[Part 1]
Lots of good info on how to manage coronavirus outbreaks. Was meant for ships, but the valuable tips apply to businesses and homes as well.
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/maritime/recommendations-for-ships.html
Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019
Summary of Recent Changes
Revisions were made on February 18, 2020 to reflect the following:
•Clarified guidance on laundry and disposal of used PPE and other disposable items.
Summary of Past Changes
Early detection, prevention, and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on ships is important to protect the health of travelers on ships and to avoid transmission of the virus by disembarking passengers and crew members who are suspected of having COVID-19.
The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Purpose
This document provides guidance for ships originating from, or stopping in, the United States to help prevent, detect, and medically manage suspected COVID-19 infections. As ships travel worldwide, ship management and medical staff need to be aware and respond to local jurisdictional requirements.
A patient’s travel and exposure history, clinical presentation, and underlying medical conditions are essential in the assessment and decision-making process for patients who may need for further medical evaluation, testing, and treatment.
This document provides guidance for preventing spread of COVID-19 during and after a voyage, including personal protective measures for crew members.
CDC will update this interim guidance to ships as needed and as additional information becomes available.
Reducing the spread
Commercial shipping, including cruise ships and other passenger vessels, involves the movement of large numbers of people in closed and semi-closed settings. Like other close-contact environments, ships may facilitate transmission of respiratory viruses from person to person through exposure to re spiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
To reduce spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19, CDC recommends that ships encourage crew members and passengers to
• Postpone travel when sick
• Watch their health
• Self-isolate and inform the onboard medical center immediately if they develop a fever (100.4oF / 38oC or higher), begin to feel feverish, or develop other signs or symptoms of sickness
• Use respiratory, cough, and hand hygiene
◦ Advise passengers and crew of the importance of covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Dispose used tissues immediately in a disposable container (e.g., plastic bag) or a washable trash can.
◦ Remind passengers and crew members to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, they can use a hand sanitizer containing 60%-95% alcohol).
Clinical evaluation of suspect cases
Identifying and isolating passengers and crew with possible symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible is needed to minimize transmission of this virus. Cruise ship medical personnel and telemedicine providers should reference CDC’s COVID-19 website Information Healthcare Professionals for the latest information on infection control, clinical management, collecting clinical specimens, and evaluating patients who may be sick with or who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Patients have a fever if they feel warm to the touch, give a history of feeling feverish, or have a measured temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. COVID-19 infections have ranged from little-to-no symptoms to severe illness and death. The incubation period is believed to be 2–14 days. Cruise ship medical staff and telemedicine providers evaluating patients with fever or acute respiratory illness should obtain a detailed travel history and assess for any other potential exposures to a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection.
[Go to Part 2]