Dear Colleagues,

 

Some of you have asked for guidance related to program staff travel and the Corona Virus situation. We have not received any request or guidance to cancel program travel or program activities due to the Corona Virus situation at this point. The below information was provided by HHS yesterday to all HHS employees and I would like to pass it along to you.

 

As the expanding global outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues, your health and safety as members of the HHS workforce remain our top priority.  As we continue to work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as public health partners across the globe to respond to contain COVID-19, I want to remind you that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at HHS continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19.  It is imperative to stay informed and vigilant.  Click here for the latest updates.

 

I urge you to practice everyday preventive actions such as:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue away immediately after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, as well.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. While it may seem simple, germs often spread this way.
• At the workplace, wash your hands frequently and practice caution when coming into contact with commonly touched surfaces like door handles, handrails, and elevator buttons.

 

If you are planning to travel, please ensure you have up to date domestic and/or overseas travel information from the CDC travel advisory website.  You can also find updates via the State travel advisory site.

 

You can also access the “Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html

 

Thank you,

 

Humberto M. Carvalho, MPH

Public Health Advisor – Project Officer

Office of Management, Analysis, and Coordination - OMAC

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration-SAMHSA

5600 Fishers Lane – 17E53A
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 240-276-2974

E-mail: humberto.carvalho@samhsa.hhs.gov