Inweekly confirmed with Nathalie Bowers, Public Information Officer for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, that all ECUA employees must wear a face covering when inside any ECUA facility, interacting with people, traveling in any ECUA vehicle with two or more people or working outdoors when persons are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distancing.
Had Escambia County had the same policy four lifeguards may not have gotten infected.
Here is the note from Bowers:
As we saw the spread of COVID-19 continue to rise in our local area this past week, ECUA believes that it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, and members of the community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention {CDC} continues to provide guidance on the best ways in which to reduce the risk of exposure and the potential of subsequently exposing others to the virus. According to the CDC, the use of a cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
Additionally, on June 20, 2020, the State Surgeon General announced in a Public Health Advisory that all individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible with few noted exceptions.
In accordance with these guidelines, all ECUA employees must wear a face covering while:
•indoors at any ECUA facility
•interacting face-to-face with other employees, customers, contractors, etc.
•traveling in an ECUA vehicle with two or more people
•working outdoors when persons are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distancing
We also continue to urge employees to continue following the CDC guidance as outlined below:
•Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
•Practice physical distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
•Stay home when you are sick.
•Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, and discard used tissues in the trash.
•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like phones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, etc.