News

News

Coronavirus Resource Center

WHAT'S NEW?

Central South Carpenters' Chief of Staff, Craig Wright, has an important message for all members: https://youtu.be/DfsE6od0p2g


OSHA: OXYGEN LEVELS AND MASKS:

Q. Does wearing a medical/surgical mask or cloth face covering cause unsafe oxygen levels or harmful carbon dioxide levels to the wearer?

A. No. Medical masks, including surgical masks, are routinely worn by healthcare workers throughout the day as part of their personal protective equipment ensembles and do not compromise their oxygen levels or cause carbon dioxide buildup. They are designed to be breathed through and can protect against respiratory droplets, which are typically much larger than tiny carbon dioxide particles. Consequently, most carbon dioxide particles will either go through the mask or escape along the mask's loose-fitting perimeter. Some carbon dioxide might collect between the mask and the wearer's face, but not at unsafe levels.

Like medical masks, cloth face coverings are loose-fitting with no seal and are designed to be breathed through. Workers may easily remove their medical masks or cloth face coverings periodically (and when not in close proximity with others) to eliminate any negligible buildup of carbon dioxide that might occur. Cloth face coverings and medical masks can help prevent the spread of potentially infectious respiratory droplets from the wearer to their co-workers, including when the wearer has COVID-19 and does not know it.


FACTS ABOUT MASKS: OSHA generally recommends that employers encourage workers to wear medical masks or cloth face coverings at work to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. OSHA recently issued frequently asked questions (FAQ) guidance to address inaccurate claims that these masks and face coverings cause unsafe oxygen or harmful carbon dioxide levels for the wearer. Get the facts here.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, multiple state are extending unemployment benefits. See details for each state, here: https://money.com/coronavirus-state-unemployment-benefit-extension/?xid=applenews

BENEFITS FUNDS OFFER RELIEF TO MEMBERS: From a one-time withdraw from your retirement to helping keep medical coverage, check out these relief efforts: https://bit.ly/2Z4LI7E

GET RELIEF: The CSCRC Relief Fund is activated for members affected by COVID-19. Please click here to see if you are eligible: https://bit.ly/2y1juyR

YOUR LIFE IS WORTH IT: Central South Carpenters' Chief of Staff Craig Wright has an important message for every brother and sister in our Council. Please watch this short video: https://youtu.be/gJ-DiNooi50

GET QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Remember, if you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your work, we want to hear from you. We now operate a virtual "Ask-the-Council" program, where you can simply text your question and we will get an answer to you as soon as possible. Please text the word QUESTION to 844-682-7272 (844-68-CSCRC) to get started.  

Re-Openings and Paused Re-Openings: Due to rising COVID-19 case counts, several states in our region are pausing or reversing plans to re-open. Click here for details about your state's status and restrictions. Be aware city and county orders are affecting many areas as well. Check with your local governments to find out if additional rules apply. Check it out: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-map-coronavirus.html.

Face mask maintenance: Face masks are a part of everyone’s life right now, including construction job sites. If you wear a reusable cloth face covering, it’s important to keep it clean. Per OSHA, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on washing face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html. OSHA also suggests following those recommendations, and always washing or discarding cloth face coverings that are visibly soiled. Read more tips and information about cloth face coverings here: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/covid-19-faq.html#cloth-face-coverings and here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.  WEAR THE MASK CORRECTLY: OSHA released a new video and poster (shown on the right) that shows how to properly wear and remove a respirator. The video and poster are also available in Spanish.

How to Stay Healthy at Work: As more of our members get back on the job, we know safety measures like keeping 6 feet apart are challenging. But it is important to practice social distancing and protect yourself in other ways like:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and face coverings
  • Sanitizing your tools, phone, and anything else you touch frequently
  • Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Eating your lunch by yourself
  • Avoiding crowded break areas
  • Not carpooling
  • Taking stairs when possible
  • Limiting interactions by working with the same group of people whenever possible
 

CAR INSURANCE: You may be eligible for a refund on your car insurance premium. What you need to know: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2020/04/16/coronavirus-relief-how-get-your-car-insurance-refunds/2990448001/

 

TWIC card expiration dates are extended by six months: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the expiration date of Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) is being extended by six months. This applies to cards expiring between March 1 and July 31, 2020. Get details here: https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/esvp_twic_exemption-faqs-notice_4_14_20.pdf

 
 
SCAM ALERT: Federal Trade Commission offers tips to avoid COVID-19 scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

 

Track COVID-19 in your own county: The Harvard Global Health Institute released a new tool that allows you to see a COVID-19 risk rating of green, yellow, orange, or red for the county where you live. Check it out: https://globalepidemics.org/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression/.


UNEMPLOYMENT RESOURCES: Check out the graphic on the right to see how the coronavirus relief bill impacts access to unemployment insurance...


State-by-state help...

Arkansas

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/

To file a UI claim online: https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/ark-line/

Arkansas State Health Department: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/


Louisiana

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: Call 1-866-783-5567

Louisiana State Health Department: http://ldh.la.gov/


Mississippi

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/claims-information/

To file a UI claim online: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/claims-information/

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-888-844-3577

Mississippi State Health Department: https://msdh.ms.gov


Oklahoma

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.ok.gov/oesc/Claimants/

To file a UI claim online: https://unemployment.state.ok.us/W2.aspx

Oklahoma State Health Department: https://www.ok.gov/health/


Texas

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services

To file a UI claim online: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services#applyForBenefits

See these additional tips for Texans

Texas State Health Department: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/

 

FEDERAL ACTIONS

 

INDUSTRY TALK

 

 

BROTHER'S KEEPER

How can I be my brother’s and sister’s keeper?
 


CSCRC INFORMATION

  • HEAR FROM THE EST: Please watch this video message from EST Engels about help for members during this crisis: https://youtu.be/O9CF4X2npyE

  • Please watch this short video message from Jason Engels, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Central South Carpenters, about COVID-19 and its effects on all of us. Click here.

  • Health Funds: http://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/MemRetirement.xml

  • Council Representative Contact: http://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Council.xml

  • The CSCRC is following state and federal guidelines to reduce virus transmission and expansion in the workplace.

  • We will continue to provide all forms of service and support to our members.

  • Offices will remain open, but we encourage you to visit the office only if necessary and to use the phone or email for routine questions. Find your contact info here: http://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Council.xml

  • If you must visit a Council or Local office, please wash your hands and complete hand sanitization upon entry to the building.

  • Representatives will continue to make job site visits.

  • All training centers are temporarily closed. We will update all members when training resumes.

 
 
Training Program Updates

  • Eligible UBC members can now use the CITF's Learning Management System to take an online course to be trained in ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment). UBC members who are trained provide much needed expertise in this crisis to ensure that proper protocol is followed and proper containment measures are being taken. Check out the courses "ICRA: Best Practices in Health-Care Construction" and "COVID-19 Preparedness Qualification" here: https://www.carpenters.org/resource-hub/for-our-members. You'll need a computer or tablet to take the course, and if you have trouble logging in, reach out to your Local Union to verify your email address.

  • Members are urged to take the online COVID-19 Preparedness Qualification courses: https://bit.ly/3dXVwVX

  • Training credentials renewal expiration dates have been extended. Click here for details: https://bit.ly/33JcPVM

  • All training centers are closed in all five states until further notice.

  • International Training Center Closure Information: http://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/Module/News/NewsDetail/ITC_Closure_Information?id=321

 

MORE RESOURCES

Stay informed at the UBC COVID-19 Information Center

Health Organizations...


Lifestyle Resources...
  • This time in our lives is really hard. It's ok to feel stressed and anxious. Take the time to take care of yourself. Here are a bunch of resources to help you: https://bit.ly/33LAEMK
  • 10 Common myths about COVID-19: https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/topics/prevention/10-myths-about-covid-19/
  • How to Keep Your Kids Busy While at Home: Here’s a good list of free activities for kids while at home because of school closures: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/
  • How to effectively use hand sanitizer - Never substitute washing your hands for hand sanitizer, as hand washing is more effective than hand sanitizer. But this doesn’t mean hand sanitizer isn’t useful. There are plenty of times when a sink and soap aren’t available, which makes hand sanitizer the next best option. It’s important to know how to use it effectively. Rather than squirting it in your hand and quickly rubbing your hands together, you need to take time to properly use hand sanitizer. To effectively use hand sanitizer: Make sure all dirt and grime are removed first; Apply a dab of hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand, about the size of a dime; Rub all areas of both hands for at least 30 seconds, or until the hand sanitizer is dry, so your skin can effectively absorb all of the hand sanitizer. This includes rubbing your palms, fingers, nails, and the backs of your hands; Wait for your hands to dry before touching anything else.

 

COMMON FAQ’s

What if I or my family members have symptoms
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • If you develop symptoms of illness during the workday, please ask to leave and then contact your Council Representative ASAP.
  • If you or someone in your household has a flu-like illness that is not diagnosed, please check with your supervisor before coming to work.
  • If your child’s school or child-care facility is impacted, please alert your supervisor.
  • If any staff or staff family member is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will work with local and federal agencies to follow containment and safety procedures.

What are common symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19, also called “Coronavirus,” is a flu-like illness. The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath.


How to I stay healthy?
Slowing the spread of this virus is the best strategy to keep our members and their families healthy. Please follow these guidelines.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom, before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then dispose of the tissue.
  • Clean and disinfect - frequently - touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Practice social distancing, which means avoiding large public gathering venues, adhering to spacing recommendations (6 feet apart), and following proper personal hygiene practices.

I’m freaking out. What should I do?
Anxiety, depression, worry and apprehension are all common responses during uncertain times. Please pay attention to how you are feeling and practice self-care. For helpful tips, please read this resource on How to Cope with Anxiety About Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-coronavirus-anxiety-4798909


Is there any good news to focus on?
  • Unlike the flu, COVID-19 has not shown to be particularly dangerous for children.
  • It is likely that, if we work hard in areas of infection and follow guidelines, we could reduce the spread of the virus.
  • There is optimism that increased personal hygiene (mostly handwashing) could shorten the flu season – a virus that continues to claim more lives worldwide than COVID-19.
  • You are surrounded by people that care about you and your well-being.

How can I be my brother’s and sister’s keeper?
  • Adopt a social responsibility mindset. Everyone is experiencing the same new information and uncertainty. By remaining calm and helpful, we can assist others in problem-solving and help keep them calm as well.
  • Be optimistic. We are all in this together and together we will find a way forward.
  • Remind each other that Jason Engels and his staff are here to support all members, and they are working extremely hard to get the membership the support and services that will help everyone through this pandemic.

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