 8-Mar
Norwegian Bliss | 8-Mar | 15-Mar
Norwegian Breakaway | 29-Feb | 7-Mar
Norwegian Breakaway | 7-Mar | 14-Mar
Norwegian Encore | 8-Mar | 15-Mar
Oceania Riviera | 26-Feb | 11-Mar
RCCL Explorer of Seas | 8-Mar | 15-Mar
RCCL Liberty of the Seas | 15-Mar | 29-Mar
RCCL Majesty of the Seas | 29-Feb | 7-Mar
RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas | 7-Mar | 14-Mar
RCCL Oasis of the Seas | 8-Mar | 15-Mar
RCCL Symphony of the Seas* | 7-Mar | 14-Mar
*CDC was notified about COVID-19-positive travelers who had symptoms while on
board these ships.
For all other ships, CDC was notified about travelers who had symptoms and
tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days after disembarking. Since these
travelers’ symptoms began after the voyage, the traveler might have contracted
COVID-19 during the voyage; however, other sources of transmission after the
voyage cannot be ruled out.


Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET)
Purpose and Methods
About COVID-NET
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance
Network (COVID-NET) is a population-based surveillance system that collects
data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among
children and adults through a network of over 250 acute-care hospitals in 14
states.
Why COVID-NET Data Is Important
COVID-NET is CDC’s source for important data on hospitalization rates
associated with COVID-19. Hospitalization rates are updated weekly. COVID-NET
also provides important clinical information on COVID-19-associated
hospitalizations, including age group, sex, race/ethnicity and underlying
health conditions.
Hospitalization Rates
Patient Characteristics
COVID-NET Data Collection, Timeliness and Interpretation
Cases are identified in COVID-NET if they test positive for SARS-COV-2 (the
virus that causes COVID-19 disease) through a test ordered by a health care
professional and are hospitalized within 14 days of the positive test.
Clinical data are collected using a standardized case reporting form by
trained surveillance officers, so the data are collected in a standardized and
uniform way.
COVID-NET is expected to collect the following data for each case:

age
sex
surveillance site
date of hospital admission
evidence of positive SARS-CoV-2 test
demographic information (e.g., race, ethnicity)
clinical (medical) history (underlying health conditions)
clinical course (progression of the illness such as admission to an intensive care unit)
medical interventions (medical care for the illness such as need for mechanical ventilation)
outcomes (e.g., released from the hospital, death)

How COVID-NET Hospitalization Data Is Different from Hospitalizations
Reported in National and State Case Counts
COVID-NET differs from hospitalizations reported in national and state case
counts in two ways. First, state and national COVID-19 case reporting are
based on all people who test positive for COVID-19 in the United States.
COVID-NET is limited to COVID-19-associated hospitalizations captured in the
COVID-NET surveillance area. Second, COVID-NET reports rates and not just
counts. These rates show how many people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in the
surveillance area, compared to the entire number of people residing in that
area.
How COVID-NET Calculates Hospitalization Rates
Hospitalization rates are calculated by the number of residents of a defined
area who are hospitalized with a positive SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test divided
by the total population within that defined area.
COVID-NET coverage
COVID-NET comprises 99 counties in the 14 states participating in the
Emerging Infections Program (EIP) and the
Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Project (IHSP). Participating states
include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan,
Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.
COVID-NET covers approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population. The counties
covered are located in all 10 Health and Human Services (HHS)
regions.
The designated COVID-NET surveillance area is generally similar to the U.S.
population by demographics; however, the information might not be
generalizable to the entire country.
Accessing COVID-NET Data
COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates are reported to CDC on a weekly
basis. COVID-NET data, including hospitalization rates for different age
groups and data on
patient characteristics,
are available on COVIDView
COVID-NET hospitalization data are preliminary and may change as more data
is received. In particular, case counts and rates for recent hospital
admissions are subject to lag. As data are received each week, prior case
counts and rates are updated accordingly.
COVID-NET Publications

Study: Hospitalization Rates and Characteristics of Patients Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 – COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1-30, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wklyl Rep 2020; 69:458-464


Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
How to clean and disinfect
Clean

Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect

Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant .
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of
the product.
Many products recommend:

Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label).
Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.

Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation.
Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.

To make a bleach solution , mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.

Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

Soft surfaces
For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes

Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR

Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.
Vacuum as usual.

Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls,
and ATM machines

Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics.
Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting.
If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundry
For clothing, towels, linens and other items

Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.
Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

Cleaning and disinfecting outdoor areas

Outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning , but do not require disinfection.
Do not spray disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds- it is not an efficient use of supplies and is not proven to reduce risk of COVID-19 to the public.
High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned routinely.
Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended.

Sidewalks and roads should not be disinfected.
Spread of COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective.

When cleaning

Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces.
Ensure they are trained on appropriate use of cleaning and disinfection chemicals.

Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

Additional key times to wash hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing.
After using the restroom.
Before eating or preparing food.
After contact with animals or pets.
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child).

Additional considerations for employers

Educate workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
Provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.
Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks.
Training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE, and how to properly dispose of PPE.

Ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), including proper disposal of regulated waste, and PPE (29 CFR 1910.132).

Alternative disinfection methods

The efficacy of alternative disinfection methods, such as ultrasonic waves, high intensity UV radiation, and LED blue light against COVID-19 virus is not known.
EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices. Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.

CDC does not recommend the use of sanitizing tunnels. There is no evidence that they are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Chemicals used in sanitizing tunnels could cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation or damage.
CDC only recommends use of the surface disinfectants identified on List N against the virus that causes COVID-19.


Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Recognize the symptoms of stress you may be experiencing.

Feeling irritation, anger, or in denial
Feeling uncertain, nervous, or anxious
Lacking motivation
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or burned out
Feeling sad or depressed
Having trouble sleeping
Having trouble concentrating

Know the common work-related factors that can add to stress during a
pandemic:

Concern about the risk of being exposed to the virus at work
Taking care of personal and family needs while working
Managing a different workload
Lack of access to the tools and equipment needed to perform your job
Feelings that you are not contributing enough to work or guilt about not being on the frontline
Uncertainty about the future of your workplace and/or employment
Learning new communication tools and dealing with technical difficulties
Adapting to a different workspace and/or work schedule


Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress.

Communicate with your coworkers, supervisors, and employees about job stress while maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet).
Identify things that cause stress and work together to identify solutions.
Talk openly with employers, employees, and unions about how the pandemic is affecting work. Expectations should be communicated clearly by everyone.
Ask about how to access mental health resources in your workplace.

Identify those things which you do not have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.
Increase your sense of control by developing a consistent daily routine when possible — ideally one that is similar to your schedule before the pandemic.
Keep a regular sleep scheduleexternal icon.
Take breaks from work to stretch, exercise, or check in with your supportive colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends.
Spend time outdoors, either being physically active or relaxing.
If you work from home, set a regular time to end your work for the day, if possible.
Practice mindfulness techniquesexternal icon.
Do things you enjoy during non-work hours.

Know the facts about COVID-19. Be informed about how to protect yourself and others. Understanding the risk and sharing accurate information with people you care about can reduce stress and help you make a connection with others.
Remind yourself that each of us has a crucial role in fighting this pandemic.
Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and mentally exhausting
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns, how you are feeling, or how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting you.
Connect with others through phone calls, email, text messages, mailing letters or cards, video chat, and social media.
Check on others. Helping others improves your sense of control, belonging, and self-esteem. Look for safe ways to offer social support to others, especially if they are showing signs of stress, such as depression and anxiety.

If you feel you may be misusing alcohol or other drugs (including prescription drugs) as a means of coping, reach out for help.
If you are being treated for a mental health condition, continue with your treatment and be aware of any new or worsening symptoms.


What Workers and Employers Can Do to Manage Workplace Fatigue during COVID-19
What can workers do when they feel too fatigued to work safely?
Recognize these are stressful and unusual circumstances and you may need more
sleep or time to recover.
Tips to improve sleep:

You’ll sleep better if your room is comfortable, dark, cool, and quiet.
If it takes you longer than 15 minutes to fall asleep, set aside some time before bedtime to do things to help you relax. Try meditating, relaxation breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Before you begin working a long stretch of shifts, try “banking your sleep” – sleeping several extra hours longer than you normally do.
After you’ve worked a long stretch of shifts, remember it may take several days of extended sleep (for example, 10 hours in bed) before you begin to feel recovered. Give yourself time to recover.
Avoid sunlight or bright lights 90 minutes before you go to sleep, when possible. Exposure to light just before bedtime can cause you to feel more awake.
If you work a night shift and drive home during sunlight hours, try wearing sunglasses to reduce your exposure to sunlight during your drive home.
Consider using blackout shades at home when sleeping.

Take naps when you have the opportunity.
A 90-minute nap before working a night shift can help prevent you from feeling tired at work.

Eat healthy foods and stay physically active because it can improve your sleep.
Before you go to sleep, avoid foods and drinks that can make falling asleep more difficult:
Avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and nicotine for at least 2–3 hours before bedtime.
Don’t drink caffeine within 5 hours of bedtime.

Know what to do if you feel too tired to work safely.

Use a buddy system while you’re at work. Check in with each other to ensure everyone is coping with work hours and demands.
Watch yourself and your coworkers for signs of fatigue — like yawning, difficulty keeping your eyes open, and difficulty concentrating. When you see something, say something to your coworkers so you can prevent workplace injuries and errors.
Find out if your employer has a formal program to help you manage fatigue on the job. Read information about the program and ask questions so you fully understand your employer’s policies and procedures for helping employees manage fatigue.
Report any fatigue-related events or close-calls to a manager to help prevent injuries and errors.
Do not work if your fatigue threatens the safety of yourself or others. Report to a manager when you feel too tired to work safely.


What Workers and Employers Can Do to Manage Workplace Fatigue during COVID-19
What steps should employers take to reduce workplace fatigue for workers?

Recognize that these are stressful and unusual circumstances and risk for fatigue may be increased.
Create a culture of safety with clear coordination and communication between management and workers. This can include establishing a Fatigue Risk Management Plan or strategies for fatigue mitigation on the job. Share and ensure that employees understand the processes.
Spot the signs and symptoms of fatigue (e.g., yawning, difficulty keeping eyes open, inability to concentrate) in yourself and your employees and take steps to mitigate fatigue-related injury or error.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a short survey that can be posted in a common area for workers to quickly rate their fatigue.
Create a procedure that does not punish workers for reporting when they, or their coworkers, are too fatigued to work safely. Build it into team comradery as an example of how management and staff can support each other.
Develop processes to relieve a worker from their duties if they are too fatigued to work safely.
If available, and agreeable with workers, consider assigning workers who are just starting their shifts onto safety-critical tasks.
If possible, rotate workers or groups of workers through tasks that are repetitive and/or strenuous. Tools or workstations that are unavoidably shared need to be properly cleaned and disinfected between usage.
If possible, schedule physically and mentally demanding workloads and monotonous work in shorter shifts and/or during day shifts.

Provide information for workers on the consequences of sleep deprivation and resources to assist workers manage fatigue.
Allow staff enough time to organize their off-duty obligations and get sufficient rest and recovery.
Schedule at least 11 hours off in-between shifts (each 24-hour period), and one full day of rest per seven days for adequate sleep and recovery.
Avoid penalizing those who may have restricted availability to work extra shifts/longer hours (e.g., caring for dependents).

If rotating shift work is needed, use forward rotations (day to evening to night) and provide staff with sufficient notice when scheduling, particularly if there is a shift change.
Avoid scheduling staff for more than 12 hours, if possible.

Formalize and encourage regularly scheduled breaks in clean and safe areas where social distancing can be maintained. Recognize the need for additional time for increased hand hygiene and putting on and taking off required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Provide alternative transportation to and from work and mandatory paid rest time prior to driving commutes after work, when possible.

Consider arranging for nearby offsite housing for those working extended shifts and at high risk for COVID-19, such as health care workers. Nearby housing will reduce travel times, allowing for more rest and recovery.


What Aircraft Maintenance Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an aircraft maintenance worker, how can I protect myself?
As an aircraft maintenance worker, you could be exposed to COVID-19 in
situations such as when you have close contact with someone with COVID-19,
when you touch surfaces while repairing aircraft interiors and lavatories that
have been touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your
mouth, nose, or eyes.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, following the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Use gloves whenever you touch surfaces contaminated by body fluids.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After removing any personal protective equipment (PPE)
After performing maintenance tasks such as handling untreated human waste
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Recommendations based on work tasks:
Interior Work:

Wear your normally required PPE, if applicable, when making repairs in the passenger cabin area.
Do not use compressed air or water sprays to clean surfaces contacted by passengers, as these techniques may aerosolize potentially infectious material.
If cleaning is required before you make repairs, first review CDC cleaning guidance for Airlines and Airline Crew: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and contact your employer for additional guidance.

Air Filter Replacement:

Wear your normally required PPE, if applicable.
Follow the manufacturer’s filter replacement schedule.
When replacing air filters (including HEPA filters):
Avoid hitting, dropping, or shaking the filter.
Do not use compressed air to clean a filter. This will keep materials in the filter from becoming airborne.
Dispose of the used filter and gloves in a sealed plastic bag.
Clean your hands when the task is finished.

Waste and Wastewater Handling:

Follow standard practices when performing work tasks that could expose you to untreated waste and wastewater. Untreated waste and wastewater colored blue (i.e., a deodorizing agent in some aircraft toilets) are not disinfected and have the potential to be infectious. Take these steps to protect yourself:
Avoid causing or creating a fine spray of untreated waste material.
Do not vent aircraft vacuum waste tanks inside hangars if the aircraft’s external venting system is not equipped with a filter to prevent the spread of germs from the waste. If you must vent the vacuum waste tanks inside a hangar, use a technique that exhausts the air outside the hangar.
Use employer-provided PPE when handling human waste or sewage:
Splash-proof face shield
Liquid-repellent coveralls
Waterproof gloves
Rubber boots
Remove PPE after use following your employers’ instructions, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.


What Aircraft Maintenance Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Employers of aircraft maintenance workers should develop a COVID-19 health and
safety plan to protect employees. This plan should be shared with you and your
coworkers. Employers should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on whom to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, its symptoms, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with appropriate PPE when necessary and provide training on using the PPE and ensuring it fits correctly.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfecting wipes so that commonly touched surfaces can be wiped down by employees as needed. Provide products to disinfect that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Provide employees training on manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for employees to use.
Frequently clean workstations, such as areas within maintenance shops, employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable worker safety and health federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airline Catering Kitchen Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airline catering kitchen worker, how can I protect myself?
As an airline catering kitchen worker, you could be exposed to COVID-19 in
situations such as having close contact with someone with COVID-19 or touching
your mouth, nose, or eyes after handling frequently touched items used by
someone with COVID-19 such as catering or food service carts or solid waste.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Follow your employer’s normal guidance for handling solid waste from both domestic and international flights.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as desks, door handles and knobs, phones, keyboards, countertops, and cart and carrier handles. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Wear your normally required personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform job tasks.
Use gloves when handling non-disposable food service items such as cups, utensils and serving trays prior to washing as usual.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used, but not as a substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After handling frequently touched items, such as food service carts
After handling food waste and non-disposable food service items
After touching dirty surfaces like floors, walls and soiled carriers and equipment

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.


What Airline Catering Kitchen Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Employers of airline catering kitchen workers should have a COVID-19 health
and safety plan to protect employees. This plan should be shared with you and
your coworkers. Your employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on whom to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate a person who is responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, its symptoms, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary and providing training on using the PPE.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfecting wipes so that commonly touched surfaces such as desks, door handles and knobs, phones, keyboards, countertops, and cart and carrier handles can be wiped down by employees. Use products to disinfect that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon. Follow instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. For food contact surfaces, follow cleaning and sanitizing practices according to the FDA 2017 Food Code.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal containers for employees.
Frequently clean employee break rooms, employee lockers, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where employees are likely to see them.
Follow food safety regulations related to COVID-19.
Follow all applicable federal worker safety and health regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airline Catering Truck Drivers and Helpers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airline catering truck driver or helper, how can I protect myself?
As an airline catering truck driver or helper, you could be exposed to
COVID-19 in situations such as having close contact with someone with COVID-19
or touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after handling frequently touched items
used by someone with COVID-19 such as catering and food service carts, used
non-disposable food service items (e.g., utensils and serving trays), and
solid waste.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
If cleaning and disinfection is required before you perform your job duties, first review CDC cleaning guidance for Airlines and Airline Crew: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Do not enter the aircraft cabin if an ill traveler has been identified on a flight until after the ill traveler has been removed and enhanced cleaning has been performed.
Follow your employer’s normal guidance for handling solid waste from domestic and international flights.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as workstations, catering and food service carts, door handles, tables, countertops, steering wheels or other commonly touched surfaces inside the truck. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Wear your normally required personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform your job tasks on the airplane.
Wear gloves when handling non-disposable food service items used by passengers including utensils and serving trays, as usual.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces such as food service carts

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.


What Airline Catering Truck Drivers and Helpers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Employers of airline catering truck drivers or helpers should have a COVID-19
health and safety plan to protect employees. This plan should be shared with
you and your coworkers. Your employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on whom to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, its symptoms, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with the normally required PPE and provide training on using it.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfecting wipes so that commonly touched surfaces such as workstations, catering and food service carts, door handles, tables, countertops, steering wheels and other commonly touched surfaces inside the truck can be wiped down by employees. Use products to disinfect that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal containers for employees.
Frequently clean employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where employees are likely to see them.
Follow all applicable federal worker safety and health regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airline Customer Service Representatives and Gate Agents Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airline customer service representative or gate agent, how can I protect myself?
As a customer service representative or gate agent, potential sources of
exposure could include assisting a person with COVID-19 in close contact or by
touching your mouth, nose, or eyes; or handling passenger items, such as
baggage, boarding passes, identification documents, credit cards, and mobile
devices.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Provide a facemask to any visibly sick person you are assisting if one is available and they can tolerate it. Ask them to cover their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing. Follow employer’s guidelines for additional steps as required.
Avoid handling of passenger and airline crew boarding passes, luggage, identification documents, credit cards and mobile devices, where possible.
Allow passengers to hold their own documents and scan their own boarding pass or mobile device.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, touchscreens, printers, and computers, following the directions on the cleaning product’s label.

Follow your employer’s normal guidance for handling service/support animals.

Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Key times to clean hands in general include:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After interacting with a customer who is visibly ill
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.


What Airline Customer Service Representatives and Gate Agents Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Your employer should have a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect
employees. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your
employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Develop policies for responding to the identification of sick passengers, crew, or coworkers.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper handwashing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that commonly touched surfaces (such as workstations, keyboards, touchscreens, printers, and computers) can be wiped down by employees. For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
Conduct frequent cleaning of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airport Baggage and Cargo Handlers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airport baggage or cargo handler, how can I protect myself?
For baggage or cargo handlers, while the general risk remains low, potential
sources of exposure could include surfaces touched or handled by a person with
COVID-19 or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. These include baggage or cargo transport devices, vehicles, scanners, and shared/common two-way radios or other mobile devices. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Follow your employer’s normal guidance for handling animals in transit and biological cargo.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After handling, loading, and unloading baggage, packages, or cargo
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.


What Airport Baggage and Cargo Handlers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Your employer should develop a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect
employees. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your
employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that commonly touched surfaces including baggage or cargo transport devices, vehicles, scanners, and communication systems such as two-way radios or other mobile devices can be wiped down by employees before and after each use. For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
Conduct frequent cleaning of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airport Custodial Staff Need to Know about COVID-19
As airport custodial staff, how can I protect myself?
As an airport custodial staff, while the general risk remains low, potential
sources of exposure could include handling solid waste or cleaning public
facilities (such as waste bins, tables, chairs, basins, toilets) with which a
person with COVID-19 has interacted or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Wear disposable gloves during such custodial job duties. Carefully remove and discard gloves after use, and immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces (such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, faucets) throughout the day. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.

Conduct routine laundering of work clothes/uniform.

Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Key times to clean hands in general include:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After completing custodial tasks and removing gloves
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.


What Airport Custodial Staff Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Your employer should develop a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect
employees. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your
employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide employees with appropriate gloves when necessary and providing training on properly using them.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
Conduct frequent cleaning of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Provide appropriate cleaning and disinfectant products. For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Develop policies for worker protection and training according to OSHA standards for workers, particularly if new disinfection chemicals are introduced in the workplace for workers to use.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airport Passenger Assistance Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airport passenger assistance worker, how can I protect myself?
As an airport passenger service worker, potential sources of exposure can
occur from assisting, transporting, or escorting a person with COVID-19 and
their belongings or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Limit the amount of time you are in close contact (closer than 6 ft) with others, including passengers you are assisting, to the extent feasible.
Provide a facemask to any visibly sick person you are assisting if one is available and they can tolerate it. Ask them to cover their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing. Follow employer’s guidelines for additional steps as required.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. These include wheelchair handles, motorized carts, other transportation and assistive devices, and communication systems such as two-way radios, tablets, or other mobile devices. Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Follow your employers’ normal guidance for handling service/support animals.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
Between escorting, transporting, or providing assistance to passengers
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.


What Airport Passenger Assistance Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Your employer should develop a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect
employees. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your
employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, taking into account potential PPE shortages, and providing training on using the PPE.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that commonly touched surfaces can be wiped down by employees. For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 for disinfectionexternal icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues for ill passengers and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
Conduct frequent cleaning of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Airport Retail or Food Service Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
As an airport retail or food service worker, how can I protect myself?
As an airport retail or food service worker, potential sources of exposure can
occur while working in an airport store, bar, restaurant, or food concession
stand if you are if in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or by touching
your mouth, nose, or eyes after handling items used by someone with COVID-19.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Minimize handling cash, credit cards, and mobile devices, where possible.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as workstations, cash registers, touch screens, door handles, tables, and countertops, following the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used, but not as a substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After interacting with a customer who is visibly ill
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings
After touching objects that have been handled by customers, such as utensils, menus, cups, and trash
After touching dirty surfaces like floors, walls and soiled carriers and equipment

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.


What Airport Retail or Food Service Workers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Your employer should have a COVID-19 health and safety plan to protect
employees. This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your
employer should:

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees and customers such as:
Place signage throughout the store to remind employees and customers to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.
Move the electronic payment terminal further from the cash register.
Place visual cues, such as floor decals, colored tape, or signs to indicate to customers where they should stand during check out.
Place a barrier (e.g., sneeze guard) between employees and customers.

Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Provide training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees with access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that employees can wipe down commonly touched surfaces such as workstations, cash registers, door handles and knobs, countertops, self-service refrigerator/freezer doors and handles. For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon. Follow instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. For food contact surfaces, follow cleaning and sanitization practices according to the FDA 2017 Food Code.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal containers for employees.
Conduct frequent cleaning and disinfection of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and good hand hygiene at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.


What Bus Transit Operators Need to Know About COVID-19
As a bus transit operator, how can I protect myself?
For bus transit operators, potential sources of exposure include having close
contact with a bus passenger with COVID-19, by contacting surfaces touched or
handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Consider asking bus passengers to enter and exit the bus through rear entry doors.
Request passengers avoid standing or sitting within 6 feet of the bus driver.
Avoid touching surfaces often touched by bus passengers.
Use gloves if required to touch surfaces contaminated by body fluids.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, including surfaces in the driver cockpit commonly touched by the operator.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces, such as fareboxes and handrails
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.


What Bus Transit Operators Need to Know About COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Employers of bus transit operators should develop a COVID-19 health and safety
plan to protect employees according to CDC business
guidance.
This plan should be shared with you and your coworkers. Your employer should:

Institute measures to physically separate or force distance greater than 6 feet between bus transit operators and passengers. These may include use of physical partitions or visual cues (e.g., floor decals, colored tape, or signs to indicate to passengers where they should not sit or stand near the bus operator).
Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if an employee is sick. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Designate someone to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Provide employees with correct information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure.
Conduct worksite assessments to identify COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Provide employees training on proper hand washing practices and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide employees access to soap, clean running water, and drying materials or alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol at their worksite.
Provide employees with appropriate gloves when necessary and providing training on properly using them.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that surfaces commonly touched by the bus operator can be wiped down. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Provide employees training on manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often practices at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Reach out to local public health officials to establish ongoing communications to facilitate access to relevant information before and during a local outbreak.
Follow all applicable federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.