Addendum: Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

COVID-19 Exposure & Risk Mitigation

Table of Contents

References ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 2

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Hazard Description ........................................................................................................................... 3

Symptoms ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Transmission ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................................ 4

Wearing and Removing Gloves and Face Coverings ............................................................................................ 4

Donning and Doffing Tyvek Suits ......................................................................................................................... 5

Sanitation Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 6

General Sanitation Best Practices ........................................................................................................................ 6

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces................................................................................................................................. 6

Soft (Porous) Surfaces .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Electronics ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Linens, clothing, and other items that go in the laundry ..................................................................................... 7

Best Practices ................................................................................................................................... 7

General Best Practices ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Social Distancing, Social Interaction ..................................................................................................................... 8

Remote / Telework Options ................................................................................................................................. 8

Best Practice Recommendations for General Activities ....................................................................................... 9

Exposure Levels and Risk Assessment............................................................................................. 11

Out-of-Town Travel ........................................................................................................................ 14

Transit ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Accommodations ............................................................................................................................................... 14

Risk Assessment for Approved Travel ................................................................................................................ 15

Best Practices: On-Scene, at an ICP & in the Field ........................................................................... 20

References

●

OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance

CDC guidance: Emergency Response

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Definitions

Confirmed/Suspect COVID-19: A person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or a person who satisfies

epidemiological and clinical criteria.

Close Contact:

a) being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close

contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room

with a COVID-19 case – or –

b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

Isolation: Separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

Mission critical personnel: Those that execute functions that are designated by CTCLUSI for the

purposes of maintaining continuity of essential or critical government operations. This applies to

personnel that 1) perform essential duties related to the protection of life and property; or 2) maintain

systems or equipment operation, maintenance, or inspections of those systems or equipment that are

integral to security, safety, or proper functioning of the mission.

Quarantine: Separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed or potentially exposed to

a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Purpose

To provide guidance for staff health, safety, and risk management in planning, preparing for, and

responding to potential spill incidents where the risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists. The overarching

goal is to develop risk assessment and control processes relevant to the specific tasks and duties

performed by CTCLUSI spill response personnel to allow for the safe execution of mission essential

support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must also take into account the potential for measures

designed to limit exposure/spread such as social distancing to last for an extended/indeterminate length of

time.

Ensuring worker and public health and safety is always the highest priority and the safety of CTCLUSI

management will always be a consideration on when and how we respond or plan for mission essential

travel. We must thoughtfully manage our resources in a way that aligns with our desired outcome of

slowing the transmission of COVID-19. This aggressive posture may affect operations as we work to

balance the needs of mission-critical work and greater social distancing.

This interim guidance has been developed and shared quickly in order to address pandemic conditions.

This document contains information and recommendations based upon publications and evidence-based

approaches from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA), and best practices from other agencies and industry partners. However,

the decision on how and whether to travel or respond to an environmental emergency during the

pandemic must be made on a case by case basis and this document should inform but not replace Tribal

administrative, department, team, and individual decision-making.

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Hazard Description

This addendum addresses CTCLUSI’s plan to protect employees from exposure to COVID-19 during

spill response field activities, as well as traveling to and from job sites. This addendum outlines proper

hygiene, social distancing, and decontamination procedures. The virus causing COVID-19 is called

SARS-CoV-2. Knowledge surrounding viral risk, transmission, diagnostics and immunity continues to

evolve.

Symptoms

We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack

symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”)

can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.1 This means that the virus can spread between

people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those

people are not exhibiting symptoms.

Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the

virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of

breath. Some people infected with the virus have reported experiencing other non-respiratory symptoms.

Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new

confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face.

Transmission

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like

measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

suggests that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles,

which is highly contagious.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close

contacts. Respiratory droplets2 are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and can

land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are within close

proximity. It is important to remember that COVID-19 can most likely be spread by asymptomatic

people who are not showing symptoms.

The onset and duration of viral shedding and period of infectiousness for COVID-19 are not yet known. It is possible that

SARS-CoV-2 RNA may be detectable in the upper or lower respiratory tract for weeks after illness onset, similar to infection

with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. However, detection of viral RNA does not necessarily mean that infectious virus is present.

Existing literature regarding SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV) suggest that the incubation

period may range from 2–14 days.

Respiratory infections can be transmitted through droplets of different sizes: when the droplet particles are >5-10 μm in

diameter they are referred to as respiratory droplets. According to current evidence, COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted

between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes. The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood.

Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether

similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19 (CDC).

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Airborne transmission refers to the presence of microbes within droplet nuclei (generally considered to be

particles <5μm in diameter) which can remain in the air for long periods of time and be transmitted to

others over distances greater than 1 meter. However, in an analysis of 75,465 COVID-19 cases in China,

airborne transmission was not reported.

Spread of the virus may also come from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Transmission of

the virus can occur when a person touches a surface or object (e.g. writing utensil, computer keyboard)

that has the virus on it and then touches their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Currently no COVID-19 vaccine or measure exists outside of non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at

“flattening the curve”. However, it is critical to note that these interventions do not appear to work well,

historically or in computer models, if isolation or social distancing policies are not well implemented or

adhered to. This posture is difficult given the nature and interaction a typical response or project dictates.

Therefore, consideration of all possible exposure risk will be taken prior to mission essential travel.

Personal Protective Equipment

Recommendations for PPE specific to occupations or job tasks may change depending on geographic

location, updated risk assessments for workers, and information on PPE effectiveness in preventing the

spread of COVID-19. Examples of PPE include:

●

Gloves

Goggles

face shields

face masks

respiratory protection, when appropriate

Tyvek suit

Cloth facial covering to cover the nose and mouth should be worn in public settings or around others

where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Wear nitrile gloves to minimize the spread of COVID-19 from shared surfaces in situations where contact

to surfaces is limited to one physical location. Do not wear or reuse the same gloves in multiple physical

locations or facilities.

Wearing and Removing Gloves and Face Coverings

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Donning and Doffing Tyvek Suits

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Sanitation Procedures

Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from

a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice

measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households, hotel rooms,

vehicles and community settings.

It is unknown how long the air inside a room occupied by someone with confirmed COVID-19 remains

potentially infectious.

Facilities will need to consider factors such as the size of the room and the ventilation system design

(including flowrate and location of supply and exhaust vents) when deciding how long to close off rooms

or areas used by ill persons before beginning disinfection. Taking measures to improve ventilation in an

area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 will help shorten the time it

takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.

General Sanitation Best Practices

•

Wash hands routinely with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, hand sanitizer with at least

60% alcohol, or disinfectant wipes.

Using appropriate sanitizing substance (e.g. bleach wipes), wipe down any frequently touched

surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches), as well as field equipment and vehicles (handles, grab

points, and other common surfaces) at the end of each field day and as needed throughout the

day.

Place used tissues, hand wipes, or other personal sanitation items directly into a trash bag.

Additional prevention controls can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

Approved disinfectants for COVID-19: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-ndisinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

•

If available, wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be

discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for

cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes.

Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands

immediately after gloves are removed.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to

disinfection.

In addition to EPA-approved disinfectants for hard surfaces, diluted bleach solutions (at least

1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s

instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper

ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration

date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household

bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

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

o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Soft (Porous) Surfaces

• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination

•

if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.

After cleaning, launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If

possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items

completely. Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes

COVID-19 and that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Electronics

• For electronics such as cell phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, and keyboards,

•

remove visible contamination if present.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.

Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.

If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays

containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid

pooling of liquids.

Linens, clothing, and other items that go in the laundry

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard after

•

each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection

of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands

immediately after gloves are removed. If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure

to wash hands afterwards.

If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus

through the air.

Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible,

launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.

Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible,

consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.

Best Practices

In order to minimize the transmission of the COVID-19 virus within the CTCLUSI government and

Tribal community, the following precautions are recommended for mission-critical employees who must

enter administrative facilities until otherwise directed by Tribal Administration or Department Director.

General Best Practices

•

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been

in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Wash hands before and after

touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers,

desks, TV, etc. and when using the bathroom. (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-howhandwashing.html)

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

•

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.

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

Social Distancing, Social Interaction

•

Stay home as much as possible.

Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet from any other person.

Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet while using work-related transportation such as boats. If

social distancing cannot be achieved, other transportation may be necessary.

• Avoiding touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth, or eyes. Regularly wash hands

and stay home if you are ill, self-quarantining for at least a 2-week period after exposure to

someone else infected with COVID-19.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting

very sick.

• If an employee occupies a shared space, he/she should wipe their own phones and keyboards,

doorknobs, etc. upon arrival and exit.

• Additionally, cleaning and disinfecting of individual offices/suites can be arranged through

the Maintenance Department.

• Do not share headsets or other items that are near the mouth or nose.

• Do not use other common areas, such as conference rooms or common areas.

• Restrict your movements and keep a daily log of your travel path, including point of entry to the

building, elevators and stairwells used, rooms occupied, restrooms and pantries utilized and any

other space(s) or travel pathways.

• Where possible, consider options for separating employees into teams to reduce the risk of

transmission to an entire employee group.

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to

always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside

of your elbow.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

Avoid shaking hands or other physical greetings.

Do not share personal protection equipment (PPE).

If you or someone in your household is sick, do not report to work and notify your supervisor.

If you are with someone experiencing symptoms while at work, cease operations and go home

immediately. Keep your distance, wash your hands and common surfaces, and call your

supervisor and HR as soon as possible.

Ensure you have soap and handwashing facilities at your site or have access to facilities with

running water. Do not rely on hand sanitizer alone.

Remote / Telework Options

•

Hold meetings via telephone or video interface. Options include Zoom, Webex, Adobe Connect,

Microsoft Teams and others.

Share data and files by digital media, such as through email, mobile text messages, video screen

share, ArcGIS Online, etc.

For classroom training: where possible move training from classroom to hangar or larger event

space where seating could be spread out (6’), place handouts on desks in advance to minimize

passing of documents, advise attendees in advance that there will not be a shared coffee station,

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

minimize passing around demo items (e.g. oil type kit, grain size kit), but show them up front and

have them on the front table, Have students email a photo of their paperwork to the instructors

each day rather than hand them (e.g. completed SCAT forms or sketches). List of “ground rules”

that is covered prior to any group convening - Limit person to person contact (No handshakes,

high fives, hugs), Good Respiratory hygiene (cover mouth when sneezing), Do not share food,

location of hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes and handwashing stations. Discuss transmissibility

of COVID-19.

Best Practice Recommendations for General Activities

If you do have to leave the

house - consider these simple

steps to minimize exposure:

Social distancing still applies in public - so does washing your hands

thoroughly! The use of cloth face coverings in public settings is recommended.

●

Look for the Americans with Disability accessibility buttons most

contemporary buildings have, it's easy enough to push that with your

hip or elbow than open the door handle with your hand. It's a large

round button with a handicap icon on it.

Our smart phones - We do not pay much attention to where we place

our phones. Sure we sanitize the screen, but rarely think about what the

outer case picks up - bring a handkerchief from home, or a packet of

disinfectant wipes, or even baby wipes and pull one out to set your

phone down upon if out in public. Lastly - do you REALLY need to

take your phone into the bathroom stall with you? The less you expose

your phone to shared surfaces the better.

Try to adhere to self check where you can to limit proximity to other

individuals - Use the produce bags provided in all grocery stores to

place over your hand should you need to touch any produce (testing

avocado ripeness for example). Once home, thoroughly wash your

hands as well as all produce prior to consumption. Throw away plastic

bags you brought groceries home in, do not re-use them.

It's difficult to break the habit of personal greetings - handshake, hug,

pat on the back, fist bump. Resist the temptation and also stay away

from elbow taps or otherwise. The goal is to maintain social distance

(6 ft) from others which is nullified by an elbow tap.

What if I wear contacts? That's a tough habit to break when in public,

but do everything you can to prevent touching your eyes. WASH your

hands frequently and as soon as you get home. Put up a note that you

see as soon as you walk through the front door.

Wash your hands even before going to the bathroom, even disinfect the

soap dispenser pump and sink faucet handles.

Make sure to carry napkins, disinfectant wipes or tissue with you when

you leave your home - reach for it should you need to wipe your nose,

open a door handle, or push a shopping cart.

Think about using your credit card or debit card more than cash. It

minimizes proximity to others when you pass cash directly to another

person. You can also use your knuckle to sign your name on the card

kiosk.

Upon returning home - A good hygienic practice to limit dirt and

bacteria from being tracked farther into your home - remove your

shoes immediately upon entering the house.

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Shopping for food and other

household items

●

Avoid shopping if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

If possible, order food and other items online for home delivery or

curbside pickup.

Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling household

essentials, in person when you absolutely need to. This will limit your

potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.

When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer

people will be there (for example, early morning or late night).

Here are ways to protect yourself while shopping:

● Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.

● Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have

to go out in public

● If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has

special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during

those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or

older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical

conditions.

● Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available

● Cover coughs and sneezes

● Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth

● If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a

card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad,

use hand sanitizer right after paying.

● After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer. When you get home, wash

your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

● At home, follow food safety guidelines: clean, separate, cook, chill

(There is no evidence that food or food packaging has been linked to

getting sick from COVID-19.)

Accepting deliveries and

takeout orders or handling

mail

●

Banking

●

If possible, pay online or on the phone when you order.

Accept deliveries without in-person contact whenever possible. Ask

for deliveries to be left in a safe spot outside your house (such as your

front porch or lobby), with no person-to-person interaction. Otherwise,

stay at least 6 feet away from the delivery person.

After receiving your delivery or bringing home your takeout food,

wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water

are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

After collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox, wash your

hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand

sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Bank online whenever possible.

If you must visit the bank, use the drive-through ATM if one is

available. Clean the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe before

you use it.

When you are done, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you

get home.

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Visiting the Gas Station

●

Laundry after:

● Public outing where

physical distancing was

limited

● Occupational setting where

physical distancing was

limited

● Care for infected

individual

If available, use gloves or disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons

before you touch them.

After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash

your hands for at least 20 seconds when you get home or somewhere

with soap and water.

● If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the

●

possibility of dispersing virus through the air.

Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions.

If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting

for the items and dry items completely.

Laundry hamper - If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either

disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered

If you are on the road or in a hotel, consider using a disposable trash

bag to place clothing in to launder at a later date

Wash hands after handling dirty laundry

If caring for an ill individual:

● Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person

and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves

should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for

COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes.

Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

● If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash

hands afterwards

Exposure Levels and Risk Assessment

Risk depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people; the severity of

resulting illness, the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example,

vaccines or medications that can treat the illness) and the relative success of these measures. In the

absence of a vaccine or treatment medications, nonpharmaceutical interventions become the most

important response strategy; these include community interventions that can reduce the impact of disease.

Risk from COVID-19 can be broken down into risk of exposure versus risk of serious illness and death:

Risk of Exposure is increased for:

● People in places of reported, ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, with

the level of risk dependent on the location

● Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19

● Close contacts of persons with COVID-19

● Travelers returning from affected locations where community spread is occurring, with level of

risk dependent on where they traveled

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Risk of Severe Illness is increased for people who are:

● Are Immunocompromised

● Are Older in age

● With Asthma

● With HIV

● With liver disease

● With dementia

● With disabilities

● Experiencing homelessness

● Of racial or ethnic minority groups

● Are newly resettled refugee populations

● Older adults, with risk increasing by age

This guidance considers individual exposure risk and recommended precautions across multiple settings.

❏

Possible unrecognized COVID-19 exposures in U.S. communities/public settings

Individuals who fall in the category of higher risk for serious illness

Individuals with approved “mission essential” travel

Person with symptomatic COVID-19 during period from 48 hours before symptoms onset

Person

❏ All U.S. residents

Exposure to

Recommended Precautions

❏ Possible unrecognized COVID-19

exposure in public settings where

other social distancing measures are

difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery

stores)

❏ Practice social distancing

❏ Maintain 6 feet of distance from

others

❏ Stay out of crowded places

❏ Use of cloth facial coverings

❏ Wash hands thoroughly before

touching your face or eating

❏ Be alert for symptoms

❏ Watch for fever*, cough, or

shortness of breath

❏ Take temperature if symptoms

develop

❏ Follow CDC guidance if symptoms

develop

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

❏ Individuals who fall in the

category of higher risk for

serious illness

❏ Possible unrecognized COVID-19

exposure in public settings where

other social distancing measures are

difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery

stores)

❏ Practice all precautions listed above

and,

❏ Stay home if possible

❏ Avoid all non-essential travel

❏ Avoid close contact (within 6 ft)

with individuals outside of your

immediate partner or household

member

❏ Clean and disinfect frequently

touched surfaces

❏ Individuals with approved

“mission essential” travel

❏ Possible unrecognized COVID-19

exposure in crowded travel settings,

like airports where the number of

travelers from areas experiencing

community spread of the disease

increases and social distancing

measures are difficult to maintain

❏ See Mission Essential Travel

Approved Worksheet

❏ Possible unrecognized COVID-19

exposure when on-site work and

lodging is expected

❏ Household member

❏ Intimate partner

❏ Individual providing care in

a household without using

recommended infection

control precautions

❏ Individual who has had

close contact* < 6 feet for a

prolonged period of time

❏ Person with symptomatic COVID-

19 during period from 48 hours

before symptoms onset until meets

criteria for discontinuing home

isolation (can be a laboratory confirmed disease or a clinically

compatible illness in a state or

territory with widespread

community transmission)

*Close contact: A person who

may be at risk of a contagious

disease because of their

proximity or exposure to a

known case. Exact definition

of close contact differs by

disease; for COVID-19, the

❏ Stay home until 14 days after last

exposure and maintain social

distance (at least 6 feet) from others

at all times

❏ Self-monitor for symptoms

❏ Check temperature twice a day

❏ Watch for fever*, cough, or

shortness of breath

❏ Avoid contact with people at higher

risk for severe illness (unless they

live in the same home and had same

exposure)

❏ Follow CDC guidance if symptoms

develop

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

CDC defines a close contact as

anyone who has been within 6

feet of a person infected with

the virus for a prolonged

period of time, or has had

direct contact with the infected

person’s secretions. (Source:

CDC)

Out-of-Town Travel

Only mission-critical travel is recommended at this time. Heads of all Departments are authorized to

determine what travel meets the mission-critical threshold. Travel by any employee to or within areas

where there is community spread of COVID-19 should only be undertaken when there is an urgent need,

such as to protect life and property.

Transit

•

Limit air travel.

Avoid mass transit.

Do not carpool.

Accommodations

•

Ask the host/hotel what sanitation and staff protocols they are implementing. These should

generally align with best practices put forth in this addendum.

Disinfect hotel rooms with EPA-registered cleaners or the alternatives listed above.

Limit the number of people in your room (e.g., housekeeping, coworkers, colleagues).

Avoid hotel breakfast buffets.

Bring a cooler for meals or use drive-thru services to minimize crowd exposure at restaurants.

Adhere to social distancing – 6 ft.

Wear a cloth facial covering when in public

Avoid large crowds

Do not shake hands or speak to individuals without maintaining social distancing

Try not to touch your face

Make sure you have soap and water handwashing facilities at your site, do not rely on hand

sanitizer alone.

Increase frequency of handwashing. Make sure all personnel wash their hands prior to taking

a break, prior to eating lunch, after use of the bathroom, etc.

Use multiple offices or shift schedules on site, employ social distancing when setting up work

spaces

Disinfect work spaces, porta johns, handwash stations, etc. with an EPA registered cleaner pay close attention to all touch points(https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-ndisinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2),

Disinfect vehicles (wipe down steering wheel, door handles, touch points, etc) before travel

and upon returning with an EPA registered cleaner (https://www.epa.gov/pesticideregistration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2).

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

•

While at hotels, disinfect your own room with an EPA registered cleaner.

(https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2)

Risk Assessment for Approved Travel

A specific travel plan geared toward mitigating risk of exposure to COVID-19 will be developed by

traveler(s) and ICP or CTCLUSI Safety Officer.

Things to consider before travel:

❏ Are you or your travel companion(s) more likely to get severe illness if you get COVID-19?

❏ People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with

serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC

recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid nonessential

travel.

❏ Do you live with someone who is older or has a serious, chronic medical condition?

If you get sick with COVID-19 upon your return from travel, your household contacts may be at risk

of infection. Household contacts who are older adults or persons of any age with severe chronic

medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

❏ Do you have a plan for taking time off from work, in case you are told to stay home for 14 days for

self-monitoring or if you get sick with COVID-19? If you have close contact with someone with

COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with

others for up to 14 days after travel. You will be asked to avoid contact with others (including being

in public places) during this period of infectiousness.

Travel Details

Destination?

Duration of travel?

Duration of stay?

*Many jurisdictions across the U.S. have

mandated required quarantines or statements

of purpose for travelers. Given situational

dynamics, anyone considering a long distance

drive or air travel should research what

guidelines or requirements are in place for the

states, counties and cities that they will be

visiting for - closures, restrictions, food

options and hotel reservations.

Recommended Precautions

❏ Is COVID-19 spreading in the area where you’re

going?

❏ Review local/state public health authority

guidelines – are there public health alerts

available for the destination location?

❏ Review current CDC Domestic Travel

Advisories

❏ Review CDC’s Geographic Risk Assessment for

COVID-19 Transmission

(CDC recommends individuals stay home for a

period of 14 days after leaving an area that has a

Level 3 Travel Health Notice)

❏ Does the destination or location traveler is

returning to have a mandated quarantine in

place?

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Safe and appropriate commercial or personal

conveyance modes of travel?

Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses

like coronavirus may increase in crowded

settings, particularly closed-in settings with

little air circulation (buses, vehicles). Where

possible take POV and limit or prevent

passenger carry/ rideshare/ car-pooling.

❏ Will you or your travel companion(s) be in

close contact with others during travel? If yes,

how can you plan in advance to minimize close

contact?

❏ Take personal POV

❏ Sit several seats away from each other

(e.g. if possible, on airplane, bus,

other)

❏ Have travelers reviewed best practices to reduce

risk of exposure at the:

❏ Gas Station

❏ How to sanitize vehicle

Availability of safe lodging conducive to

isolation recommendations?

❏ Have travelers reviewed best practices to reduce

risk of exposure at the:

❏ Hotel

Availability of meals, medical services, and

other basic day to day needs?

❏ How will meals be provided? Does the hotel

have a small kitchenette? At work site, how

will meals be taken to ensure adherence to

social distancing/prevent cross contamination?

*Important to plan ahead - While restaurants

remain closed for dine in, grocery stores

remain open. Looking for availability of

takeout options near lodging, or work site,

along with checking to see if your hotel room

includes basic kitchenette amenities is

essential.

Assess planned daily activities for:

❏ Have travelers reviewed best practices to reduce

risk of exposure at the:

❏ Delivery or takeout

❏ What medical services, testing or screening

details/locations/availability exist?

❏ Limitations/constraints that prevent adherence

to physical distancing guidelines?

❏ Availability of necessary services such as:

handwashing stations, cleaning/disinfecting

supplies?

❏ Does the facility or building have any protective

measures implemented (spacing, ventilation,

screening)?

Does the traveler have adequate PPE/supplies

necessary for the specific location, duration of

travel and planned activities?

❏ See PPE COVID Go-Kit

❏ Optional - Thermometer

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Has traveler reviewed when to implement

protective measures, proper wear, removal or

cleaning?

Consider what steps, personal preferences

exist should the traveler become infected, sick

or otherwise incapacitated?

Identify and Isolate Suspected Cases

❏ See Donning/Doffing

❏ See Cleaning/Disinfecting

❏ Will there be adequate medical resources onscene to deal with COVID 19 or other health

emergencies?

❏ If the individual does fall ill -

In workplaces where exposure to COVID19

may occur, prompt identification and

isolation of potentially infectious individuals

is a critical first step in protecting others at

the work site.

Wherever feasible, immediately isolate

individuals suspected of having COVID-19.

On the work site, move potentially infectious

individuals to a location away from workers

and other visitors and with a closed door, if

possible.

❏ What arrangements are available onsite for lodging and care? Will the

hotel allow the infected individual to

stay?

❏ Can the ill individual safety return

home? How?

❏ Who on-scene will assist someone with a serious

health concern? And how?

Take steps to limit the spread of the

individual's infectious respiratory secretions,

including by providing them a facemask and

asking them to wear it, if they can tolerate

doing so. The surgical mask acts to contain

potentially infectious respiratory secretions at

the source (i.e., the person's nose and mouth).

In most types of workplaces (i.e., those

outside of healthcare):

Isolated individuals should leave the work

site as soon as possible. Depending on the

severity of the isolated individual's illness, he

or she might be able to return home or seek

medical care on his or her own, but some

individuals may need emergency medical

services.

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Comprehensive individual assessment of

personal risk factors?

Factors including:

● Age,

● Pre-existing conditions,

● required medications & access

● Any other individual concerns

relative to exposure potential to other

family or household members etc.

Travel via Automobile

●

❏ Every traveler should evaluate personal risk

factors to determine whether or not they are

comfortable with the proposed controls in place

to adequately mitigate their perceived individual

risk level. No one should agree to travel unless

comfortable doing so.

❏ Who is responsible for the responder’s safety?

❏ All appropriate and reasonable safety

considerations for the employee have been

discussed and thoroughly reviewed prior to

accepting travel. If not, then a justification of

why not should be captured.

Take POV when able

Do not take “ride shares”, do not carpool

Wipe down contact surfaces on rental cars

If possible, carry hand sanitizer, gloves and cleaning supplies

(wipes, disinfectant spray/paper towels) to utilize when getting

gas or making stops

Wash or use hand sanitizer before putting on facial

covering/masks and when eating, drinking

Do not carry passengers outside of your immediate family that resides

with you. If you have to provide transportation to others, please see

below for recommended car sanitation guidelines:

●

Before cleaning - leave doors/windows open to allow for

sufficient air changes to remove potentially infectious particles

(15 – 30 minutes, consider if windy or still air)

Wear the following:

○ gloves you can dispose of

○ eye protection (safety glasses or sunglasses or goggles)

○ cloth or other facial covering

○ Button up shirt or disposable covering (tyvek)

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfectant spray on all common

interior surfaces that you will be touching when driving the

vehicle next- window controls, shifter, seat belt, climate

controls, radio dials. Wipe down exterior door handles that

were touched

Allow to air dry

Doors remain open while cleaning to provide adequate

ventilation

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Travel via Commercial aircraft

Check specific airport websites you will be flying out of and transiting

through, as well as visiting your specific airline carrier website. Each

*Travelers should be prepared for airport and airline have instituted varying measures to reduce risk of

possible delays or flight

exposure. However, airlines are recommended to comply with

cancellations as various localities guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to

impose or modify quarantines and clean and disinfect the interiors of their aircraft.

statements of purpose. Make sure

to research guidelines or

● If possible adhere to social distancing guidelines on the plane restrictions imposed by local

sit or move seats to allow for adequate distancing

authorities - in advance - for your

● Avoid crowded waiting areas

planned destination.

● Wipe down handles of check baggage upon retrieval

Travel via Small boat

●

Agency vessel - Follow preventative measures agency has in

place

Travel via Response aircraft

(USCG, or chartered)

●

Wipe down communications gear (mics, headsets, etc.)

Hotel stay - Alternative lodging

may be a viable option (Airbnb,

RV, etc.) should it provide

improved physical distancing

measures.

Many international hotel brands have instituted elevated cleaning

protocols to reassure guests of their safety and to minimize the

economic impact felt by the severe reduction in travel. Large hotel

chains like Marriott and Hilton have published their specific cleaning

measures such as increasing the frequency of cleaning public areas,

increasing hand sanitizer availability, using disinfectant to wipe down

surfaces within hotel rooms and improve staff training protocols.

Ex. Marriott “ Hand Hygiene: In our daily meetings, our teams are

reminded that cleanliness starts with this simple act. It’s important for

their health and that of our guests.

Guest Rooms: Hotels use cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean

rooms after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with

particular attention paid to high-touch items.

Public Spaces: Hotels have increased the frequency of cleaning and

disinfecting in public spaces, with a focus on the counter at the front

desk, elevators (and elevator buttons), door handles, public bathrooms

and even room keys.

Back of House: In the spaces where associates work “behind the

scenes,” hotels are increasing the frequency of cleaning and focusing

on high-touch areas like associate entrances, locker room, laundry

rooms and staff offices.

●

Use Hotel Brand app to download digital key to enter room check in via hotel app or over phone to minimize time spent in

hotel lobby or standing in check-in area.

Proper PPE when cleaning room:

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

●

Face mask

Eye protection - to prevent splash from cleaning

materials

● Nitrile gloves

● Once in room, wipe down frequently touched surfaces with

antibacterial wipes or disinfectant spray and a rag for key places

- the phone, door knobs, toilet handle, ice bucket, microwave

buttons, remote control, and bathroom faucet handles. Don’t

forget light switches.

● Wipe down hard surfaces, such as the night table, or coffee table.

You don't need to do them all, but prioritize surfaces where you

will set down things that will go near your face or in your mouth

(think shelves that house glassware, or nightstands where you put

your glasses.)

● Wipe down bathroom surfaces - all hard surfaces, including the

toilet seat and lid.

● There’s no guarantee that your room glasses and mugs aren’t

simply rinsed off under the tap by the cleaning staff, or even

wiped down with the same sponge that’s used to clean other

parts of the bathroom. The quick way to deal with this is to run

your cup under hot water for a minute or two before using it; this

will kill most bacteria. Or pack a travel mug from home.

● Ask the hotel how often they wash the heavy comforter many hotels wash the top covers intermittently and wash the

sheets after each use. Ditch the decorative pillows on the

couch and bed that do not have the cases washed daily.

● Use NO HOUSEKEEPING Sign.

Best Practices: On-Scene, at an ICP & in the Field

Should “mission essential travel” be deemed necessary, work with Safety Officer and Supervisor

to implement appropriate protocols (training, PPE, travel plan, etc.).

Considerations:

● How can I reduce exposure time while on scene?

● How can I reduce hours and other stresses on-scene?

● Understand that response times may be delayed due to travel/ quarantine/ personnel

availability

● NRT guidance and special protocols? Not yet, seen as locally driven by local and state

health restrictions

● Concerns about response bringing virus to remote communities?

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

Consider the following applicable questions to discuss with FOSC prior to deployment:

● Contact info for Incident’s Safety officer

● ICP set-up, protection measures

● Teleconference capabilities -Can agencies use ZOOM, adobe connect, and other

communication platforms?

● Availability and policies of local lodging and food?

Consider the following applicable questions regarding ICP site support.

● Is the surrounding area impacted by the response one deemed high risk for COVID-19

exposure by local health authorities? (See Mission Essential Travel Approved - Worksheet

to determine geographic hazard levels)

● What is the Agency/Facility implementing to minimize exposure/spread?

● How frequently are common surfaces being cleaned/disinfected?

● What entry restrictions are in place to minimize gatherings of 10 or more people?

● How are meetings being held? What options for remote meetings exist?

● How are work areas set up? Is there appropriate spacing of 6’ between individual work

areas?

● What HEPA filters/ventilation rate does the meeting room/work space have?

● How will food be served?

● Will hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and PPE (n95 masks, gloves, Tyvek suits) be

available on site? Given limitations to availability of PPE/cleaning supplies - how will this

be managed?

● What is the protocol for when a suspected infected person is or has been in the ICP?

● What notifications can we expect to receive should someone working in the ICP have

tested positive for COVID-19?

● What if any medical support is on scene to screen potential cases? What does that

screening entail?

● How will security or site restrictions be enforced to restrict non-essential visitors, general

public?

Industry Partner Best Practice - Focus on initial screening of staff - e.g. creating and maintaining

a "clean zone" for the ICP, this includes effectively managing field operations.

1) Once you have "clean" personnel who you have screened in, how can you minimize contact

with possible outside contamination sources?

- A small number of "clean" hotels, mandatory to stay there

- Catering, so people don't go out for meals and mingle with the "outside"

- Controlled transportation means to/from the ICP and lodging

2) Social distancing in the ICP

- Smaller rooms with the individual sections rather than the big ballroom

- Really limiting staff at meetings

- Space between workstations

- No physical contact (handshakes, hugs, and high fives)

- Common distance (x ft) for conversations

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

3) Sanitizing workspace

- Hand sanitizer for everyone

- No common work equipment

- Spacing shift change so outgoing people can sanitize area prior to departing

- Periodic sanitizing of equipment and workspaces during a shift (e.g., every 2 hours, every 4

hours)

- Good ventilation, lots of small, high quality air filters

- Control of high contact spaces like the water coolers and coffee pots.

- Periodic sanitizing of high contact spaces like doorknobs and handrails

4) Effective stress management (the best defense is a good immune system)

- Actively manage the hours people work

- Positive encouragement and support for eating better

- Provide places for de-stressing within the "clean zone," like gym facilities, places to run,

pleasant outdoor areas

A. Job Hazard Analysis for specific tasks:

● Field work

● SCAT Job Hazard Analysis

B. Guidance and example Site Safety Plans (ICS 208) that include controls to mitigate

exposure and spread of coronavirus during a response

CTCLUSI TERP Addendum: SOG for COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Assessment

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.