By Laura French
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Clinic has released a new guidebook for first responders that outlines best practices for workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The guidebook, published at the end of December 2020, outlines tips for sanitizing the workplace and reducing virus exposure, recognizing COVID-19 symptoms and quarantining symptomatic or exposed employees, supporting first responders’ emotional wellness throughout the pandemic and communicating effectively while wearing a mask.
The guide also includes sections on reducing virus exposure during aerosol-generating procedures and handling conflicts, such as when someone doesn’t want to wear a mask when mandated.
“Our communities want to know what will happen next. Will they be safe? How have organizations adapted? What can they expect from the future?” said Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tomislav Mihaljevic, MD, in a message included in the introduction of the guidebook. “As leaders, we need to deliver clear, accurate and concise answers to these questions.”
Guidebook sections on cleaning and disinfecting were created in collaboration with The Clorox Company, and much of the guidance is also based on the most up-to-date CDC guidelines.
See the full guidebook below: