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COVID-19
Resource Portal.

We are dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our employees, consultants, and clients. We have developed this resource portal to help you stay informed of critical updates and tools that can assist you during this difficult situation.

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Since December 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been responding to an outbreak of the respiratory disease COVID-19, which is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The new strain of coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China.

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation a “public health emergency of international concern.” Since then, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the globe and taken a foothold in every continent except Antarctica. New cases continue to emerge daily. Because of the growing transmission rate and scope, WHO officially elevated the status of COVID-19 to pandemic on March 11, 2020.

Please note that the information, resources, and suggestions mentioned on this page or elsewhere on this website are NOT substitutes for professional legal or medical advice. Although the data and safety practices cited have been collected from health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), they may be subject to change based on the ongoing research of those agencies. You should use your own discretion and the recommendations of health officials before implementing any of the tips mentioned herein.

COVID-19 Facts & Questions

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to COVID-19. They are zoonotic in nature, which means their transmission occurs between animals and people. Investigators have found that human contact in China with civet cats, raccoon dogs, and bats may have infected human hosts. Just as a cold or flu, humans with the virus can spread it to others.

What are COVID-19 symptoms?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue, and a dry cough. Some patients may experience aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. In more severe cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and, in rare cases, death.

How can I reduce my risk?

Standard preventative measures concentrate primarily on hygiene, including regular hand washing, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms.

Will I contract COVID-19?

According to health officials around the world, your chances of contracting the virus are between 40% and 70%. However, about 80% of the people who contract COVID-19 recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Only 1 in 6 individuals exhibit serious illness. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes have a higher risk of developing more threatening conditions.

How does COVID-19 spread?

Like many diseases, unfounded theories and myths can spread more rapidly than the virus itself. COVID-19 requires person-to-person transmission through small droplets from the nose or mouth. When an infected individual coughs or exhales, these droplets land on objects and surfaces. People come into contact with the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. They can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with the virus who coughs out or exhales droplets. There is virtually no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be spread through the air, feces, or household pets.

Should I be worried?

Illness related to the COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. Only 1 out of every 6 people who catch COVID-19 end up in need of hospital care. More than panic and consternation, the most appropriate response to the outbreak is vigilance, good hygiene habits, keeping informed, and following the advice of local health authorities, including compliance with any restrictions placed on travel, gatherings, and movement through areas under containment.

Will face masks help?

The short answer is “no.” Masks may be effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 when worn by an infected individual. However, wearing a mask will not likely reduce a healthy person’s risk of catching the virus. As the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, “Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face masks can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill, then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.”

Am I stuck at home?

Cities and states across the world are currently in the process of shutting down bars, wineries, breweries, restaurants, events, public venues, and large gatherings. This is obviously inconvenient for customers and detrimental to local economies. However, officials feel these steps are necessary to curb and contain the health risks during a pandemic. Restaurants may remain open for take-out orders. Check your city's website for details on closures, alternatives, and restricted areas.

What about ride and delivery services?

Customers
Avoid travel with a ride-sharing service if you have symptoms of illness or a confirmed case of COVID-19. When ordering deliveries from companies such as DoorDash, Postmates, Amazon, or Uber Eats, allow workers to leave your items outside the door. Communicate through the app or its texting features.

Drivers
Wash your hands frequently and regularly. Wipe down seats and handles with disinfectants after each ride. If a customer is coughing, sneezing, or suffering from a runny nose, politely decline to accept the ride. Do not charge the customer for the cancelation or post negative reviews. However, reporting the individual to the ride-share company can help them supply vital data to health officials. Do not drive if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

Should I keep employees in the office?

Follow the advice of your local health authorities. Promote regular teleworking across your organization. If there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community, the health authorities may advise people to avoid public transport and crowded places. Teleworking will help your business keep operating while your employees stay safe.

What about work related travel?

Attempt to limit work-related travel whenever possible. Encourage teleconferencing and video meetings for customers and workers outside the area. Avoid enrolling in events, seminars, conferences, or group activities until the outbreak has been contained or health authorities ease recommended restrictions.

Still have questions? Get in touch

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking simple precautions.

Standard Preventative Tips.

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub, sanitizer, or soap and water.
Maintain a distance of at least three feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you’ve touched a surface or object that an infected person could have come into contact with.
Follow good respiratory hygiene. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow. It’s also a good idea to carry tissues. Be sure to dispose of used tissues immediately.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority, if available.
Keep up to date on the latest Covid-19 hotspots. Avoid unnecessary travel and any travel to deeply affected regions.

Tips for those in areas where COVID-19 is spreading.

In addition to the guidelines above, take these additional steps to lower your risks.

Self-quarantine by staying at home if you begin to experience even mild symptoms of an illness such as a headache, low grade fever, and a slight runny nose. Attempt to stay isolated until you recover. If it’s essential for you to have someone deliver supplies, request that they leave the items at the door. If you must go out to buy food or supplies, then it’s appropriate to wear a mask, as this can help you avoid infecting other people.
If you develop a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly. Call your medical provider in advance and divulge the details of any recent travel or contact with travelers.

Business Resources.

Business leaders have a duty to protect their workers and customers. We at Oloop have prepared, and will continue to update, a list of valuable resources to help your organization through the crisis.

COVID-19 Email Notification Template

Prevention Practices for the Workplace

Real-time Map of Outbreaks

World Health Organization Updates

CDC Information Portal

COVID-19 Online Training by WHO

Current List of Stay-at-Home US States

COVID-19 Telework Policy

COVID-19 Tracker for India

Updates from our team.

COVID-19 Updates for April 6, 2020

COVID-19 Updates for April 3, 2020

COVID-19 Update: States Now Imposing Domestic Travel Restrictions

More at our Blog

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