Whether we like it or not we are in a new normal, at least for the next 18 months, we’ll see what the long term effects look like when we get there. It is now normal to wear face masks or use other personal protective equipment (PPE) before leaving the house or have your temperature taken wherever you go. It has become standard in offices and even other enclosed areas to have alcohol dispensers, markers for social distancing and even discussions on option for work from home arrangements. All these actions aim to prevent the individual from acquiring the COVID-19 virus and prevent its spread.
But what do we do if ever you or a member of your staff has the virus? I bring this up because the way things are going, this will happen, not it may happen. And because I’m cynical I think it’ll happen sooner rather than later.
Step one, take a deep breath. This isn’t the first time you’ll have to deal with this and chances are you need to do it several times. Someone in the office needs to set the tone of calm, it might as well be you, since you own it an all. The first action if one of the staff members has a temperature above the threshold of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is to isolate them and have them relax. Try giving them some water to help cool them down and then recheck their temperature after five minutes. If the temperature registers the same or higher, ask for the most common symptoms. Even if they don’t exhibit or have these symptoms, it’s best to send them home until they stop exhibiting symptoms and come back with a negative covid test.
Once the stricken employee has received medical attention, you need to turn your attention on the administrative issues. Recheck the temperatures of the remaining staff and do tracing on who had physical contact with the sick co-worker that may result in infection. Check for symptoms and send staff home that fit in the parameters above. Note: make sure that the employee who got sent home is paid at least for 2 hours (if they are an exempt employee). Lastly, disinfect all common areas and any areas that the person touched to prevent any further contamination.
Lawyer’s note, if you didn’t document the above, none of the actions count at all. Documentation is key to avoid being harassed later for a phantom violation of the group of laws in effect for these (OHSA, local health ordinance etc). From a practical standpoint, you the provider needs to make sure that you are healthy and do everything possible to not contract Covid. You’re the economic engine of the practice and without you, none of the bills get paid, so take care of yourself. I’ve been walking clients through this process for weeks now, if you have questions, set up a CALL or EMAIL me regarding how best to protect your practice.
