COVID-19GUIDANCE AND WORK RULES

Revised: 5/7/2020

Message From Our Commissioner

Dear DOT colleagues:

Amid the challenges and uncertainty of COVID-19, I want to thank all of you for your patience and adaptability over the past couple of weeks as we have to

rapidly change our agency’s operations. This is a hard time for all of us and we are so grateful for your dedication.

We also want to thank the hard-working men and women who continue to support the essential functions of the Agency. They are

truly on the front lines, continuing to provide key services to the traveling public.

In our DOT family we are unfortunately seeing COVID-19 cases. I know this is a stressful time for everyone and as more cases arise, all City agencies,

including DOT, are trying hard to strike the right balance between keeping all of our employees safe and healthy, as well as respecting the medical privacy

of our coworkers and their families.

As a reminder, please continue to practice social distancing and self-monitor for symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or two or more of

the other recognized COVID-19 symptoms (to be covered in this presentation), and look out for one another during this time.

If symptoms of stress become overwhelming for you, you can connect with trained counselors at NYC Well, a free and confidential mental health support

service that can help New Yorkers cope. NYC Well staff are available 24/7 and can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. For

support, call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173 or chat online by visiting nyc.gov/nycwell.

As we learn how to adjust to this new time, let’s continue to take care and support each other and utilize platforms such as Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime to

stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers.

Stay safe and healthy,

Polly Trottenberg, Commissioner

Revised: 5/7/2020

Novel Coronavirus

1. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that

cause symptoms like a cold, to more serious

illnesses.

2. Infections with this new virus have been

reported worldwide.

3. The virus is likely to be spread from person to

person in absence of social distancing.

4. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range

of symptoms reported – ranging from mild

symptoms to severe illness.

5. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

•Cough•Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

•Fever•Chills•Repeated shaking with chills•Muscle pain•Headache•Sore throat•New loss of taste or smell

Revised: 5/7/2020

Novel Coronavirus

5. Most people (80%) with COVID-19 will feel like they

have a bad cold or the flu. Some people will require

hospitalization. People who are at most risk for severe

illness are elderly or have other health conditions.

6. If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, or

two or more of the other recognized COVID-19

symptoms, you must quarantine yourself. You should

contact your personal physician to obtain medical

advice and direction on when you may return to work.

Be sure to notify your supervisor if you are unable to

come to work.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Safety and Health Guidance

1. Stay home if you are sick (make sure to monitor your health daily).

2. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available).

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing (Do not use your hands).

4. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Avoid public gatherings.

6. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

7. Monitor your health for cold or flu symptoms, and the other symptoms associated with COVID-19.

8. Create more personal space between yourself and others. This is called social distancing (6 feet or more).

9. If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, or two or more of the other symptoms associated with COVID-19, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider, quarantine yourself and notify your supervisor.

DOT COVID-19 Email (Confidential Questions):

COVID-19Inquiry@dot.nyc.gov

Revised: 5/7/2020

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Revised: 5/7/2020

Know How It Spreads

1. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

2. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

3. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one

another (within about 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or

talks.

4. Respiratory droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and possibly be inhaled into the

lungs.

5. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Per CDC: We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”)

and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing

symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or

sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face

coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-

ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html)

Revised: 5/7/2020

Clean Your Hands Often

1. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, after touching surfaces frequently touched by others, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

2. If soap and warm water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol*. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

*The CDC recommends only using hand sanitizers that are 60 to 95 percent alcohol (https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article241128306.html)

Revised: 5/7/2020

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

2. Throw used tissues in the trash.

3. Immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

4. Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry well after each washing.

5. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Stop The Spread of Germs

Revised: 5/7/2020

Self Monitor

1. Self-monitoring means you check yourself for fever and remain alert for cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, or two or more of the following: fever; chills; repeated shaking with chills; muscle pain; headache; sore throat; new loss of taste or smell. It is really important that people who have these symptoms stay home and do not attend work or any group gatherings.

2. You should consult your doctor if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms and do not feel better after three to four days.

3. Use telephone, text, telemedicine or a patient portal to reach out rather than going to your doctor in person.

4. Before returning to work after being out for 5 days or more, you must obtain a “cleared for work” note from your physician. You must present the “cleared for work” note to your supervisor upon your return.

5. If you are a high-risk patient (underlying health condition such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system), you should consult the updated: “Guidance for City Agencies on Leave Policy Applicable During the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)” document. This is a hyperlink so you can click on the name of the document to obtain the latest version.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Personal Protection Aids

Latex Gloves Tissue Paper Disinfectant Spray

Hand Sanitizer Face Mask Hand Soap Disinfectant Wipes

Shop towels

Revised: 5/7/2020

Face Coverings

Mayor de Blasio issued Emergency Executive Order No. 98 declaring a State of Emergency in the

City of New York resulting from the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”).

The strategy of wearing a face covering that covers the person’s mouth and nose, in public

settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, is central to the City’s

mitigation efforts.

Accordingly, while at work, a face mask must be worn at all times by workers (consistent with

the most recent DOHMH guidance).

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in the Office

1. Maintain a safe distance from others (6 feet)

2. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your desk before and after each use.

3. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your keyboard and mouse before and after each use.

4. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your office computer screen before and after each use.

5. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your laptop before and after each use.

6. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your office chair before and after each use.

7. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your office phone before and after each use.

8. Always wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) your personnel and work cell phones

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in the Work Shop

1. Minimize the need to work along side

of others (if possible).

2. Maintain a safe distance if you must

work along side of others (help with

lifting, etc.).

3. Wear a face mask at all times

(consistent with the most recent

DOHMH guidance).

4. Do not share the same tools unless

absolutely necessary.

5. Do NOT share shop rags.

6. Discard shop rags when done.

7. Wipe down (sanitary wipe or equivalent) all

tools and equipment prior to stowing.

8. Wear disposable gloves at all times when

working

9. Notify your supervisor if you are not feeling

well (self monitor).

10. Request Personal Protective Equipment as

needed.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in a Vehicle

Pay special attention to surfaces and objects that are touched often by passengers, such as door handles, window buttons, locks, arm rests, seat cushions, buckles and seatbelts. Also wipe down surfaces that you frequently touch, such as the steering wheel, radio buttons, turn indicators and cup holders.

Use regular disinfectant products (for example, Clorox, peroxide or alcohol-based multi-purpose products) that are appropriate for the surface (e.g. bleach/water solution (1:10), Purell, peroxide multi-purpose cleaner, Clorox wipes).

Keep the vehicle doors open while cleaning and disinfecting.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and only use them once. Throw gloves in the trash after use and wash hands immediately with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wait until all surfaces have dried before operating the vehicle.

For additional information about cleaning and disinfecting, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for “General Cleaning/Disinfection Guidance for Non-Health Care Settings” on the “Businesses and Other Facilities” page.

Clean and disinfect your vehicle routinely. When cleaning and disinfecting:

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in a Vehicle

If another employee will take over driving a vehicle during the day, he/she must sanitize it before use. Again, switching vehicle drivers should be avoided when possible.

As much as possible, employees should maintain a 6-foot spacing inside vehicle and at the job site. If there is more than one row of seats in a vehicle, a single employee may be in each row and with the rear passenger positioned at the opposite side of the vehicle.

While driving, keep the windows at least partially open when possible. As milder weather is expected in the coming weeks, it should not be difficult to do this.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in a Vehicle

All drivers must sanitize the

often touched surfaces of

vehicles prior to operation if

another driver has operated the

vehicle. When cleaning vehicles,

staff should pay special attention

to disinfecting surfaces and

objects that are touched often,

such as but not limited to:

Door Handles

Grab bars

Arm Rests

Seat Belts

Shifter or Selector Pad

Steering Wheel

Parking Brake

Seat

Grab Handles

Hood Latches

All interior Instrument Switches on Dashboard

Functional Handles and Levers

Fuel Caps

Revised: 5/7/2020

Required Practices in the Locker Room

1. Always maintain a safe distance from

others (6 feet).

2. Avoid crowding at all times.

3. Wash your hands prior to entering

locker room when possible.

4. Take turns entering locker rooms if you

have adjacent lockers (exercise

patience).

5. Do not leave work clothes laying around.

6. Wipe down (sanitary wipes or equivalent)

locker room seats/bench before and after

changing clothes.

7. Be kind to your co-workers.

8. Supervisor(s) may monitor the number of

employees in the given area.

Revised: 5/7/2020

Common Contact Surfaces in Work Environment

1. Office equipment (i.e. copier, fax machines)

2. Water dispensers/fountains

3. Faucet handles

4. Door hardware

5. Push plates

6. Light switches

7. Elevator buttons

8. Cabinet handles

9. Refrigerator/Microwave/Toaster handles

10. Handrails

*NOTE: Hand scanners are not to be used.

Be mindful of common contact locations (including, but not limited to):

Revised: 5/7/2020

Unsafe Working Conditions

1. Shop floor (material spills)

2. Bathrooms (unsanitary conditions)

3. Kitchens/Breakrooms (unsanitary conditions)

4. Office space (blocked pathways)

5. Locker rooms – 6 feet apart

6. Trucks/Vehicles

7. Tools & Equipment

8. Elevators

9. Hallways/corridors

10. During this pandemic and until further notice, all shop/facility gyms are closed

11. If you see an unsafe practice, report it – if you see something wrong, say something

Report to your supervisor all unsafe working conditions:

Revised: 5/7/2020

Unsafe Working Conditions

Unsafe working conditions may also be reported to Safety Coordinators.

Bridges: Susan Garcia T: 212-839-4168 C: 929-441-5432

RRM: Michael Manfredi T: 212-839-8143 C: 929-237-8141

SIM: Louvinia Nixon: T: 212-839-4290 C: 718-419-9259

Traffic: Wendell Mattison T: 646-892-1135 C: 646-739-8986

TPM: John Defano T: 212-839- 4140 C: 347- 539- 1756

Facilities: Chimzy Ugbala T: 646- 892- 1641 C: 646-581- 2540

Staten Island Ferry: Brian Walsh T: 212-839- 3479 C: 646-235- 1966

Fleet Service: Kathy Walcott T: 212-839- 7112 C: 646- 647- 7271

Safety Coordinators :

DOTOSH (Monitored 24/7): dotosh@dot.nyc.gov

Revised: 5/7/2020

Remember Safety First!

Wipe office work space Sanitize hands Cover your mouth & nose

Wipe vehicle before entering Wipe tools Work safely Wear gloves when fueling

Wash your hands

Revised: 5/7/2020

Wellness Check

• If symptoms of stress become overwhelming for you, you can connect with trained counselors at NYC Well, a free and confidential mental health support service that can help New Yorkers cope. NYC Well staff are available 24/7 and can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. For support, call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173 or chat online by visiting nyc.gov/nycwell.

• An infectious disease outbreak such as COVID-19 can be stressful for you, your loved ones and your friends. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To lower your stress and manage the situation:

1. Try to stay positive2. Stay encouraged3. Remind yourself of your strengths4. Stay connected with friends and love ones5. Use healthy coping skills

Revised: 5/7/2020

Separate facts from fear and guard against stigma

1. A lot of information circulating about coronavirus on social media and even in some

news reporting is not based on facts.

2. Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by proactively sharing this message

and countering misinformation.

3. Obtain information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the NYC Health

Department, the CDC, NIH and the World Health Organization (WHO).

4. If you are being harassed due to your race, national origin or other identities, you

can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights

by calling 311 and saying “human rights.”

Revised: 5/7/2020

ACTIONS

Revised: 5/7/2020

ACTIONS

Revised: 5/7/2020

Helpful Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page

https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/

https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/coping-wellness-tips/tips-for-staying-mentally-healthy/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html

https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03288

https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03301

Revised: 5/7/2020

COVID-19GUIDANCE AND WORK RULES

Revised: 5/7/2020