martes, 30 de junio de 2020

COVID-19 Employer Information for Banks | CDC

COVID-19 Employer Information for Banks | CDC



COVID-19 Employer Information for Banks

Updated June 28, 2020
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Our understanding of how the virus spreads is evolving as we learn more about it.
Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is a new disease, and we are still learning about how it spreads. Here’s what we currently know:
  • It mainly spreads from person to person.
    • Between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet)
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
  • You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
As a bank employer, your workforce might come into contact with the virus by
  • Being in close contact with patrons or coworkers.
  • Touching or handling high-contact surfaces and equipment, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
How You Can Protect Your Staff and Others and Slow the Spread
Conduct a thorough COVID-19 hazard assessmentexternal icon of the workplace to identify scenarios where workers cannot stay at least 6 feet from each other or customers. Follow the hierarchy of controls to address these situations, including engineering controls, workplace administrative policies, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Start by reviewing the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, which provides guidelines and recommendations that all employers can use to protect their employees and customers. Actions taken should be based on analysis of ongoing community transmission, local factors, and bank-specific conditions.
Identify where and how employees might be exposed to COVID-19Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplaceexternal icon.
  • Conduct a thorough hazard assessmentexternal icon in the bank to identify potential workplace hazards related to COVID-19.
  • In addition to the main public areas where employees interact with customers, identify other areas that may lead to close contact (within 6 feet) among employees (e.g., conference rooms, offices, cubicles, safe deposit vaults, break rooms, entrances, and exits).
  • Follow CDC guidance and work with local and/or state public health authorities and occupational safety and health professionals to decide if and how you will test employees and do workplace contact tracing of those who test positive for COVID-19.
Develop hazard controls using the hierarchy of controls to prevent infection among employees. Include a combination of controls noted below
Isolate people from the hazards (Engineering controls)
  • Adjust workstations, if needed, to help employees stay at least 6 feet away from each other and customers (social distancing).
    • Install transparent shields or other barriers where social distancing is not an option (e.g., teller counters).
      • Shields should be able to withstand frequent cleaning.
  • Separate employees from each other and from customers in all other areas of the bank, such as public counters, conference rooms, offices, cubicles, safe deposit vaults, break rooms, parking lots, entrances, and exits.
    • Use visual cues such as floor markings and signs to encourage social distancing.
    • Close or limit access to common areas where employees are likely to gather and interact.
  • Remove or strategically space chairs in waiting areas to discourage social gathering and maintain social distancing.
    • Only allow the number of customers in the bank for stations that are open. A door greeter can assist by managing the flow of customers.
  • Bank managers should work with their facility manager to adjust the ventilation so the maximum amount of fresh air is delivered to occupied spaces and the humidity is 40%-60%. If possible, increase filter efficiency of HVAC units to highest level.
  • Portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration units may be considered to remove contaminants in the air.
  • More considerations for improving the building ventilation system can be found in the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses.
Change the way people work (Administrative controls)
  • Consider conducting daily health checks of employees before they enter the facility.
    • Screening options could include taking employees’ temperature and assessing potential symptoms before they start work.
    • Employees should stay at least 6 feet apart while waiting for screening.
    • For customers with appointments, consider screening them by telephone for symptoms of COVID-19 before their appointment. If the customer reports symptoms of a respiratory illness, recommend they reschedule their appointment.
    • During times of known community transmission, consider allowing only customers with an appointment to enter the building.
  • Stagger shifts, start times, and break times as feasible to reduce crowding and ensure employees can stay least 6 feet away from each other.
  • Implement flexible worksites (e.g., telework) for positions where in-person contact is not required.
  • Encourage customers to use drive-thru banking services, automated teller machines (ATMs), online banking, or the mobile banking app for routine transactions that do not require personal assistance.
  • Avoid in-person meetings when possible. Consider using teleconferencing or videoconferencing instead.
    • When teleconferencing or videoconferencing is not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces, stay at least 6 feet apart, and wear cloth face coverings.
  • Consider discontinuing the use of customer deposit/withdrawal slip stations.
  • Consider providing disposable pens.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
    • For high-touch surfaces, use products that are EPA-registeredexternal icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, appropriate for surface disinfection.
      • If surfaces are dirty, clean them using a detergent or soap and water before you disinfect them.
    • Provide sanitizing materials so high-touch surfaces (e.g., ATMs, drive-thru equipment, pens, cash drawers, time clocks, break room tables and chairs, vending machines, railings, door handles, customer deposit/withdrawal slip stations) can be properly wiped down before each use. Place posters or signspdf icon to remind employees to disinfect workspaces and equipment after use.
      • Conduct targeted and more frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
  • Give employees enough time and access to soap, clean water, and single-use paper towels for handwashing.
    • Remind employees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, they should use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol between different customer transactions.
    • Provide hand sanitizer, tissues, and no-touch waste baskets at teller stations and desks.
    • Encourage employees to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Post signs and reminders at entrances and in strategic places listing the signs and symptoms of infection, the importance of handwashing, and how to cover coughs and sneezes. This should include alternative formats for non-English speakers and populations with disabilities, including signs in braille and larger prints, as needed.
  • When exchanging currency or coins, employees should:
    • Wipe the counter between each customer.
    • Avoid touching their face.
    • Clean their hands often after touching money or paperwork handled by customers.
  • Remind employees that some people can spread COVID-19 even if they do not have symptoms. Consider all close contact (within 6 feet) with employees, customers, and others as a potential source of exposure.
  • Remind employees to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, or use the inside of their elbow. Throw away used tissues into no-touch trash cans and immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Learn more about coughing and sneezing etiquette on the CDC website.
  • Use cloth face coverings as appropriate
    • Recommend that workers wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are intended to protect other people—not the wearer. They are not considered to be PPE, which protects the wearer.
    • Make sure employees know how to put on and take off a cloth face covering safely.
    • Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use.
    • Cloth face coverings should not be worn if they create a new risk (e.g., if they interfere with driving or vision, or contribute to heat-related illness).
  • Consider requiring visitors to the workplace (service personnel, customers) to also wear cloth face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Protect Employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19pdf iconexternal icon to reduce worker exposure to COVID-19 based on the OSHA occupational risk pyramidpdf iconexternal icon. OSHA has divided job tasks into four levels (low, medium, high, and very high) of exposure risks to COVID-19 on the job.
  • For most bank employees, an OSHA exposure risk level of “low” is appropriate.
    • PPE is not recommended for employees in the lower exposure risk group.
    • The hazard assessment may determine that some employees have a higher risk level and need PPE.
Educate Employees and Supervisors About the Steps They Can Take to Protect Themselves at Work and Home
  • Communication and training should be based on the latest guidance and be easy to understand, in the preferred language(s) spoken or read by the employees.
    • Emphasize use of images (infographics) that account for language differences among employees.
  • Include topics such as signs and symptoms of infection, staying home when ill, social distancing, handwashing, and how to reduce risk of transmission at work, at home, and in community.
  • Use signs (preferably infographics) placed in strategic locations to reinforce training. Signs should remind employees to wash their hands and direct them how and when to use face coverings and how to report signs and symptoms of infection.
  • Provide employee training on how to put on and take off a cloth face covering safely.
  • Teach employees not to touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, unless they have removed their cloth face coverings and thoroughly washed their hands.
Take Actions to Create a Healthy Place of Business for Employees and Your Customers
Read the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to learn about more recommendations for creating new sick leave, cleaning, and employee communication policies to help protect your employees and customers.
Where can I get more information?
You, as the employer, are responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns and informing employees of potential hazards in your bank. The following resources can help reduce the risk of exposures to COVID-19 at work:
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What Bank Employees Need to Know about COVID-19 | CDC

What Bank Employees Need to Know about COVID-19 | CDC



What Bank Employees Need to Know about COVID-19

Updated June 28, 2020
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-COV-2. Our understanding of how the virus spreads is evolving as we learn more about it.
Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is a new disease, and we are still learning about how it spreads. Here’s what we currently know:
  • It mainly spreads from person to person.
    • Between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet)
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks
  • You can get the virus from people who don’t seem sick or show symptoms.
  • You may be able to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or your eyes.
As a bank employee, you could come into contact with the virus at your job by:
  • Being in close contact (within 6 feet) with customers or coworkers.
  • Sharing common workplace equipment such as computers or phones.
  • Touching or handling items, cash, or paperwork and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
How You Can Protect Yourself and Others and Slow the Spread
Stay home if you are having symptoms of COVID-19.
Stay at least 6 feet away from customers and coworkers, when possible.
  • Remember that people may be able to spread COVID-19 even if they do not show symptoms. Consider all close interactions (within 6 feet) as a potential source of exposure.
  • Follow protective policies such as adjusting your workstation to minimize close contact and using transparent shields or other barriers if they have been put in place by your employer to physically separate yourself from customers where distancing is not an option (e.g., teller counters).
  • Keep a distance of 6 feet from other people (social distancing) at all times including during breaks.
Use a cloth face covering as appropriate.
  • Cloth face coverings are intended to protect other people—not the wearer. They are not considered to be personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Learn how to put on and take off a cloth face covering safely.
  • Wash the cloth face covering after every use.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be worn if they create a new risk (e.g., if they interfere with driving or vision, or contribute to heat-related illness).
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • The following areas and surfaces should be cleaned routinely using products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2,external icon diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, appropriate for surface disinfection:
    • Break rooms, locker rooms, vending machines, computer terminals, cash drawers, service counters, ATMs, door handles, customer deposit/withdrawal slip stations, and drive-through delivery document carrier tubes
  • Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning and disinfecting.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You don’t need to wear gloves if you wash your hands often (unless they are already required for your job).
  • Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer at these key times:
    • Before, during, and after preparing food
    • Before eating food
    • After using the toilet
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings
    • Before and after work and work breaks
    • After handling documents or cash or contact with high-touch surfaces
    • After cleaning high-touch surfaces
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands.
How Your Employer Can Protect You
Your employer should develop a COVID-19 response plan and share it with you. CDC created a fact sheet to help your employer.
How to Get More Information

Talk to your employer, supervisor, or whoever is responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Use these sources for more information on reducing the risk of worker exposures to COVID-19:
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People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness | Coronavirus | COVID-19 | CDC

People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness | Coronavirus | COVID-19 | CDC



People of Any Age with Underlying Medical Conditions

Updated June 25, 2020


Summary of Recent Changes
Revisions were made on June 25, 2020 to reflect available data as of May 29, 2020. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and as new information becomes available, CDC will update the information below.
People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
Children who are medically complex, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than other children.
COVID-19 is a new disease. Currently there are limited data and information about the impact of underlying medical conditions and whether they increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
The list of underlying conditions is meant to inform clinicians to help them provide the best care possible for patients, and to inform individuals as to what their level of risk may be so they can make individual decisions about illness prevention. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day. This list is a living document that may be updated at any time, subject to potentially rapid change as the science evolves.

Reduce your risk of getting COVID-19

It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:
If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours.

Venturing out into a public setting? What to consider before you go.

As communities and businesses across the United States are opening, you may be thinking about resuming some activities, running errands, and attending events and gatherings. There is no way to ensure you have zero risk of infection, so it is important to understand the risks and know how to be as safe as possible.
People at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, should consider their level of risk before deciding to go out and ensure they are taking steps to protect themselves. Consider avoiding activities where taking protective measures may be difficult, such as activities where social distancing can’t be maintained. Everyone should take steps to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 to protect themselves, their communities, and people who are at increased risk of severe illness.
In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
  • If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.
  • Keep these items on hand and use them when venturing out: a cloth face covering, tissues, and a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if possible.
  • If possible, avoid others who are not wearing cloth face coverings or ask others around you to wear cloth face coverings.

Are you considering in-person visits with family and friends? Here are some things to consider to help make your visit as safe as possible:

When to delay or cancel a visit
In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. So, think about:
  • How many people will you interact with?
  • Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others?
  • Will you be outdoors or indoors?
  • What’s the length of time that you will be interacting with people?
Encourage social distancing during your visit
  • Visit with your friends and family outdoors, when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well-ventilated (for example, open windows or doors) and large enough to accommodate social distancing.
  • Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. People from the same household can be in groups together and don’t need to be 6 feet apart from each other.
  • Consider activities where social distancing can be maintained, like sidewalk chalk art or yard games.
  • Try to avoid close contact with your visitors. For example, don’t shake hands, elbow bump, or hug. Instead wave and verbally greet them.
  • If possible, avoid others who are not wearing cloth face coverings or ask others around you to wear cloth face coverings.
  • Consider keeping a list of people you visited or who visited you and when the visit occurred. This will help with contract tracing if someone becomes sick.
Wear cloth face coverings
  • Cloth face coverings should be worn over the nose and mouth. Cloth face coverings are especially important when it is difficult to stay at least 6 feet apart from others or when people are indoors to help protect each other.
  • Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others
    • Wearing a cloth face covering helps protects others in case you’re infected, while others wear one to protect you should they be infected.
  • Who should NOT use cloth face coverings: Children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Wash hands often
  • Everyone should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds at the beginning and end of the visit and whenever you think your hands may have become contaminated.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, such as with outdoor visits or activities, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Remind guests to wash or sanitize their hands before serving or eating food.
  • Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so visitors do not share towels. Have a no-touch trash can available for guests to use.
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items
  • Encourage your visitors to bring their own food and drinks.
  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use.
  • If you choose to use any shared items that are reusable (e.g., seating covers, tablecloths, linen napkins), wash, clean, and sanitize them after the event.

If you are thinking about participating in an event or gathering:

If you are at increased risk for severe illness, consider avoiding high-risk gatherings. The risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:
Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.
More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).
Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.
Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.

Stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Staying healthy during the pandemic is important. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations and other preventive services are up to date to help prevent you from becoming ill with other diseases.
  • It is particularly important for those at increased risk of severe illness, including older adults, to receive recommended vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease.
  • Remember the importance of staying physically active and practicing healthy habits to cope with stress.

 If you have an underlying medical condition, you should continue to follow your treatment plan:

  • Continue your medicines and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Have at least a 30-day supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Talk to a healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply (i.e., more than 30 days) of prescription medicines, if possible, to reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
  • Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying medical condition because of COVID-19. Emergency departments have contingency infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick and think that you may have COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 911 right away.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.

Actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors



Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
Having moderate-to-severe asthma may increase your risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan.
  • Keep your asthma under control.
  • Continue your current medicines, including any inhalers with steroids in them (“steroids” is another word for corticosteroids).
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Know how to use your inhaler.
  • Avoid your asthma triggers.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
  • If possible, have another member of your household who doesn’t have asthma clean and disinfect your house for you. When they use cleaning and disinfecting products, have them:
    • Make sure that people with asthma are not in the room.
    • Minimize use of disinfectants that can cause an asthma attack.
    • Open windows or doors and use a fan that blows air outdoors.
    • Always follow the instructions on the product label.
    • Spray or pour spray products onto a cleaning cloth or paper towel instead of spraying the product directly onto the cleaning surface (if the product label allows).


Chronic kidney disease
Having chronic kidney disease of any stage increases your risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Continue your medicines and your diet as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Stay in contact with your healthcare team as often as possible, especially if you have any new signs or symptoms of illness. Also reach out to them if you can’t get the medicines or foods you need.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
  • Have shelf-stable food choices to help you follow your kidney diet.
  • If you are on dialysis:
    • Contact your dialysis clinic and your healthcare provider if you feel sick or have concerns.
    • Do NOT miss your treatments.
    • Plan to have enough food on hand to follow the KCER 3-Day Emergency Diet Planexternal icon for dialysis patients in case you are unable to maintain your normal treatment schedule.


COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and other chronic lung diseases
Having COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) is known to increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Other chronic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Keep taking your current medicines, including those with steroids in them (“steroids” is another word for corticosteroids).
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Avoid triggers that make your symptoms worse.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
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Diabetes
Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know at this time, having type 1 or gestational diabetes may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Continue taking your diabetes pills and insulin as usual.
  • Test your blood sugar and keep track of the results, as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your diabetes medicines, including insulin.
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions if you are feeling ill as well as the sick day tips for people with diabetes.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


Hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia
Having sickle cell disease (SCD) increases your risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Having other hemoglobin disorders, like thalassemia, may increase your risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take


Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood, bone marrow, or organ transplant; HIV; use of corticosteroids; or use of other immune weakening medicines
Many conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system. These include: having a solid organ transplant, blood, or bone marrow transplant; immune deficiencies; HIV with a low CD4 cell count or not on HIV treatment; prolonged use of corticosteroids; or use of other immune weakening medicines. Having a weakened immune system may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Continue any recommended medicines or treatments and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
  • Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Do not delay life-saving treatment or emergency care.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


Liver disease
Having chronic liver disease, especially cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), may increase your risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


Pregnancy
Based on what we know at this time, pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Additionally, there may be an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, among pregnant people with COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Do not skip your prenatal care appointments.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about how to stay healthy and take care of yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions related to your health.
  • Seek care immediately if you have a medical emergency.
  • You may feel increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Learn about stress and coping.


Serious Heart Conditions and Other Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Having any of the following serious heart conditions increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
  • Heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathies
  • Pulmonary hypertension
Having other cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or stroke, may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for diet and exercise while maintaining social distancing precautions.
  • Continue angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB) as prescribed by your healthcare provider for indications such as heart failure or high blood pressure.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your heart disease medicines, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure medicines.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
  • Do not delay life-saving treatment or emergency care.
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Obesity
Having obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
 Actions to take
  • Take your medicines for any underlying health conditions exactly as prescribed.
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for nutrition and physical activity, while maintaining social distancing precautions.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


Neurologic conditions such as dementia
Having neurologic conditions such as dementia may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Take your medicines as prescribed.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your condition or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


Smoking
Being a current or former cigarette smoker may increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take


Children with Certain Underlying Conditions
While children have been less affected by COVID-19 compared to adults, children with certain conditions may be at increased risk for severe illness. Children who are medically complex, who have serious genetic, neurologic, metabolic disorders, and with congenital (since birth) heart disease may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Similar to adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma and chronic lung disease, or immunosuppression may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. CDC is investigating a rare but serious complication associated with COVID-19 in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). We do not yet know what causes MIS-C and who is at increased risk for developing it. Learn about MIS-C.
Actions to take
  • Give medicines as prescribed for your child’s underlying conditions.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your child’s medicines.
  • Call your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns and to discuss your child’s specific conditions and risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Well-child visits and vaccines are still important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay in contact with your child’s healthcare provider and make sure your child is up to date with vaccines to prevent other diseases. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.


People with Multiple Underlying Conditions
The more underlying medical conditions someone has, the greater their risk is for severe illness from COVID-19.
Actions to take
  • Continue your medicines and treatment plans as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medicines.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or feel sick.
  • If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
  • Do not delay emergency care.
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