COVID-19 Outbreak Resources

Letter to OPEIU Members Regarding COVID-19

Sisters and Brothers:

As the United States and nations throughout the globe are facing concerns related to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, I feel it's important to speak directly to all OPEIU members and share the following information.

OPEIU is taking very seriously this pandemic and its impact on our members and the industries in which they work. We are working with our local leaders throughout the country to put in place protocols to ensure we best serve our members and your needs during this crisis. We are also following directives given to businesses and organizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). OPEIU staff and leadership have taken several steps to limit potential exposure, including instituting a travel ban and restrictions according to potential geographic threat levels, restrictions on modes of transportation, and the instituting of a remote work policy when possible.

We also are currently seeking resources to help our members deal with pressing financial concerns such as credit counseling, and mortgage and rent relief and will provide those resources on our website in the very near future.

We also will be pressing both federal and state governments to adopt measures that protect the health and safety, as well as the financial security of working people, including paid sick leave. And, as a union representing more than 14,000 nurses and healthcare professionals, we are working with the OPEIU Nurses Council (ONC) to push for measures that protect the health of those working on the front lines of our healthcare system.

For now, there are a number of steps that everyone can take to keep yourself safe and help stop the spread of the virus, including these basic hygiene practices recommended by the CDC:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cloth when you sneeze or cough, or use your elbow. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Also, please follow all guidelines issued by your state and local governments, particularly in the nation's hot spots, such as New York, Washington state and California.

OPEIU has posted a number of resources on our website at OPEIU.org under the COVID-19 section. Included are current recommendations of the CDC and WHO. We will continue to update this information as it becomes available.

Thank you all for the caution you're showing to keep yourself, families and co-workers safe during this very difficult and uncertain time. Your union is standing beside you and your family, and is working to protect you and our nation's economy.

In solidarity,

Richard Lanigan
President

COVID-19 OUTBREAK RESOURCES

The COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus) situation is rapidly evolving. Here is some helpful information and links about the virus.

Note:

Information on this site is not intended to substitute for actual medical care or professional medical advice. If you believe you are, or may be, ill, contact your primary care health provider immediately.

Today, OSHA announced a new Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccination and Testing. Here are four things you need to know:

Employers with at least 100 employees will be required to adopt a mandatory vaccination policy unless they adopt a policy requiring unvaccinated workers to undergo weekly testing and wear a face covering at work.

Covered employers must provide paid time for workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine and ensure workers have paid sick leave to recover from any side effects that prevent them from working.

Employers must comply with most provisions by 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register, and comply with the testing requirement by 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. Learn more about compliance dates here.

Businesses that don’t comply may face significant OSHA fines.

Other helpful resources:

Submit a comment: If you have comments, feedback, or information on OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS you would like the agency to consider, please submit a comment electronically at regulations.gov (Docket Number OSHA-2021-0007). You can consult OSHA’s How to Participate fact sheet to learn more about the process. (Please note: any information submitted only to this email address will not be part of the record and will not be considered by the agency.)

Learn more: If you have questions or are looking for more information about the ETS, you can find fact sheets, FAQs, and compliance assistance materials at osha.gov/vaxETS.

Spread the word: Help us spread the word in your communities about our actions to keep workers safe by using our social media toolkit.

For additional information on OSHA’s COVID-19 response visit osha.gov/coronavirus

This Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) document includes several direct links to various programs, services, and relief options related to housing from the CFPB during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Updated May 2021)

New Leave Laws

Other Resources

COVID-19 Tracker: Johns Hopkins University has released a detailed, interactive and continuously updated COVID-19 map to track new cases.
Your Money: A Hub For Help During the Coronavirus Crisis – New York Time's paywall has been lifted for their coronavirus coverage, with a valid e-mail address. Compiled resources for financial help during the crisis.
CDC: COVID-19 FAQ – basics and specifics about the coronavirus, including guidance for particularly vulnerable individuals on how to reduce their risk.
AFL-CIO: Coronavirus Resources – compiles workplace related information regarding COVID-19, as well as industry-specific guidance.
List of banks offering help to customers impacted by the coronavirus – many banks are halting payments and/or fees for the duration of the crisis for eligible folks.
Social Security offices closed: How to get help with benefits during coronavirus pandemic – for seniors and retirees.
HHS Guidance on Free COVID-19 Vaccines

State Information

State of New York - https://www.ny.gov/
NYC United Against Coronavirus - Resources and Information
State of New Jersey - https://www.state.nj.us/
State of California - https://www.ca.gov/
State of Washington - https://access.wa.gov/
State of Illinois - https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/
State of Massachusetts- https://www.mass.gov/
State of Louisiana - https://www.louisiana.gov/
State of California: Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19 – describes what CA workers can do if they’re impacted by the virus.
Washington State Coronavirus Resource Page – features guidance for specific groups, how to get in touch with the Department of Health’s dedicated call center, and the most up-to-date data on the website
Check here: Hotlines, resources for help during coronavirus outbreak in Michigan – compiles and updates regularly information on how Michiganders can stay safe and seek help if they need it.
CANADA: COVID-19 – Canadian equivalent of our CDC landing page.
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Worker Safety and Health Video
NYS COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

About Us

The Office and Professional Employees International Union was chartered in 1945 and, with more than 90,000 members, we’re one of the larger unions of the AFL-CIO. OPEIU has locals throughout the United States and Canada.

More Information