COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training Supplement
Federal Guidance Supplement
Updated: December 18, 2024
COVID-19 guidance rapidly evolves in response to virus variants and new scientific evidence. Please review this Federal Guidance Supplement to our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training for the latest CDC and OSHA guidance related to the topics discussed in the course. Then, return to the State Resources.
Everyone must follow all safe work practices required by federal, state, or local law or workplace policy.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
The federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ended on May 11, 2023.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is endemic throughout the world. That means that the virus will continue to circulate and cause illness indefinitely. At the community level, the prevalence of COVID-19 changes constantly and can still be high enough to increase the risk of infection for everyone in the community.
The CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, including:
- Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
- Improving Ventilation
- Getting Tested for COVID-19 If Needed
- Following Recommendations for What to Do If You Have Been Exposed
- Staying Home If You Have Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- Seeking Treatment If You Have COVID-19 and Are at High Risk of Getting Very Sick
- Avoiding Contact with People Who Have Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
If you or the people around you are at increased risk of serious illness, the CDC recommends:
- Wearing Masks or Respirators
- Avoiding Crowded Areas and Keeping Distance between Yourself and Others
You can find the latest guidance on COVID-19 prevention at the CDC website.
Everyone must follow all safe work practices required by federal, state, or local law or workplace policy.
COVID-19 Vaccines and CDC Recommendations
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on vaccination.
Vaccination is key in protecting everyone in the workplace from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Current CDC recommendations and information about the vaccines are below.
Current CDC Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
People ages 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get at least 2 doses of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months apart.
Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date.
2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccines
As of August 24, 2024, the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novovax are available for use in the United States. There is no preference for one vaccine over the other when more than one vaccine is recommended for an age group.
The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant. 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains.
The 2023–2024 Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available for use in the United States.
You can find the latest guidance on COVID-19 vaccines at the CDC website.
Everyone must follow all safe work practices required by federal, state, or local law or workplace policy.
When Are Your Vaccinations Up to Date
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training for fully vaccinated and up to date workers.
Vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
CDC recommends that everyone stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people with weakened immune systems.
As of August 24, 2024, CDC guidance on staying up to date is:
Children aged 6 months—4 years:
Your child is up to date when they have received all recommended doses, including at least 1 dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. CDC guidance on recommended doses for children in this age group is here.
Children aged 5—11 years:
Your child is up to date when they have received 1 dose of the 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR 1 dose of the 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
People ages 12-64 years:
You are up to date when you have received 1 dose of the 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR 1 dose of the 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine OR 1 dose of the 2024–2025 Novavax vaccine unless you are receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for the very first time. If you have never received any COVID-19 vaccine and get Novavax, you need 2 doses of 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date.
People ages 65 years and older:
You are up to date when you have received 2 doses of any 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months apart. While it is the recommended to get 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine doses 6 months apart, the minimum time is 2 months apart, which allows flexibility to get the second dose prior to typical COVID-19 surges, travel, life events, and healthcare visits.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised:
There are different recommendations if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised. See Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People.
You can find the CDC’s latest guidance on staying up to date with vaccines here.
Everyone must follow all safe work practices required by law or workplace policy, regardless of vaccination status.
Respirator and Face Mask Fit & Types
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on respirator and face mask fits and types.
The CDC continues to study how masks and respirators help to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC provides guidance on different types of masks and respirators you can use to protect yourself and others from getting and spreading COVID-19.
How to Store Masks
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on how to store and wash masks.
Storing Your Mask
Clean Masks
You can store your mask temporarily to reuse later. Remove your mask correctly and wash your hands after touching a used mask. Keep it in a dry, breathable bag (like a paper or mesh fabric bag) to keep it clean between uses. When reusing your mask, keep the same side facing out.
If you are taking off your mask to eat or drink outside of your home, you can place it somewhere safe to keep it clean, such as your pocket, purse, or paper bag.
Make sure to wash or sanitize your hands after removing your mask. After eating, put the mask back on with the same side facing out. Be sure to wash or sanitize your hands again after putting your mask back on.
Wet or Dirty Mask
You should replace a wet or soiled mask with a clean mask. A wet mask is less effective and can make it hard to breathe.
Store a wet reusable mask in a plastic bag until you are able to put can put it in the laundry. To keep a reusable mask clean between uses, you can temporarily store it in a dry paper or mesh fabric bag. When reusing the mask, keep the same side facing out. Be sure to remove and put on the mask correctly.
Ventilation
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training.
Ensuring adequate ventilation throughout the work environment can help limit the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 viral particles spread more readily indoors because the concentration of viral particles is often higher than outdoors. When possible, introducing outdoor air can help improve ventilation, such as opening windows and using fans.
If you see that a vent is clogged, dirty, or blocked by furniture or equipment, report it immediately to Human Resources or the building manager.
Federal and state guidance evolves as scientists learn more about the COVID-19 virus.
You can find the latest guidance on COVID-19 ventilation in the workplace and ventilation in buildings from the CDC.
Hand Sanitizer
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer is not as effective as washing your hands at removing all types of germs or when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, and your hands are not visibly dirty or greasy, you can use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and then wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you can.
Follow the steps described in the course to use hand sanitizer effectively.
Cleaning & Disinfection
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning and disinfecting can also reduce the risk of infection in the workplace. Cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces. Disinfecting kills any remaining germs.
If you are involved in cleaning or disinfecting your work area or any other part of the workplace, you should use cleaners and disinfectants safely and effectively.
Safe Use of Product
Always read and follow the product label for instructions on safe use.
The product label will list any necessary safety precautions, such as PPE (e.g., gloves, glasses, or goggles), ventilation (e.g., open windows), and other precautions.
Wash your hands after cleaning or disinfecting and after removing gloves or other protection.
If you have asthma, be careful around cleaning agents and disinfectants. Some cleaning agents can cause asthma attacks or other adverse reactions.
Clean & Disinfect Effectively
Always read and follow the product label for effective use, including concentration, application, and contact time.
Daily cleaning with products containing soap or detergent is usually sufficient to remove viruses that may be on surfaces.
When disinfection is needed, use products that are effective against COVID-19 from the EPA’s List N.
Electronics
Consider placing a wipeable cover on electronics for easier cleaning and disinfecting.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning the electronic device.
For electronic surfaces that need to be disinfected, use a product on EPA’s List N that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many products for electronics contain alcohol because it dries quickly.
Soft Surfaces
For soft surfaces, such as carpets, rugs, and drapes, clean the surface using a product containing soap, detergent, or other cleaner appropriate for these items.
Launder clothing, towels, linens, and soft surfaces (if possible), and other similar items. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
If you need to disinfect, use a product approved for soft surfaces on EPA’s List N.
Vacuum as usual.
Health Monitoring
This information supplements our COVID-19 Safe Workplace Training on health monitoring.
Everyone should monitor their health daily for COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.
Do not come to work if you have any symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. Follow the applicable absence reporting procedures at your workplace.
Notify your supervisor immediately if:
If you are well when you arrive to work but develop COVID-19 symptoms during the workday.
If you were recently exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Contact your healthcare provider to help make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care.
Workplace Safety Feedback or Concerns
Workers have the right to a safe workplace free from known health and safety hazards. Please contact Human Resources or the COVID-19 contact person for your worksite if you have any COVID-19 workplace safety-related concerns, suggestions, or feedback, or if you have questions about any of the information covered in this training.
Retaliation is strictly prohibited against workers who raise concerns about unsafe working conditions or report COVID-19 infection or exposure.
You may also contact the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration – OSHA – or equivalent state agency about unsafe working conditions.
Workplace & Job-duty Specific Information
Safe work practices may differ depending on job duties and work setting.
If necessary, you will be provided additional education on workplace or job-duty-specific information and training on COVID-19 safe work practices. Managers will also receive instruction on how to implement COVID-19 policies.
Workers who are required to wear personal protective equipment – PPE – will be provided training on proper use and care.
Contact Human Resources or the COVID-19 contact person for your worksite for more information
Everyone must follow all safe work practices required by law or workplace policy.