COVID-19: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Coronavirus
Over the past few weeks, coverage of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has dominated the news cycle. While the world has responded with swift mobilization, it is difficult to plan for the effect an outbreak could have on your community. Thankfully, infectious disease experts in Maryland and around the globe have developed advice on how to prepare for an outbreak, both personally and in the workplace.
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control
- Other Resources:
- US Traveler’s Association: Emergency Preparedness and Response: COVID-19
- US Department of Labor: Safety and Health Topics, COVID-19
- Event Manager Blog: Coronavirus: What You Need to Know About Cancelling an Event and Liability Risks
- American Society of Refrigerating Engineers: Position Document on Airborne Infectious Diseases
- Standards for Excellence: Review your organization’s crisis and disaster plan, using the Standards Packet on Administrative Policies as a guide.
- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Society for Human Resource Management: Communicating with Employees During a Crisis
- Society for Human Resource Management Blog: If You Never Worked from Home Before, Here are 10 Suggestions #Coronavirus
- Risk Alternatives Blog: What Your Nonprofit Can Do Now to Reduce Risks Relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Guidance for NYS Office of Children and Family Services Programs: Information on how the NYS Office of Children and Family Services is adjusting their practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- No Handshake Zone Sign: Out of an abundance of caution, at any essential meetings, we are enforcing a no handshake zone to prevent the spread of disease. Please feel free to use it as well.
- We have released our Standards for Excellence Resource Packet on Administrative Policies free of charge
- Washington Nonprofits: Recorded webinar, What am I supposed to do about my fundraising event?
- SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak\
- Free Conferencing Tools:
- National Association of Social Workers: Resources for specifically for Social Workers
- Coronavirus and the HCH Community Webinar on March 20: Status Updates, Available Guidance, Local Preparations, and Outstanding Issues
- Recorded Webinar from Venable LLP: Discusses the legal issues that can arise from COVID-19
Some of the advice provided by the Health Department for healthcare professionals is also relevant to all of us:
- Encourage basic infection control practices such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette
- Ensure non-punitive sick leave policies
- Strong internal and external communication
Up to date as of March 13, 2020
About the Author: Jess Begue
Jess serves as the Marketing and Communications Assistant at Maryland Nonprofits and began in April 2019. Jess aids in making sure that all members are up-to-date on what is happening with Maryland Nonprofits and the Standards for Excellence Institute.
Jess was born and raised in Ohio and earned her B.S.B.A. from The Ohio State University in May of 2018. Before joining us at The Standards for Excellence Institute, she worked for the Ohio Democratic Party as a Digital Organizer during the 2018 midterm cycle. In her spare time, Jess enjoys spending time with her friends and exploring everything that Baltimore has to offer.