Deputy Director
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| Prevent the spread - wash your hands often. |
The following are the most important actions you can take to help WSDA and our state respond to COVID-19.
Prevent the spread
We can all help prevent the spread of this and any other virus by practicing the standard, common-sense methods recommended every cold and flu season.
Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces.
Protect others
If you are feeling sick, stay home and stay away from others. WSDA supports employees who need to be home to recuperate and protect their colleagues from the spread of illness. Talk to your
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| Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. |
If you are concerned that you may be at risk for COVID-19, call your doctor or health care provider before going to a hospital or doctor’s office. Health professionals will advise you about steps to take.
Prepare at home and work
As we would prepare for any emergency, such as a major earthquake, make sure you have the supplies you need at home and a household plan.
At work, we can prepare for the possibility of increased absences – due to illness, school closures, or being redirected to help with response. In your work unit, consider how you will cover each other’s work, how staff could work from home, and how you might prioritize the most essential responsibilities.
Stay informed
For the most accurate and credible information about COVID-19 – what it is, how it spreads, symptoms, and how best to respond – look to the expertise of public health agencies.
For Washington, our state Department of Health (doh.wa.gov) is the best place to start. Their webpage about the virus has the latest updates, plus resources and recommendations for every concern.
I assure you the WSDA leadership takes this public health threat very seriously. We are coordinating daily with our emergency management and safety staff, as well as our state, local and federal partners.
Thank you for continuing to focus on your work and the agency’s mission. Now more than ever, I encourage everyone to support each other in staying safe and healthy.
In summary: You can take specific actions to reduce the threat posed by COVID-19 (or Novel Coronavirus). Taking steps to prevent, protect and prepare, WSDA employees can keep themselves safe, support each other, and help our state respond to this public health risk.
