Softhq International - Staffing Agency, San Diego, CA (2026)

11/10/2021

XYZ

04/08/2020

DOL Guidance Tackles Coronavirus Unemployment Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor has given fresh guidelines for implementing programs that congress enacted to expand unemployment insurance coverage for those put out of work during the novel coronavirus pandemic, laying out a road map for independent contractors and gig workers seeking benefits.
The DOL’s Employment and Training Administration issued two guidance letters over the weekend that clarified various elements of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, dubbed the CARES Act, and signed by President Donald Trump on March 27, the law was one of several legislative packages passed by Congress to help people and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic weather the economic storm.

The CARES Act includes several programs aimed at boosting the ability of millions of newly unemployed workers to collect unemployment insurance benefits while they are out of work, as many businesses have been forced to close their doors during the pandemic.

The guidance letters sent to administrators of state workforce agencies offer guidance for those States on how to implement and operate two programs that were included as part of the CARES Act involving unemployment insurance benefits: the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, program and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, or FPUC.

The PUA program provides benefits to eligible people affected by COVID-19 who do not otherwise qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, such as independent contractors, people who are self-employed and those who work as part of the so-called gig economy, according to the DOL.

The FPUC gives eligible individuals who are already collecting certain types of unemployment insurance benefits an extra $600 per week in federal benefits through the end of July. The CARES Act also extend the term of State benefits for several months.
On April 4, Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said in a statement that accompanied the departments release of its FPUC guidance letter that the CARES Act’s $600 weekly unemployment compensation supplement “will provide valuable support to American workers and their families during the challenging time.”

“The department will continue to provide guidance and support to the states so they can administer the important new benefits under the CARES Act while guarding against fraud and abuse in their unemployment insurance systems” Scalia said.

In its FPUC guidance letter – called Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 15-20 – the DOL identified exactly which types of unemployment benefits people must be receiving to qualify for the $600 per week FPUC would provide on top of what they already get. The letter also lays out key dates related to the program that States need to keep in mind as well as other details about how the program should be administered.

The second guidance letter issued late Sunday dealing with the PUA – Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 16 – 20 – provides a broad overview of the program and delves into details about who is eligible for benefits under the program and how the program will run.

The DOL’s guidance letters over the weekend came after an initial guidance from the Department on April 2, which gave State workforce agencies a summary of the CARES Act and its various provisions.

04/07/2020

Cloth Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
This document is intended to address frequently asked questions about cloth face coverings referenced by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (saving lives, protecting people).
Why do you need to wear cloth face coverings?
In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with the evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms’.
When do you need to wear a cloth face covering?
A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting, especially in situations when you may be near people. These sittings include grocery stores and pharmacies. These face covering are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face covering is especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.
Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if wearing a cloth face covering?
Yes. Wearing cloth face-covering is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms. View CDC’s guidance on How to protect yourself.
What type of cloth face covering should be worn?
Cloth face covering can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at a low cost.
Who should not wear cloth face coverings?
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or in an unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
Why is CDC recommending cloth face-covering instead of a medical-grade facemask?
Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for health care workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by CDC guidance.

If you have more questions: visit CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636
Email: CDC-INFO (Open 24/7)

04/06/2020

Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation

Keep Your Distance to Slow the Spread
Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

To help prevent getting sick National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases recommends these points to every individual to stay safe.

What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

• Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Why practice social distancing?
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that 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. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.
Tips for social distancing
• Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
• If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
o Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
o Consider a grocery delivery service.
o Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
• Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
• Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person play dates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
• Work from home when possible.
• If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
• If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.
Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Quarantine
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Someone in self-quarantine stays separated from others, and they limit movement outside of their home or current place. A person may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it (for example, when traveling or out in the community), or they could have the virus without feeling symptoms. Quarantine helps limit further spread of COVID-19.
Isolation
Isolation is used to separate sick people from healthy people. People who are in isolation should stay home. In the home, anyone sick should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick” bedroom or space and using a different bathroom (if possible).
What should I do if I might have been exposed? If I feel sick? Or have confirmed COVID-19?
• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, read about symptoms.

 If you or someone in your home might have been exposed-
Steps to take…
Self-Monitor:
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
o Take you temperature if symptoms develop.
o Practice social distancing. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and stay out of crowded places.
o Follow CDC guidance, if symptoms develop.
 If you feel healthy but:
o Recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19, or
o Recently travelled from somewhere with active spread-within or outside the U.S.
Self-Quarantine
o Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms.
o Stay home for 14 days and self-monitor
o If possible, stay away from people who are high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
 If you:
o Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or
o Are waiting for test results, or
o Have symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
Self-Isolate
• Stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people. If possible, use a separate bathroom.
• Read important information about caring for yourself or someone else who is sick.

04/03/2020

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home

Everyday steps and extra steps when someone is sick
This guidance is referenced by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on interim recommendations for U.S. households and global places. This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfecting households.

How to clean and disinfect

Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
Clean
• Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
High touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect
• Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
• Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend:
 Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
 Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product/
Many products recommend:
o Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
o Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
• Diluted household bleach solution may also be used if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufactures’ instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute

o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

Soft surfaces
For soft surfaces such as Carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes
• Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleansers appropriate for use on these surfaces.
• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufactures’ instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
OR
• Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants
Meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.
• consider putting a wipe able cover on electronics
• Follow manufactures’ instruction for cleaning and disinfecting.
o If no guidance, use alcohol-base wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundry
For clothing, towels, linens and other items
• Lauder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the Warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.
• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.
• Do not shake dirty laundry.
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

Clean hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
o Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
• Additional key times to clean hands include:
o After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
o After using restroom
o Before eating or preparing food
o After contact with animals or pets
o Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

When someone is sick
Bedroom and Bathroom
Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for a person who is sick (if possible)
• The person who is sick should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).
• If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This will help limit your contact with the person who is sick.
o Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants. If they feel up to it, the person who is sick can clean their own space.
• If shared bathroom: The person who is sick should clean and disinfect after each use. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.

Food
• Stay separated: The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.
• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any used dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.
Trash
• Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the person who is sick. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.

04/02/2020

Caring for someone at home

National Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases recommends these points for individuals who are staying at home.

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home. Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

If you caring for someone at home monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation.

Note: Older adults and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms starts.

Monitor the person for worsening symptoms. Know the emergency warning signs.

 Have their healthcare providers contact information on hand.

 If they are getting sicker, call their healthcare provider. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that they have or are suspected to have COVID-19.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
 Trouble Breathing
 Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
 New confusion or inability to arouse
 Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Prevent the spread of germs when caring for someone who is sick-
Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including you, as much as possible.

• If possible, have them use a separate bathroom.
• Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and beddings.
• If facemasks are available, have them wear a mask when they are around people, including you.
• If a sick person cannot wear a mask, you should wear one while in the same room with them, if mask are available.
• If the sick person needs to be around others (within the home, in a vehicle, or doctor’s office), they should wear a facemask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with a sick person. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, table-tops, and door-knobs.
• Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.
• If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
• Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
• For any additional questions about their care, contact their healthcare provider or state or local health department.

Provide symptom treatment

• Make sure the sick person drinks a lot of fluids to stay hydrated and rests at home.
• Over the counter medicines may help with symptoms.
• For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.

When to end home isolation (staying home)

• People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (are home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
- If they will not have a test determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:
- They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)AND
- Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
- At least 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared.

• If they will be tested to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:
 They are no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND

- Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND

- They received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. The doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

04/02/2020

To help prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself, follow these recommendations:

03/31/2020

Help-Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Softhq International - Staffing Agency

11/10/2021

04/08/2020

04/07/2020

04/06/2020

04/03/2020

04/02/2020

04/02/2020

03/31/2020

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share