Updates from the Iowa Department of Health
Ames Laboratory Occupational Medicine: 515-294-2056 or email (om@ameslab.gov)
Social distancing measures in the workplace
- While at work and in public places, maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others.
- Schedule face-to-face meetings for essential Laboratory or University business only.
- Reduce the number of attendees in meetings.
- Hold meetings in larger rooms to provide greater social distancing space (at least 6 feet) between attendees.
- Use Webex, phone, or email for meetings (resource list in following section).
- Postpone any planned conferences, meetings, or seminars, or move to an online format.
- Consider reducing or eliminating your use of commonly shared appliances, such as coffeepots, microwaves, refrigerators, and drinking fountains.
Remember these prevention measures to protect yourself & your family
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Cover your nose and mouth with tissues when you cough or sneeze.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid spreading germs.
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Improve your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising, and eating healthy.
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Stay home if you are sick, and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
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Instead of a handshake, use a wave or elbow bump to avoid spreading germs.
Stay home if you are sick
If you have a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a cough, do not come to work. Take the following actions:
- Notify your supervisor that you are ill and will not be able to work
- Isolate yourself to keep from potentially exposing other people
- Seek medical advice from your primary care medical provider (but please call ahead first)
If you are sick:
Notify your supervisor you are sick (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have known COVID-19, and enter time off in Workday. Visit the UHR website for additional information and resources related to COVID-19 leave, and reach out to humanresources@ameslab.gov with questions.
Self Reporting COVID-19 to Ames Laboratory
If you are awaiting or have received test results for COVID-19, please follow your healthcare provider and/or local public health guidance. They will provide information on home isolation, monitoring of symptoms, infection control practices, and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Supervisors should notify Human Resources as soon as possible via email; humanresources@ameslab.gov.
Human Resources will facilitate confidential notification with Ames Laboratory Occupational Medicine.
Although we cannot disclose the individual’s identity, Occupational Medicine will work with local public health to determine whether there are any contacts at the Laboratory who need to be notified.
Ames Lab Facilities will be alerted to close affected areas for at least 24 hours, and then will coordinate cleaning and disinfection.
Following disinfection, offices and lab spaces will be assessed for risk prior to re-entry.
Returning to work after COVID-19 or cold/flu-like illnesses
Employees who become ill can return to work following these guidelines:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours; AND
- Other symptoms have improved (cough, shortness of breath), AND
- At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
- Prior to your return to work, please contact Occupational Medicine for consultation at 515-294-2056 or by email om@ameslab.gov.