The Postal Service is advising employees who feel ill to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and stay home, especially if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms — which can appear within 2-14 days after exposure to someone with the virus — include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all-inclusive, according to the CDC.
Postal Service employees who experience any of these symptoms — or any other symptoms that are severe or cause concern — should contact their health care provider and consider getting tested for COVID-19.
The CDC website has more information on symptoms and warning signs.
While it’s important to stay home when ill, it’s best not to get ill at all. The following are tips to prevent exposure to the virus and other infections:
- Wear face coverings.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Finally, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.
The Postal Service has also provided this information to employees through stand-up talks, workplace posters and other means.
