Below is information and links regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials listed are designed to provide a resource to the reader and should not be construed as medical advice or recommendations.
Water Utility Essential Workers
The Department of Homeland Security recognizes water and wastewater utility staff and their suppliers and manufacturers as part of the “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” (see page 15). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s phased approach for COVID-19 vaccinations recommends that non-health care essential workers, which include water utility staff, receive priority in Phase 1-B of the COVID Vaccination Program (see Section 4). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue to work closely with CDC and other federal agencies to ensure that the water sector continues to receive the most up to date information and the agency recommends water utilities coordinate with their state and local governments and health departments regarding vaccination distribution planning. Source: WSD-OUTREACH@EPA.GOV. US EPA Water Security Division. "Re: What's Going On? - December 2020 Edition." Issued 9 Dec. 2020.
COVID-19 Links and Resources
Information compiled by: Kristina Hartley, Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider for Midwest Assistance Program, Inc.
Materials listed above are designed to provide only a resource to the reader and should not be construed as medical advice or recommendations.
EPA Corrects the Record after Reckless Reporting on Temporary Compliance Guidance
March 30, 2020 News Release excerpt from the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
WASHINGTON (March 30, 2020) — The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the environment, and during this time of unprecedented public health concerns, that mission is even more critical. On March 26, EPA released a temporary policy regarding the agency's enforcement of environmental legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary policy is not a license to pollute. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
CDC Guidelines: Building Water Systems After Prolonged Shut Down