COVID-19
Overview
![This image depicts healthcare provider donning a pair of beige latex gloves, in order to protect himself, during his subsequent interaction with his next patient, or possibly biohazardous materials. | Photo Credit: CDC/Amanda Mills](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/13551_lores_0.jpg)
This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus—officially named SARS-CoV-2—that causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
MoreNews and Updates
![Woman cashier in mask and gloves working at the register | Photo Credit: iStockphoto-1214451229 | Copyright: zoranm](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/istock-1214451229.jpg)
Find the latest OSHA resources related to COVID-19, including:
- Lessons Learned: Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections. (November 6, 2020).
- Common COVID-19 Citations: Helping Employers Better Protect Workers and Comply with OSHA Regulations. (November 6, 2020).
- COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace (Spanish). (November 4, 2020).
- Respiratory Protection in Long-Term Care Facilities. (October 30, 2020).
Standards
![Healthcare worker with mask | Photo Credit: CDC/NIOSH](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/1870_wearer.jpg)
Understand how OSHA standards apply to protect workers from SARS-CoV-2.
- Key OSHA standards for COVID-19
- Enforcement discretion guidance
- Enforcement directives
- Workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities
Medical Information
![Photo of a sneeze in progress, revealing plume of salivary droplets as being expelled in a large cone-shaped array from man's mouth, thereby, dramatically illustrating the reason one needs to cover his/her mouth when coughing, or sneezing, in order to protect others from germ exposure. | Photo Credit: CDC/Brian Judd](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/11162_lores.jpg)
- What is a coronavirus?
- How is SARS-CoV-2 different from other coronaviruses?
- What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
- What should I do if I think I have been exposed to or infected with SARS-CoV-2?
- How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
- How is COVID-19 treated?
- Am I at high risk for complications from COVID-19?
- When can I return to work after having COVID-19?
Control and Prevention
![Shot of a surgeon wearing a surgical cap, mask and goggles | Photo Credit: iStockphoto-592648050 | Copyright: shapecharge](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/istock-592648050.jpg)
OSHA provides guidance and resources for employers and workers on the control and prevention of COVID-19. Some sections of this guidance apply to control and prevention for all workers and employers, while other sections specifically focus on those at at lower risk of exposure and those with increased risk of exposure, including workers involved in:
- Airline operations
- Border protection and transportation security
- Business travelers
- Construction
- Correctional facility operations
- Dentistry
- Emergency response and public safety
- Environmental (i.e., janitorial) services
- Food related industry
- Farmworkers*
- Healthcare
- In-home repair services
- Laboratories
- Manufacturing*
- Oil and gas operations
- Postmortem care
- Retail operations
- Solid waste and wastewater management
- Workers in Shared Housing
*Developed in partnership with CDC; †Developed in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
MoreAdditional Resources
![Factory woman worker or technician with hygienic mask stand with confident action with her co-worker as background | Photo Credit: iStockphoto-1214565315 | Copyright: Narongrit Sritana](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218012440im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/istock-1214565315.jpg)
Find additional resources and information for protecting workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including from occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.