March 3, 2020: Precautions & Good Hygiene

We will be providing updates on COVID-19 (the coronavirus) as this public health matter unfolds. Public health officials do anticipate the continued spread of the virus, so it’s imperative that we all stay informed and continue to practice good hygiene.

Our union is taking proactive steps to ensure protections are in place for workers. Our executive director is in discussions with OFM and the governor’s staff in hopes of developing a universal policy that ensures employees do not lose pay in the case of exposure and subsequent quarantine. We will keep you updated as new information comes in.

It is our collective responsibility to take preventive measures seriously.

  • Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. The Centers for Disease Control is an excellent source for information on how to avoid contacting and spreading viruses. Please review their recommendations here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • Do not go to work if you are showing symptoms. If you have reason to believe you have been exposed, you should notify your doctor immediately and follow their recommendations.
  • If your medical provider places you under quarantine, be sure to provide notice to your employer. Work with your employer to determine if telework is an option.
  • If you have an autoimmune disease or weakened immune system, you should seek the advice of your medical provider.

If you have questions about the WA Department of Health (WA DOH) guidelines, contact their hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

If you have reason to believe your employer is not responding appropriately and reasonably to this public health matter, contact the WFSE Member Connection Center at 833-MCC-WFSE or email them at [email protected]

We will provide additional information to you as we receive it. Stay tuned for a frequently asked question (FAQ) document from the state of Washington. We will also continue to provide updates on our website here. https://wfse.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information