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512012021 COVID-19-Control and Prevention I Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 1 Control and Prevention Control and Prevention Given the evolving nature of the pandemic, OSHA is in the process of reviewing and updating this document, These materials may no longer represent current OSHA recommendations and guidance. For the most up-to- date information, consult Protecting Workers Guidance. Measures for protecting workers from exposure to and infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), depends on exposure risk. That risk varies based on the type of work being performed, the potential for interaction (prolonged or otherwise) with people, and contamination of the work environment. Employers should adopt infection prevention and control strategies based on a thorough workplace hazard assessment, using appropriate combinations of engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent worker exposures. Some OSHA standards that apply to preventing occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 also require employers to train workers on elements of infection prevention and control, including PPE. The general guidance below is meant to inform all U.S. workers and employers, but does not alter compliance responsibilities for any particular industry. Depending on where their operations fall in OSHA's exposure risk pyramid, workers and employers should also consult additional, specific guidance for those at either lower (i.e., caution) or increased (i.e., medium, high, or very high) risk of exposure. The exposure risk pyramid and a workplace hazard assessment, can help workers and employers identify exposure risk levels commonly associated with various sectors. All employers should remain alert to and informed about changing outbreak conditions, including as they relate to community spread of the virus and testing availability, and implement infection prevention and control measures accordingly. For the most up-to-date information on OSHA's guidance see Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVED-19 in the Workplace. Interim General Guidance for All Workers and Employers For all workers, regardless of specific exposure risks, it is always a good practice to: ■ Wear cloth face coverings, at a minimum, at all times when around coworkers or the general public. If a respirator, such as an N95 respirator or better, is needed for conducting work activities, then that respirator should be used, and the worker should use their cloth face covering when they are not using the respirator (such as during breaks or while commuting). ■ Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as active ingredients and rub hands together until they are dry. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled. ■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. ■ Practice good respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes or coughing/sneezing into your elbow/upper sleeve. ■ Avoid close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with people who are visibly sick and practice physical distancing with coworkers and the public. https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/control-prevention 119