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638 Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
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Frequently Asked Questions

When can employees who have had COVID-19, or illness consistent with COVID-19, return to work?

The CDC provides guidance about the discontinuation of isolation for people with COVID-19 who are not in healthcare settings. This guidance may be adapted by state and local health departments to respond to rapidly changing local circumstances.

Employee wearing a mask and working at a desk in front of a laptop computer and the desk is stacked with papers.
Getting back to work will be great! Right?

How do I know if employees need personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Employers must conduct a hazard assessment in accordance with OSHA's PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132), if applicable, to determine the PPE requirements for their unique work site. Employers subject to this standard must determine if PPE (such as gloves, surgical masks, and face shields) is necessary for employees to work safely after considering whether engineering and administrative controls and safe work practices (such as social distancing or the use of cloth face coverings) can effectively mitigate identified hazards.

Employers should consider modifying worker interaction – both among coworkers and with customers, visitors, or other members of the general public – in order to reduce the need for PPE, especially in light of potential equipment shortages.

If PPE is needed, but not available, and employers cannot identify alternative means to accomplish business needs safely, the work tasks must be discontinued. Consider CDC guidance for conserving and extending filtering facepiece respirator supplies in non-healthcare sectors

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-6. What is required if PPE is needed, but not available, and employers cannot identify alternative means to accomplish business needs safely?