Memo: Coronavirus and Flu Season

To: All Employees

The world health community continues to monitor closely the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, named “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19). At this time, no one knows how severe this outbreak will be. Given this uncertainty, and the fact that the seasonal influenza (flu) virus is also widespread, we are taking proactive steps to address a number of business concerns. First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe workplace and encourage and/or adopt practices protecting the health of employees, students, visitors or others. We also want to ensure the continuity of business operations in the event of a pandemic.  

We ask all employees to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace. Employees are reminded of the following: 

  • Stay home when you are sick.  
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze, and discard used tissues in the trash.  
  • Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms. 
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces. 

As an afterschool provider we take direction from our clients – the schools and districts. At this time, we have had no schools closed or scheduling closures but there are plans for potential school closures at every site. While school day classes may become virtual for students, if school is closed arc will not provide services. In this event, you will be contacted by your supervisor for alternative work assignments. 

At programming, make sure to schedule breaks to have students do mandatory hand washing and call parents to pick up their children if they are sick. 

Will we keep you all posted as we learn about policies and restrictions from each partner district/school. 

It is critical that employees do not report to work while they are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employees remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Many times, with the best of intentions, employees report to work even though they feel ill. We provide paid sick time and other benefits to compensate employees who are unable to work due to illness. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.   

Please contact the human resources department at HRTeam@arc-experience.com with any questions or concerns. 

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