Risk Insights - Protecting Workers From Coronavirus

Published in Member Communities on March 04, 2020

VGM Insurance recently shared in the Risk Insights the examination of what coronavirus is, how it spreads, and what employers can do to protect their workforce

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. 

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spread of COVID-19 from person-to-person most likely occurs among close contacts who are within about 6 feet of each other. It’s unclear at this time if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

Best practices employers should consider to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 include: 

  • Educate employees on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of contracting the virus, without causing panic.
  • Appoint a single individual or department as the point of contact within your organization for employee questions about COVID-19. 
  • Review safety programs and emergency action plans to ensure that they include infectious-disease protocols.
  • Implement travel guidelines and procedures for approving travel to and from China.

Click here to read the original Risk Insights from VGM Insurance.

From Our Experts

HME Industry Trends 2026: Growth, Technology & Payer Strategies thumbnail HME Industry Trends 2026: Growth, Technology & Payer Strategies Discover key trends shaping the HME industry in 2026—growth drivers, technology adoption, payer strategies, and opportunities for VGM members to stay competitive. CMS Announces New Site Inspection Contractors thumbnail CMS Announces New Site Inspection Contractors Stay informed about the new site verification service contractors announced by CMS, effective January 2026. CMS Updates: Master List, F2F/WOPD List, and Required PA thumbnail CMS Updates: Master List, F2F/WOPD List, and Required PA On Wednesday, January 13, 2026, CMS released the annual updates to the Master List of DMEPOS Items Potentially Subject to Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Orders Prior to Delivery and/or Prior Authorization Requirements. Navigating the Payer Landscape: Three Tips for DME Providers thumbnail Navigating the Payer Landscape: Three Tips for DME Providers Learn how DME providers can stay ahead in the evolving payer landscape with three key strategies: know your payer mix, build stronger payer relationships, and educate referral partners. Reflecting on 2025: Advocacy, Engagement, and Member Success thumbnail Reflecting on 2025: Advocacy, Engagement, and Member Success What a year! We have lots to appreciate and a lot to look forward to in 2026. That appreciation starts with our amazing members who do life-changing work for the patients you serve. 2026: Lean on Your Village So Others Can Lean on You thumbnail 2026: Lean on Your Village So Others Can Lean on You Lindy Tentinger offers strategies for leaning on one's community, prioritizing self-care, and embracing meaningful approaches to thrive in a dynamic market. Harnessing Claims and Transparency Data for DMEPOS Market Growth thumbnail Harnessing Claims and Transparency Data for DMEPOS Market Growth Discover how healthcare providers in the DMEPOS market can leverage claims data and transparency tools to enhance growth. VGM Is Here: Navigating Medicare's Competitive Bidding thumbnail VGM Is Here: Navigating Medicare's Competitive Bidding Prepare for Medicare's next CBP round. Learn DMEPOS product categories, CBP timelines, and access VGM resources to guide your DMEPOS business.