Subject: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 14:23:48 -0400
From: broadcast@doc.gov

The following provides information and guidance for Commerce supervisors and employees regarding the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

On April 4, 2003, President Bush signed an Executive Order adding SARS to the list of communicable diseases for which a person can be quarantined. The order allows health officials the option of quarantining individuals suspected of carrying the disease, even those who do not exhibit symptoms of the disease. Employees should be aware of the possibility that such measures may be used to prevent the spread of the disease.

Geographical areas of significant concern to health authorities include China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Hanoi, and Toronto. It is strongly recommended that persons traveling to those areas consider postponing all but essential travel. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are continuing to reassess travel recommendations and advisories as the outbreak evolves. Information on health advisories is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ and http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/.

Transmission of SARS occurs through close contact with infected persons, such as in health care settings and within households. SARS is most likely spread when someone sick with the disease coughs droplets into the air and someone nearby breathes them in. It is, however, possible that SARS may spread more broadly through the air or through contact with objects that have become contaminated.

Employees and supervisors returning from trips to affected areas, or employees exposed to infected persons, should be aware of the symptoms of SARS. They include high fever (> 38E Celsius, >100.4E Fahrenheit), dry cough, and shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Persons who experience these symptoms are advised to see a doctor. The incubation period for SARS is typically 2-7 days, but may be as long as 10 days.

Supervisors may consider allowing telework for employees returning from travel to affected areas, or exposed to infected persons, to allow an appropriate amount of time to assess potential exposure. It is mandatory that any alternative work or leave measures taken relative to SARS must be in accordance with Departmental telework and leave policy contained at http://ohrm.doc.gov/employees/telework/TeleworkPolicy.pdf and http://ohrm.doc.gov/handbooks/leave/excused_absences.htm, respectively. Please note that administrative leave may only be used in accordance with provisions applying to rest periods following international travel.

If you believe you have SARS, you should consult a health care provider or health unit immediately. To help your medical practitioner make a diagnosis, tell him or her about any recent travel to regions where cases of SARS have been reported and whether you were in contact with someone who had those symptoms.