According to an entry on their website, “In the event of a severe pandemic, absenteeism would increase from illness, the fear of infection and the need to care for ill family members. This absenteeism could affect drinking water and wastewater system operators and their capability to operate and maintain their systems adequately, thereby increasing the risks to public health.”
Therefore, the Association has made links and information available in order to support water and wastewater professionals preparing for such situations:
- Water and wastewater professionals with questions about the potential for exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace can review CDC’s (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) FAQ page for health care professionals.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidance on COVID-19, which includes a technical brief on water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management.
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has been working with partners to prepare for possible disruptions to critical infrastructure should COVID-19 take a stronger hold in the United States. Review the latest guidance here.
Source/further information: American Water Works Association
