As safety concerns surrounding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow, IIDA is closely monitoring updates from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the WHO (World Health Organization) to provide new information to our members. Employers, event planners, and organizations are emphasizing preparedness, prevention, and minimizing panic—particularly if their cities have seen an uptick in cases.
The health and safety of IIDA members is our priority, and we have gathered together some essential tips and important information for keeping you, your family, and your community safe.
Important information regarding IIDA and IIDA chapter events:
- If you are an IIDA chapter leader or event organizer and have an upcoming IIDA event scheduled, please implement all necessary cautionary procedures.
- Consult with your venue to ensure increased availability of hand sanitizing stations or ample supplies of hand sanitizer.
- Determine the venue’s current practice for increased facility-wide cleaning and disinfecting. Ask if they are cleaning all surfaces and how often.
- Have a plan of action and communication in place in the event of a postponement or cancellation
- If someone becomes ill at your event, particularly with onset fever, cough, or shortness of breath, have an immediate plan to have them relocated to the nearest healthcare facility.
- Carefully review your venue/catering/AV contracts for any clauses that might penalize you for short-notice cancellation. Consider a flexible refund policy should your event be postponed or canceled on short notice
Personal Safety:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Work from home if possible.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. A medical mask is not required if you are not sick, as there is currently no evidence that wearing a mask—of any type—protects non-sick persons.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after riding public transportation; or after being in a crowded space.
- If you feel sick with symptoms of COVID-19, separate yourself from other people and animals in your home, contact your healthcare provider, and monitor your symptoms.
Household Safety:
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home regularly (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
- Cleaning products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses.
- Avoid sharing household items such as drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items, with members of your household who are sick (with any illnesses).
Community Safety:
- Organizers of meetings, events, and other professional gatherings should consider the potential risk from COVID-19. Develop a preparedness plan to prevent infection at your meeting or event, and consider canceling or postponing your event if absolutely necessary.
- Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to your work community. Include strategies for sharing information with your staff without increasing fear and stigma.
- Emphasize to your employees staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette, and hand hygiene.
- Get to know your neighbors and gather local contact information in the event of an emergency.
- Check-in on vulnerable members of your community, including elderly, disabled, homebound, or chronically ill friends and neighbors. Offer assistance when and if you are able.
As the situation develops, we will continue to update and provide necessary information to IIDA members. Please do not hesitate to contact IIDA Headquarters at iidahq@iida.org with questions.
Resources:
Frequently asked questions
Preventative care
What to do if someone in your household is sick
International travel recommendations
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