COVID-19

Coronavirus is a group of viruses named for the way they look under a microscope (corona meaning crown). The novel (or new​) coronavirus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China - this is now recognized as COVID-19. The first case in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The virus is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets (currently not airborne) produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can also contract COVID-19 by coming in physical contact with a surface/object that has been contaminated.

New Findings: 

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine observed the stability of virus outside of the body. Here are some of the findings: 
  • Remained viable in aerosols for 3 hours. 
  • Remained on plastic and stainless steel for 48-72 hours. 
  • Remained on cardboard for less than 24 hours. 
  • Remained on copper for less than 4 hours. 
​Click here to view the full report. 

​​Some general guidelines to follow: 
  • Follow CDC & OSHA guidance for all workplaces (washing hands, avoid touching eyes/mouth, etc.)
  • Ensure bags are closed/tied off properly
  • Close all sharps containers prior to disposing securely
  • Close all boxes and reusable containers
  • Adhere to local/federal ordinances & waste company protocols. 




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Transmission in MRFS: 
  • Current MRF PPE has been deemed sufficient for mitigating transmission from materials being handled in MRFs. 
    • It is noted that the virus can survive on surfaces such as plastics and OCCs for 2-3 days. 
  • MRFs and solid waste operations are being advised to use best practices for waste and recycling handling (gloves, safety glasses, etc.). 

HHW & Other Services: 
  • Many cities are continuing curbside and commercial services. 
    • Limiting services that require more customer interactions or public space sharing (HHW, recycling drop-offs, re-use sites, etc.) 

Resources for Working From Home

Webinars: 

​Leading the Whole Human (courtesy of APERIO)
Specific to leaders, supervisors, and managers. 
Sustaining Solutions for Working at Home (courtesy of APERIO)​
Blogs/Articles: 

Resources: 

Financial Assistance

Financial Relief & Assistance Programs 
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/businesses.php

> SBA Disaster Loans
The SBA is working to improve their website to handle the increased volume of applicants. For specific questions or assistance in applying, call the SBA hotline at (800) 659-2955.
Some tips when applying: > USDA
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to
help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

> Guidance on Unemployment, Closures, and Layoffs
Missouri Department of Labor FAQ for Businesses & Workers
Information on unemployment, workers’ compensation and discrimination
Employment Transition Team
Helps employers meet legal obligations while connecting employees to new career and training opportunities
State Issued Regulatory Relief
  • Department of Labor
    • Relaxing the work search requirement for claims
    • Waiving the week waiting period
    • Waive charging COVID-19 related claims on the employers’ unemployment insurance accounts, to help employers avoid negative impact on their payroll tax rate
  • Department of Revenue
    • ***CORRECTION***Extended the tax filing deadline to July 15
    • Granting automatic extensions on expiring driver licenses, nondriver licenses and instruction permits
  • Department of Natural Resources
    • Now accepting requests for enforcement discretion for businesses that may not be able to maintain compliance due to workforce shortages
  • Department of Insurance and Commerce
    • Waiving statutes and rules for pharmacists, nurses and other health care fields to keep more professionals in the workplace and able to help combat the virus

> Support for Essential Businesses  At time of writing, there has not been a list of essential sectors released at the state level. The Department of Homeland Security has issued national recommendations for essential businesses, but local ordinances and directives may be more restrictive and/or prescriptive in your area.  Missouri One Start is working to help essential businesses staff up to meet demand. The state is reviewing offers from more than 200 PPE suppliers and manufacturers, and is still accepting new offers for assistance. Face shields, surgical gowns, and gloves are the highest need areas. 

Waste-Related Articles & Other Resources

Articles:  Blogs: 
Past Webinars:  ​Click here to view our list of upcoming webinars! 

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