Construction Bulletin

CDC Issues Interim Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Been Exposed to COVID-19

April 9, 2020

By: John W. Hays

Construction firms and other critical infrastructure with employees who may have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 may allow those employees to continue working if they remain asymptomatic and they adhere to the following practices before and during their shift:

Pre-Screen: Employers should measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to them starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility.

Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program.

Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue face masks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.

Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.

Disinfect and Clean work spaces: Clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment routinely.

Any employee who becomes sick during a shift should be sent home immediately. Workspace surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected. The employer should collect information on everyone who was near the employee when they became ill and 2 days before the symptoms manifested. Anyone who was within 6 feet of the employee should be considered exposed.

The guidelines are available here.