Communications
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| Beginning June 8, all employees must wear face coverings for work. |
Many of us probably never imagined we’d work from home for months on end, missing in-person meetings and hallway brainstorming with coworkers.
Teleworkers may be wondering; when will we return to our WSDA worksites? And what will the work experience look like when we do?
For now, employees who are able to telework should continue to do so. And employees who have been and continue to conduct field work should follow their program’s safety guidance.
Under the state’s “Safe Start” phased reopening plan, much of the state is easing restrictions. The Governor’s Office, along with state public health and worker safety agencies, have been issuing guidance for what state agencies’ return-to-work plans must cover.
WSDA is working on an agency plan for reopening based on that. Our agency planning effort includes input from safety, human resources, emergency management, communications, IT, facilities, contracting and other areas.
Virus still a threat
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating. We have no vaccine or treatment for this highly contagious illness. Some people who get it have few or mild symptoms, and may not even know they are infected.
But others, especially those who are high-risk due to age or medical conditions, can become critically ill, need hospitalization or can die. As this is written, over 1,200 Washingtonians have died.
And WSDA has not been spared. Some agency employees have gotten the virus. Fortunately, all have recovered.
When an employee tests positive for COVID-19, WSDA follows public health procedures that include telling the person to stay home until they have not had symptoms for 72 hours. We notify the facilities where employees have been and the local health department. And we alert other employees who have had contact with the infected person.
To prevent further spread of the virus and protect the health of employees, visitors and customers, we must put careful thought and planning into how we will physically return to worksites.
We don’t have all the details nailed down yet. However, you are likely to experience new protocols and facility changes when you do return.
Basic Prevention
As of June 8, all employees must wear cloth face coverings while at work, unless working alone in an office or vehicle or do not interact with others. Similarly, social distancing, as much as is physically possible, will be the norm in all WSDA facilities and jobsites.
Since COVID-19 started spreading in Washington earlier this year, health officials have emphasized actions needed to control how it spreads. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others (social distancing).
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (or inside of elbow) and toss tissue immediately.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms (more below).
Health Screening
Employees who may be infected with COVID-19 should stay home so as not to expose their coworkers to the virus. Identifying anyone who may be infected will help protect everyone.
WSDA employees will be expected to answer screening questions before leaving home for work – every day -- to check whether they have any symptoms related to COVID-19. This is so important that employees will need to verify that they have performed this self-screen.
As an added layer of protection, the agency may screen employees, customers and visitors at facility entry points to make sure no one who has any symptoms enters the workplace.
Facility Adjustments
Mandatory social distancing will require changes in our workspaces and in how we move around and gather.
Some changes you may see:
- Entry and exit points restricted and monitored.
- Limited capacity in common areas, such as break rooms, conference rooms, restrooms, and elevators.
- Signs with reminders about face covering, social distancing, and basic health practices.
Yes, the world of work will look different when we do return. Remember that these changes and expectations are meant to keep you, your coworkers and our communities safe from the spread of COVID-19.
In summary: As WSDA works on a plan for bringing more workers back into office, you can expect to see significant changes when you do return. Details are still being worked out. However, be prepared for the new world of work to be transformed.
