COVID-19 Administrative Control Measures and Guidance on Facemask Use

The virus causing COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Exposure can occur by touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets or body fluids from an infected person. Recent data shows pre-symptomatic spread of COVID-19 is possible, especially in the 48 hours prior to symptom onset.

Administrative Control Measures Outside of the Workplace

Stay Home, Stay Safe: Leave home only for essentials, like food, exercise or essential work duties.  Minimize contact with others and especially anyone in your household who is feeling sick.

Social Distancing: When out, keep a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others.  Keeping a safe distance between yourself and others is one of the most important things you can do.  These efforts are making a difference in slowing the spread of the virus and it is critical that we continue to practice social distancing.  If you have wondered how important this practice really is, please see these illustrations on the University of Vermont Health Network’s website that show the effectiveness of social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.

Proper Hand Hygiene: Do not touch your face or any personal items (keys, cell phone, etc.) with unwashed hands.  Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Stay Home if Sick: It is critical that you stay home if you are sick or if you have had any possible exposure to COVID-19.  Do this important self-check before coming to work each day.  If you answer YES to any of these questions, you should not come to work and contact your doctor for guidance:

• Have you been in contact with a COVID-19 infected person or someone who has been tested for COVID-19?
• Do you have any symptoms, especially cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever/chills?  This CDC Self-Checker is a helpful resource.
• Do you have a fever?  If you are able, check your temperature at home before coming to work.  If it is >100.0^oF stay home and recheck in one hour, if >100.4^oF, remain at home.

Administrative Control Measures Inside of the Workplace

Social Distancing at Work:  If you are required to work, ensure there is at least 6 feet between you and other people at all times. Here are examples of alternative options for work that may normally result in people being within 6 feet of each other:

• Relocate workstations (computers or other types of workstations) to ensure they are 6 feet apart or move them to alternate locations
• Separate work areas with a physical barrier (plexiglass, etc.) if less than 6 feet between people is required
• Tape off workstation areas on the floor to visually indicate the 6 foot distance in order to ensure proper spacing while working near to others
• Stagger break times to ensure there is adequate space for people to prepare food or eat meals
• If travel is required to locations on or off campus, do not drive with others

Proper Hand Hygiene: Avoid exposure to COVID-19 from contaminated surfaces or objects by taking these important precautions:

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the work area (door handles, countertops, etc.).
• If equipment is shared between people (tools, computers, vehicles, etc.), clean and disinfect surfaces before use.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.  Do not touch any personal items (keys, cell phone, etc.) with unwashed hands. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Guidance on Facemask Use

N95 Respirators (also called N95 masks, particulate respirators, dust masks, filtering facepieces): These types of facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for healthcare providers, first responders and any College staff who may be required to have close contact (within 6 feet) of an individual with COVID-19 or direct contact with body fluids from an individual with COVID-19.  Proper training and fit testing is required before using any N95 respirator.

Surgical/Medical Facemasks: These types of facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for healthcare providers, first responders and any College staff who may be required to have close contact (within 6 feet) of an individual with COVID-19 or direct contact with body fluids from an individual with COVID-19. These may be used with approval for other tasks if cloth facemasks are not available.

Cloth Face Covering: A cloth face covering (cloth mask) is any well-secured cloth (like a bandana or scarf) that covers your mouth and nose. When worn, cloth face coverings can aid in reducing the spread of virus by containing respiratory droplets/secretions from the person wearing the face covering. The primary intent of cloth face coverings is to prevent the wearer from spreading the virus to others, especially by asymptomatic individuals. Cloth face coverings are intended to be used in addition to social distancing and hand hygiene, not as a replacement. Cloth face coverings may not prevent you from getting infected, but may prevent you from infecting others unknowingly.

Cloth face coverings should be worn in public settings (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) and can be worn by staff members who are unable to maintain social distancing at all times at work. Here are important things to know if you wear a cloth face covering:

• Wearing a cloth face covering is no substitute for social distancing. Do not develop a false sense of security because your face is covered or you are around someone else that is wearing a cloth face covering. Everyone must still maintain the 6 feet of physical distance from each other whenever possible.
• Cloth face coverings should:
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops.
  • Include multiple layers of fabric.
  • Allow for breathing without restriction.
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
• Clean cloth face coverings daily, by hand or machine, using detergent, and dry it thoroughly.
• Wear a cloth face covering properly, to prevent exposure:
  • Wash your hands before putting on your cloth face covering. 
  • Do not touch your face or your cloth face covering with unwashed hands.
  • Always wash your hands immediately after removing or handling your cloth face covering.
  • Do not repeatedly pull the cloth face covering up and down, or repeatedly adjust it, which can increase the chance of exposure by touching your face.
  • Never wear a wet or dirty cloth face covering.
  • Do not put your cloth face covering down where others can touch it, or on counter tops or tables.

You can find more information here on using cloth face coverings, or by visiting the VT Department of Health website for COVID-19, www.healthvermont.gov/COVID-19.