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The original item was published from 3/5/2020 12:19:21 PM to 3/26/2020 8:05:01 AM.

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Posted on: March 5, 2020

[ARCHIVED] City of Rogers and Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce actively monitoring COVID-19 Virus

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City of Rogers and Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce officials are closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus and working together to take appropriate action as it’s warranted. Communications are ongoing with the Arkansas Department of Health, Rogers Public Schools and Public Safety and Health professionals to ensure the community is adequately prepared at home and in the workplace with the most accurate, important and up-to-date information.

The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is still unknown at this time. Employers should start planning now to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. Plans should include defining actions that address one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains.

Employers should also be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. This includes reviewing HR policies (work from home, PTO, leave and health benefits) and having contingency plans in place for employees who don’t have appropriate childcare in case educational facilities were to not be in session for an extended time period.

As with any virus, both businesses and individuals are advised to follow these guidelines as precautions to minimize risk of acquiring an illness:

  • Stay at home if sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick
  • Routinely clean and sanitize items and surfaces that are frequently touched
  • Wash and sanitize hands thoroughly throughout the day
  • Check all current information on travel advisories before traveling for work or leisure

The Arkansas Department of Health has activated a call center specifically dedicated to answering questions regarding COVID-19. During its normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), those with urgent and non-urgent concerns may call (800) 803-7847. After normal business hours, those with only urgent concerns needing immediate response may call (501) 661-2136.

For additional updates, prevention techniques and information, please refer to the following resources:

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCOVID-19 Situation Summary
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionOverview on the COVID-19 Virus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionGuidance for Businesses and Employers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Healthy Arkansas WebsiteCOVID-19 Status Update in Arkansas
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

U.S. Chamber of CommerceCombating the Coronavirus 
https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus


                                   

    

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