COVID-19 Update for Ingeniux Employees

As we closely monitor the impact of COVID-19 in Washington State and elsewhere, I will continue to provide regular updates. These updates will include facts about the virus, the latest recommendations for protecting yourself and others, and Ingeniux workplace policy.

Yesterday, the number of deaths in Washington State as a result of COVID-19 reached 10. All but one of these cases were in connection to the outbreak at LifeCare Center, a nursing home in Kirkland. In most cases the deceased were 60 years of age or older. As of today, there are 70 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Washington State including 2 hospitalized in Walla Walla. In the cases of both individuals hospitalized in Walla Walla, the virus was contracted in a casino in Umatilla County in Oregon (not in Walla Walla).

There are likely many more undiagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Washington State right now as it is thought to have been spreading “silently” for weeks prior to detection.

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to practice impeccable hand hygiene, respiratory (sneezing, coughing) etiquette, remain mindful of what you touch and who is around you, and to self-quarantine when necessary.

The following information will help you understand the risks associated with COVID-19, measures you can take to protect yourself and others, and Ingeniux policy as of March 6, 2020.

Ingeniux Workplace Policy as of March 6, 2020

Working from Home

As Jim said in yesterday’s email on this subject, our workplace policies have always supported employees working from home (with manager approval). If for any reason you feel more comfortable or safer working from home, please do so and let your manager know. You and your family’s well-being are our primary concern as a company. 

Also, as Jim said in yesterday’s email, we are currently not requiring employees work from home. This is consistent with recommendations and guidelines from the CDC. Our offices are currently open. We have implemented regular office cleaning procedures and the offices are stocked with anti-bacterial soap, disinfectant wipes, and tissues. (Hand sanitizers are difficult to find at this time, but we are resourcing more). 

When to Stay Home

Do not come into the Ingeniux offices if:

• You are sick
• You have been in direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is being evaluated for COVID-19
• You have recently visited any ‘high impact areas’ and need to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Please note: If you identify with one or more of the “at risk of complications” groups listed below under COVID-19 Symptoms, Treatment, and Risk of Complications, stay at home at your own discretion.

We strongly recommend that you avoid large public events and gathering places.  Of particular concern are two events in the Seattle area – the Sounders game on Mar 7 and the Emerald City Comic Con on Mar 12 to 14 – and the Wildhorse Casino in Umatilla, OR.

Recommendations for Ingeniux Employee Health and Safety

First and foremost, if you are experiencing symptoms that resemble COVID-19, isolate yourself from others immediately and call your doctor to arrange an evaluation.

There are ways we can reduce our risk of exposure to COVID-19 and protect others, including our coworkers:

• Stay home when sick, do not return to the office until you have not experienced any symptoms for at least 48 hours (2 days)
• Stay away from people who are sick, if possible
• If you are caring for someone who is sick, monitor your symptoms and isolate yourself from others until you can receive a clean bill of health from a medical professional
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into a tissue or elbow, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth
• Consider avoiding large crowds (e.g. conventions, sporting events, concerts)
• If you do attend an event with a large crowd, be mindful of your surroundings, practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and self-monitor for symptoms

We all rely on one another to use our best judgement and to keep one another healthy.

COVID-19 Symptoms, Treatment, and Risk of Complications

The symptoms of those infected with COVID-19 most resemble those of a very bad flu: Fever, cough, respiratory difficulties, aches and pains in the body. Most people who contract the virus will be treated at home and make a full recovery, much the same way one would expect to recover if they came down with the flu. However, certain segments of the population are at risk of experiencing serious complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 (the same is true of the flu, though evidence suggests that COVID-19 may have a higher rate of death as a result of complications).

The following individuals would be considered at risk of serious complications if they contract COVID-19:

• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

COVID-19 Exposure Risk

The CDC has provided guidelines to help us understand who is at high, medium, and low risk of contracting COVID-19.

High Risk: Recommendation for Immediate Isolation

• Those living in the same household as, being an intimate partner of, or providing care in a nonhealthcare setting for a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection without using recommended precautions.
• Those who have recently traveled from Hubei Province, China.

Medium Risk: Recommendation for Immediate Isolation

• Those who have had close contact with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection.
• Those living in the same household as, an intimate partner of, or providing care in a nonhealthcare setting to a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection while consistently using recommended precautions.
• Those who have recently traveled from mainland China outside Hubei Province, China.

Low Risk: Recommendation to Self-Monitor for Symptoms and Avoid Direct Contact with Others

• Being in the same indoor environment as a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 for a prolonged period.
• Being on an aircraft seated within two rows of a traveler with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19.

For more information on who is at risk of contracting COVID-19 and how to respond if you or someone you know falls into one of the above categories, visit the CDC Risk Assessment.

For guidance on how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home, visit the CDC Home Care Guide.

Resources for Seattle-area Employees

• King County Department of Health COVID-19 Recommendations

Resources for Walla Walla Employees

• Walla Walla Department of Community Health