This page is setup as a Resource Guide for information regarding Coronavirus (or COVID-19). On Thursday, March 12th, Governor Bill Lee officially declared a state of emergency. Dr. Lisa Piercey said the declaration could give Tennessee access to additional federal funding to combat the coronavirus. Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Tennessee was set to receive $10 million from the federal government to help with the state’s response.
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Resources for Employers
- Tennessee Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Page
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for businesses: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020
- Sign up for CDC.gov email updates
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Resource Page and Press Statement by U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue
- CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs (COVID-19)
- ACCE Crisis Management: Pandemic; Tactical and practical resources for internal chamber crisis management and resources to share with your members.
- Situation Summary (CDC): This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.
- Travel > Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel (CDC): This page offers current travel warning, alert and watches, as well as destinations with risk of community spread.
- Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (HHS & CDC): Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses. It identifies important, specific activities large businesses can do now to prepare, many of which will also help you in other emergencies.
How Does the Coronavirus Spread?
Coronavirus typically spreads between people within six feet of each other through respiratory secretions, especially coughing and sneezing. Currently, it is unknown whether the virus can be transmitted by touching a surface with the virus on it.
What Can Employers Do Now?
It is imperative that employers maintain open communication with their employees. Employers should ensure that they have updated contact information for current employees and stay informed of the latest news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued “Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease.” The CDC recommends employers begin implementing the following steps now:
- Encourage employees with acute respiratory illnesses to stay home
- Separate sick employees
- Emphasize cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene
- Perform routine environmental cleaning
- Advise employees about the risks prior to travel to countries that have had a significant outbreak
- Consider informing employees in the case of possible exposure in the workplace
