Memo: Coronavirus and Flu Prevention
Date:   March 13, 2020
To:       Hobby Area District
From:  Danny R. Perkins, Chairman

 

The world health community continues to monitor closely the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, named “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19). At this time, no one knows how severe this outbreak will be. Given this uncertainty and the fact that the seasonal influenza (flu) virus is also widespread, we are taking proactive steps to address a number of concerns. First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe environment and encourage and/or adopt practices that will protect the health of employees, customers, visitors, or others to the Hobby Area.

In an effort to limit potential exposure to the virus, the Hobby Area District is suspending all official District gatherings through the end of April, including HobbyFest 2020.

We ask all businesses in the district to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, employees are reminded to:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze and discard used tissues in the trash.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Businesses should provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout the workplace and in common areas. Cleaning sprays and wipes can also be provided to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as phones and computers.

Employees are encouraged to use telephones and video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings as much as possible during this outbreak.

It is critical that employees do not report to work while they are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue. Currently, the CDC recommends that employees remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Many times, with the best of intentions, employees report to work even though they feel ill. Employees who report to work ill should be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.

While many businesses do not offer formal remote working arrangements, I recommend you consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests from employees to work from home during this time. While not all positions are conducive to remote work, those positions with primary job duties that can be effectively performed remotely will be given consideration.

Please contact the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management with further questions and/or concerns. Be advised that information from the Harris County Judge’s office takes precedence above all other sources.