The text below is from an email sent to Church employees worldwide on March 5, 2020. See the latest coronavirus updates from the Church.
As concerns regarding the coronavirus continue to increase, we should remember to not react out of fear, but use our faith, wisdom, and common sense to help the work of the Lord continue during these challenging times.
In that spirit, and under the direction of the Brethren, the following policies and guidelines are being implemented to help keep you and others healthy and safe:
Hygiene
You should take primary responsibility for protecting yourself and others against the coronavirus by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If hand washing is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Minimize direct physical contact with others, including shaking hands.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, call to make an appointment with your primary health provider or urgent care clinic to be seen. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Travel restrictions
Effective immediately, the Church is implementing the following travel restriction policies for the workforce:
- Church employees and service missionaries should avoid non-essential international travel and seminars/gatherings that require international travel
- Following the recommendations of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all business or missionary travel to and from the following countries is suspended until further notice: China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea (this list will be updated on a regular basis)
- Area presidencies and DTA’s will determine any additional travel restrictions for the Church workforce within their respective areas
- If local regulations are more restrictive, employees and service missionaries should follow those mandates
- Employees and missionaries should not be compelled to travel if they have personal concerns
Office Closures and Working from Home
In locations where the coronavirus is spreading, some employees and missionaries have already been instructed to work from home. All employees and service missionaries should continue to follow the direction of their local Area or department leadership regarding office closures and working from home.
If you are asked to work from home, your Area or department leadership will provide you with additional direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of the novel coronavirus?
A: The symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to other common cold and flu viruses:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Q: How is the coronavirus spread?
A: The novel coronavirus spreads in a manner similar to other common cold and flu viruses:
- Through the air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
- Fecal contamination
Q: What do I do if I feel sick at home?
A: Please contact your primary health provider or urgent care clinic to be seen. You should notify your manager or mission leader, and remain at home until your primary care provider indicates that it is appropriate for you to return to work. If a member of the Church workforce is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, they may be asked to self-quarantine at home for up to two weeks as a precautionary measure to protect themselves and other members of the Church workforce.
Q: What do I do if I feel sick at work?
A: Please contact your primary health provider or urgent care clinic to be seen. If they are unable to see you immediately, please notify your manager and go home and await your appointment. You should remain at home until your primary care provider indicates that it is appropriate for you to return to work. If a member of the Church workforce is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, they may be asked to self-quarantine at home for up to two weeks as a precautionary measure to protect themselves and other members of the Church workforce.
Q: If I am sick and remain at home, do I need to use sick leave?
A: Yes. Employees should use sick leave to cover leave due to illnesses.
Q: What if I do not have symptoms of illness, but have been asked to remain at home in self-quarantine?
A: Please work with your manager or service mission leader to identify options for you to work from home. If working from home is not an option, contact your human resource representative.
Q: What if my working location has been closed due to concerns about the coronavirus?
A: Please work with your manager or service mission leader to identify options for you to work from home. If working from home is not an option, contact your human resource representative.
As the situation evolves, more information will be provided including questions about pay, leave, medical benefits, etc. If you have any questions about these policies and guidelines, please speak with your manager or human resource representative.