Overview
The United States White House and Center of Disease Control (CDC) have released on May 14 the phased approach on “Opening Up America Again.” The Phase approach is divided into three phases and determination of the phase a state or community is in is based on up-to-date -data and readiness.
Proposed State or Regional Gating Criteria:
Each State, Region, tribe and local community must satisfy the following proposed criteria before proceeding to phased opening. Every community may need to tailor the application of these criteria to local circumstances.
Symptoms
- Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported within a 14-day period
AND
- Downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period
Cases:
- Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period
OR
- Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests)
Hospitals
- Treat all patients without crisis care
AND
- Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing
Guidelines for All Phases: Employers
Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.
Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:
- Social distancing and protective equipment
- Temperature checks
- Testing, isolating, and contact tracing
- Sanitation
- Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas
- Business travel
Continue to adhere to State and local guidance as well as complementary CDC guidance, particularly with respect to face coverings.
Phase 1 : employers
Phase is Characterized as states and regions that have satisfyed the gating crietia.
- Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.
- Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
- Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
- Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
Phase 2: Employers
Phase 2 is characterized for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and satisfy the gating criteria a second time.
- Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.
- NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL can resume.
- Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
Phase 3: Employers
Phase 3 is characterized for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and satisfy the gating criteria a third time
- Resume UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.
OSHA Recommendations:
Prepare to Implement Basic Infection Prevention Measures
- Promote frequent and thorough hand washing, including by providing workers, customers, and worksite visitors with a place to wash their hands. If soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
- Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
- Provide customers and the public with tissues and trash receptacles.
- Employers should explore whether they can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies.
- Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible.
- Maintain regular housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment.
- When choosing cleaning chemicals, employers should consult information on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectant labels with claims against emerging viral pathogens.
About Global Regulatory Partners:
Global Regulatory Partners Inc, (GRP) is an American company that provides regulatory affairs, clinical, quality and safety services to medical devices and pharmaceutical companies globally. GRP headquarters is located in Massachusetts USA and its main affiliates are located in China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. GRP helps many life science companies register their products in different countries in compliance with local regulations.. To learn more, please contact us at info@globalregulatorypartners.com