CDC issues new guidelines for essential workers during coronavirus

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention head on Wednesday said essential workers who are asymptomatic after exposure to a confirmed or suspected coronavirus case can return to work, but should wear face masks and take other precautions.

CDC Director Robert Redfield, speaking at a White House briefing, described new CDC guidance intended to accelerate the return to work of employees in essential sectors like healthcare.

Under the previous guidance, such workers were advised to stay home for 14 days if they were exposed to confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

Here are the guidelines:

— Do take your temperature before work.

— Do wear a face mask at all times.

— Do practice social distancing as work duties permit.

— Don't stay at work if you become sick.

— Don't share headsets or objects used near the face.

— Don't congregate in the break room or other crowded places.

— The CDC also issued guidance for employers in essential industries.

— Do take employees' temperature and assess for symptoms prior to their starting work.

— Do increase the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

— Do increase air exchange in the building.

— Do send sick workers home immediately.

— Do test the use of face masks to ensure they don't interfere with workflow.

Read more:

Coronavirus: UAE confirms 300 new cases over past 24 hours

Coronavirus: Dubai suspends marriage, divorce during lockdown

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records 2,932 total cases, 631 recoveries

For all the latest coronavirus news visit our dedicated page.