{"id":10937,"date":"2025-10-03T10:17:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T14:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=10937"},"modified":"2025-10-03T13:58:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:58:26","slug":"businesses-congregate-settings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/businesses-congregate-settings\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Transmission of Respiratory Viruses in Businesses and Congregate Settings"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-10937\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-10937-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-10937-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-10937-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Businesses and congregate settings can play an important role in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and result in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. This can have a big impact on businesses that rely on a healthy workforce. It can also have an impact on congregate settings, such as group homes and correctional facilities, where illnesses can rapidly spread.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This webpage does not apply to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/healthcare-provider\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">healthcare<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0settings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-10937-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-10937-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-10937-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\">There are\u202f<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW235769910 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW235769910 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">core prevention actions<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\">\u202fthat can be taken to protect from health risks caused by respiratory viruses. Businesses and congregate settings can take <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\">additional<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW235769910 BCX0\"> steps outlined below to protect the health of their employees, visitors, members, and residents.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW235769910 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Download a helpful <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/toolkits\/respiratory-diseases-toolkit\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Recommendations for Businesses<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> flyer (available in multiple languages).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW185386033 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW185386033 BCX0\">Encourage <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW185386033 BCX0\">Vaccination<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW185386033 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW185386033 BCX0\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encourage employees and patrons to be up to date on their recommended vaccines, including seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Promote vaccines by offering an onsite vaccination clinic. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use employee newsletters, posters, and other communication materials to provide locations and resources for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create flexible policies that give employees time to get vaccinated.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW87079821 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW87079821 BCX0\">Encourage Employees and Patrons to Stay Home When Sick<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW87079821 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW87079821 BCX0\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encourage\u202femployees and patrons to\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/precautions-when-sick\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">stay home if they are sick<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Employees should not return to work until for at least 24 hours: they do not have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine\u202fAND their symptoms are getting better overall.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide employees with paid time off and develop flexible leave and telework policies to support workers who need to stay home because they are sick or are caring for sick family members.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adopt flexible cancellation or refund policies for customers who are sick.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW138795879 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138795879 BCX0\">Maintain a Healthy Environment<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW138795879 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138795879 BCX0\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make sure your facilities are equipped with areas for handwashing, as well as tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Place hand sanitizer dispensers with at least 60 percent alcohol near frequently touched surfaces and in areas where soap and water are not easily accessible, such as near elevators, shared equipment, and building entrances and exits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones to help remove germs.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encourage healthy respiratory habits with\u202fsignage and reminders.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/toolkits\/respiratory-diseases-toolkit\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">VDH's Respiratory Communication Toolkit<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fhas\u202fsocial media resources\u202fand flyers that can be posted in the workplace.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Cleaner air can reduce the risk of exposure to viruses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW59488343 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW59488343 BCX0\">Monitor and Report<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW59488343 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW59488343 BCX0\">\u202fRespiratory Illnesses<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/data\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">trends of respiratory virus activity<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f to know when enhanced prevention strategies (e.g., increased physical distancing) might be needed.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Report potential outbreaks or needs to your\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/health-department-locator\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local health department<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202f Congregate settings licensed or operated by any agency of the Commonwealth, like assisted living facilities, correctional or other detention facilities, mental health programs, and other group settings are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/epidemiology-fact-sheets\/outbreak-reporting\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">required<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to report<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> suspected outbreaks. suspected outbreaks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/redcap.vdh.virginia.gov\/redcap\/surveys\/?s=LRHNP89XPK\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">VDH Online Reporting Portal for Outbreaks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2023\/05\/Template_Letter_General_Outbreak.docx\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Template letter for communicating with employees during an outbreak<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f[Customizable]\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Businesses and congregate settings can play an important role in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.\u00a0 Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and result in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. This can have a big impact on businesses that rely on a healthy workforce. It can also have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":0,"parent":8086,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10937","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Preventing Transmission of Respiratory Viruses in Businesses and Congregate Settings - Epidemiology<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia\/businesses-congregate-settings\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Preventing Transmission of Respiratory Viruses in Businesses and Congregate Settings - Epidemiology\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Businesses and congregate settings can play an important role in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.\u00a0 Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and result in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. 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