Preventing a coronavirus case from becoming a workplace outbreak

The state of California issued new guidance Friday for employers on how to deal with positive coronavirus cases in the workplace as well as reinforcing preventive efforts.

As coronavirus cases spike through out California, the state now establishing a COVID-19 employer playbook that details ways to prevent an outbreak at work.

“Its been challenging for everybody, so prior to having more specific guidelines you kinda had to make your decisions on what you felt was best to handle situations," said John Bertram, Owner of Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill

The state now providing an outbreak identification preparedness actions checklist that ensures that sick leave policies are flexible to enable workers who are sick to stay home without penalty.

The manual also gives suggestions for employers to communicate identified cases of COVID-19 to worker stating employers must notify all workers who were potentially exposed to the individual with coronavirus.  

Plus, criteria on when workers should return to work.  

Owner of Stuft Pizza, John Bertram knows firsthand how important it is to react quickly when positive coronavirus cases hit your business. 

“In our situation more than a month ago when we had a case they let us know immediately at that point we decided to closed down to do a deep clean and get as many people that would have worked with this person  and get them tested as well," said Bertram.

Bertram said he closed for 10 days and notified his staff immediately when two employees tested positive for the virus

 But he continues to take preventive measures.

“Masks, spacing, deep cleanings, nice thing for us right now we have only been operating outdoors for sometime so we can kinda of get in the rhythm and get some consistency, and everything seems to be working well with us," said Bertram.

For full playbook. Click Here.