Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) takes the health and safety of our members and employees very seriously. As a result, CEC is monitoring the COVID-19 virus information recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other official sources on a regular basis. CEC will update members and employees on any significant developments as they become available.

In order to mitigate employee and community risk, CEC has suspended all out of state, non-essential employee travel until further notice. We also want to make our members aware that backup plans and provisions are in place regarding business continuity. These plans can be enacted quickly – should an emergency occur. These include, but are not limited to, engaging contractors with who we have agreements for mission-critical processes and implementing our well-established, mutual aid agreements. 

Remaining aware of the concerns and taking appropriate personal precautions is always a prudent course of action. The following is a list of best practices provided by the CDC that can be taken to lower individual risk of contracting the virus.
 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
   
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
   
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. 
   
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. 
   
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.
   
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
   
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
   
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
   
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
   
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

For more information on COVID-19 visit www.cdc.gov.