Many employers are tackling the pandemic head-on by adapting their stores, their business practices and even their business tactics. However, there is an important detail that business owners need to examine before the pandemic spreads, a potential outbreak.

Certain strains of Covid-19 are extremely contagious, and it is easily spread through the air or through touch. It only takes one customer or employee to catch it and spread it throughout your company.

What should I do to prevent an outbreak?

There are certain actions that entrepreneurs can implement that will prevent an outbreak and protect their employees, including:

• Tell employees to stay home if they were exposed or show symptoms
• Notify all employees if there was potential exposure
• Offer confidentially to staff members if they need to discuss their options
• Provide healthcare consultations if they are exposed
• Establish training and information about what workers can do about working during the pandemic
• Informing your workers about quarantining, testing and monitoring symptoms of coronavirus

Also wearing a mask is necessary across California, so make sure everyone wears a mask in your office, including yourself.

How do I respond to an outbreak?

In the case of an outbreak, you need to track down the positive cases among your workers and report the cases to your local health department. After reporting the case, mandate your other employees to receive testing.

If you need additional support, work with your local health department to ensure you reduce the spread from your business and suspend operations if necessary.

Employers should not be afraid of an outbreak. Instead, be prepared.