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COVID-19 Resources

We have put together a list of COVID-19 FAQs for you to use as a quick reference guide and will update it regularly as things evolve to help you get the answers you need quickly.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our Risk Consultants at riskmanagement@inspirien.net), or your assigned Adjuster with any additional questions.

We have ‘critical infrastructure’ workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Can these employees continue to work?

The CDC has recently released interim guidance regarding ‘critical infrastructure’ workers who may have come in contact with COVID-19 which provides specific guidance for personnel in 16 different sectors of work, a list of additional considerations, and provides a link to printable flyers for the workplace.

For the latest information on this topic, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

What is Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine and how should it be used?

According to the CDC, Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine are oral prescription drugs that have been used to treat malaria and certain inflammatory conditions. They are under investigation in clinical trials for pre and post-exposure prophylaxis of SARS CoV-2 infection and treatment of patients with COVID-19.

These drugs should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider as prescribed medications.

The CDC warns that Chloroquine phosphate, when used without a prescription, can cause serious health consequences, including death. They advise clinicians to discourage the public from misusing non-pharmaceutical Chloroquine phosphate [a chemical used in home aquariums]. For more information, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/therapeutic-options.html

Additionally, the CDC advises Interim guidelines for the medical management of COVID-19 will be provided soon by the Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel. For more information, visit the HHS HIV/AIDS Guidelines at: https://www.hiv.gov/blog/hhs-hivaids-guidelines-panels-release-interim-guidance-covid-19-and-persons-hiv

*CDC issued this warning on March 28, 2020. We will continue to update the information above when we receive it.

What are the OSHA recording requirements related to COVID-19?

OSHA released a memorandum on April 10, 2020 that provides interim guidance on the recording requirements for cases of COVID-19. To review this document go to https://www.osha.gov/memos/2020-04-10/enforcement-guidance-recording-cases-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

Download an example COVID-19 Tracking and Assessment Form HERE.

Is Telemedicine an option for injured workers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

HWCF is allowing injured workers to utilize telemedicine if that option is available to them by their treating physician. We are working closely with our nurse case managers to make certain that injured employees are aware of this option and know that we support this when medically appropriate per their authorized physician.

My injured worker is concerned about going to the pharmacy to pick-up their medications during this pandemic. Is there another option available?

Yes. Home delivery for authorized medication is available in most cases for your injured employee. Please contact your Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster to discuss this alternative method.

We are concerned that our supply of facemasks and other PPE will soon be depleted. Can healthcare personnel re-use masks?

The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance on the proper use of facemasks. Please visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/assets/cov-hcp-mask-use.pdf for more information.

Additionally, the CDC has a PPE Burn Rate Calculator toolkit available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/burn-calculator.html

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