mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
Should wildfire management agencies screen personnel for signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
All personnel should be encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms before they
come to work. Workers who have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately notify
their supervisor and safety officer and self-isolate. They can also enter
their symptoms into the CDC Coronavirus Self-
Checker to determine whether they need to seek medical care.
Wildfire agencies should ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and
consistent with public health guidance, and that employees are aware of and
understand these policies.
Wildfire agencies should consider implementing daily temperature checks and
symptom screening, consistent with the White House guideline for Opening Up
America Againexternal icon. Consider a program for screening workers before entry into the workplace
or fire incident, based on CDC guidance for screening employees for
COVID-19, which includes:

Verbal screening (from a distance of at least 6 feet) to determine if workers have had symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 24 hours.
Checking temperatures of workers at the start of each shift to identify anyone with a fever of 100.4℉ or greater. 
Ensure that screeners are trained to use temperature monitors.
Make sure that temperature monitors are accurate under conditions of use (such as cold or hot temperatures).
Avoid direct sunlight when recording temperatures.


Preventing employees from entering the workplace if they have a fever of 100.4℉ or greater, or if verbal screening results indicate that the worker may have COVID-19. 
Encourage workers to self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider.
Provide information on the agency’s return-to-work policies and procedures which may be informed by CDC’s Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings interim guidance.
Inform the employer health unit (if in place), incident medical unit, and supervisor so the worker can return home and self-isolate.



Ensure that personnel performing screening activities, including temperature
checks, are appropriately protected from exposure to potentially infectious
workers.

Implement engineering controls, such as physical barriers or dividers or rope and stanchion systems, to maintain at least six feet between screeners and workers being screened.
If screeners need to be within six feet of workers, provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the tasks being performed. 
At minimum, screeners should wear facemasks.
Additional PPE may include gloves, gowns, and face shields.
N95 filtering facepiece respirators (or more protective) may be appropriate for workers performing screening duties and necessary for workers managing a sick employee who has symptoms of COVID-19 in the work environment (see below). Note: If respirators are needed, they must be used in the context of a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes medical exams, fit testing, and training in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134external icon).
FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
What steps can be taken by wildland fire personnel to prevent infection and spread of COVID-19? How can a crew, module, or resource “isolate as a unit” to better protect themselves?
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19. All firefighters and support personnel should have
a basic understanding of COVID-19, how the disease is thought to
spread,
what the symptoms of
the disease are, and what measures can be taken to prevent or minimize the
transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
During the fire season, it will be important that members of each fire crew or
module make an effort to operate and isolate as a unit. Management will need
to develop and implement procedures and protocols to prevent possible
exposures to the virus. When possible, crews should not interchange personnel
or equipment between units and should limit the number of personnel who must
interact with people in the community (e.g. fueling vehicles, picking up
supplies, etc.). This will require planning and using technology to safely
accomplish tasks while maintaining social distancing as much as possible. This
may include implementing procedures that allow fire crews or incident
management personnel to stay remote, isolate from other units, or complete
tasks or missions virtually. If close contact with others in the community is
necessary, it is advised that all personnel wear facemasks or cloth face
coverings for source control.
Wildfire management and personnel should prioritize reducing fatigue and
remaining healthy throughout the fire season. Rest and proper hydration and
nutrition should be prioritized and emphasized every workday.
FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
While traveling to fire assignments, what actions can wildland firefighters take to prevent infection and protect the communities that they will be traveling through?
While traveling between assignments or during fire responses (via large
transport vehicles), it is often not practical to implement social distancing
measures. However, the following actions can be taken to prevent transmission
of the virus during travel.

Following screening guidance presented above and from CDC, continue screening personnel for symptoms of COVID-19 and temperature checks before travel and throughout a response. If screening identifies a worker suspected to have COVID-19, the worker should return home or self-isolate and not travel.
Wear a facemask or cloth face coverings, when appropriate and when interacting with individuals outside of your unit, as a source control.
Wash hands with soap and water or using hand-sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol: 
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or putting anything in the mouth
Before and after preparing food
After touching high-contact surfaces that could be contaminated (e.g., door handles, phones, computers)
After contact with animals or pets


Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
Turn the vehicle ventilation fan(s) to high, in non-recirculating mode, and/or open windows to maximize the intake of outdoor air.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis such as: 
In the truck cab (door handles, steering wheel, seat belts and buckles, arm and head rest, seat cover, turn signal, wiper controls, dashboard, air ducts, radio, and temperature and other controls).
Other surfaces like controls, and other flat surfaces that are touched.
If a third party must have access to the interior of your truck (for example, mechanics, other drivers, inspectors), request that the third party clean and disinfect the truck before turning it back over to you.
For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% rubbing alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use, and clean your hands afterwards.



For more information, see CDC guidance for Coronavirus and Travel in the
United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can wild animals spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people or pets?
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest the virus that causes COVID-19 is
circulating in free-living wildlife in the United States, or that wildlife
might be a source of infection for people in the United States. The first case
of a wild animal testing positive for the virus in the United States was a
tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. However, this
tiger was in a captive zoo environment ,and public health officials believe
the tiger became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was infected
and spreading the virus.
If a wild animal were to become infected with the virus, we don’t know whether
the infection could then spread among wildlife or if it could spread to other
animals, including pets. Further studies are needed to understand if and how
different animals, including wildlife, could be affected by COVID-19. Because
wildlife can carry other diseases, even without looking sick, it is always
important to enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Take steps to prevent getting sick from wildlife in the United States:

Keep your family, including pets, a safe distance away from wildlife.
Do not feed wildlife or touch wildlife droppings.
Always wash your hands and supervise children washing their hands after working or playing outside.
Leave orphaned animals alone. Often, the parents are close by and will return for their young.
Consult your state wildlife agency’s guidance if you are preparing or consuming legally harvested game meat.
Do not approach or touch a sick or dead animal – contact your state wildlife agency instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?
You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching
them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at Prevention for
2019 Novel Coronavirus
and at Preventing COVID-19 Spread in
Communities.
Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at How COVID-19
Spreads.
More information on Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) is available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?
We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from
people to animals in some situations. Until we learn more about this new
coronavirus, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you
are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with people. When possible, have
another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If
you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including

Petting
Snuggling
Being kissed or licked
Sharing food or bedding

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash
your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a cloth face
covering.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Funerals
What do funeral home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?
A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of
COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection
prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of
COVID-19. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow Standard
Precautions, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if
splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has
been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a product with EPA-
approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal iconexternal
icon expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data
for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all
cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method
and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body
bag.
Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions
including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable
gown, faceshield or goggles and N95 respirator). Wear appropriate respiratory
protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for
chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty
gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture
wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how
to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the CDC’s Postmortem
Guidance. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral
pathogens claimspdf iconexternal iconexternal
icon are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on
data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application
method and contact time).
After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform hand
hygiene by washing
hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not
available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any
additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and
disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious
diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
How do I prepare my children in case of COVID-19 outbreak in our community?
Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children
about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. If
appropriate, explain to them that most illness from COVID-19 seems to be mild.
Children respond differently to stressful situations than
adults.
CDC offers
resources to help talk with children about
COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
What if my child or someone else in the home is sick with symptoms of COVID-19?
If your child with special healthcare needs becomes sick with symptoms of
COVID-19, contact your
child’s healthcare provider. If your child has new or worsening emergency
warning signs,
such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or
inability to wake them up, or bluish lips or face, call 911. If you think your
child may have COVID-19, notify the operator so that first responders may be
appropriately prepared to protect themselves and others.
Notify your child’s healthcare provider if someone else in your house becomes
sick with COVID-19, so they can provide any advice specific for your child.
See additional information if someone in the home is sick with
COVID-19 or
suspected of having COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
Generally coronaviruses survive for shorter periods at higher temperatures and
higher humidity than in cooler or dryer environments. However, we don’t have
direct data for this virus, nor do we have direct data for a temperature-based
cutoff for inactivation at this point. The necessary temperature would also be
based on the materials of the surface, the environment, etc. Regardless of
temperature please follow CDC’s guidance for cleaning and
disinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, limit time with older adults, including relatives, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical
conditions are at highest risk of getting sick
from COVID-19.

If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.
If you are unable to stay home with your child during school dismissals, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide childcare. If someone at higher risk for COVID-19 will be providing care (older adult, such as a grandparent or someone with a serious underlying medical condition), limit your children’s contact with other people.
Consider postponing visits or trip to see older family members and grandparents. Connect virtually or by writing letters and sending via mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
What steps can my family take to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19?
Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick
and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially
important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical
conditions:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community
Will schools be dismissed if there is an outbreak in my community?
Depending on the situation, public health officials may recommend community
actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19, such as school dismissals. Read or
watch local media sources that report school dismissals or and watch for
communication from your child’s school. If schools are dismissed temporarily,
discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at
a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19?
Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has
directions for
people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any
of these signs, *seek emergency medical care immediately**

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the
operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
Are there any medications I should avoid taking if I have COVID-19?
Currently, there is no evidence to show that taking ibuprofen or naproxen can
lead to a more severe infection of COVID-19.
People with high blood pressure should take their blood pressure medications,
as directed, and work with their healthcare provider to make sure that their
blood pressure is as well controlled as possible. Any changes to your
medications should only be made by your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Should I worry about my pet cat?
We are still learning about this virus and how it spreads, but it appears it
can spread from humans to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small
number of pets, including cats, reported to be infected with the virus that
causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Most of
these animals had contact with a person with COVID-19. A tiger at a New York
zoo has also tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.
At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited data available,
the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. The
virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person, typically
through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
People sick with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from other people and
animals, including pets, during their illness until we know more about how
this virus affects animals. If you must care for your pet or be around animals
while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and
after you interact with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Should sidewalks and roads be disinfected to prevent COVID-19?
CDC does not recommend disinfection of sidewalks or roads. Spraying
disinfectant on sidewalks and roads is not an efficient use of disinfectant
supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public.
The risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 from these surfaces is
very low and disinfection is not effective on these surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?
People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who
are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are
worried about getting the disease from these people. Fear and anxiety can lead
to social stigma, for example, toward people who live in certain parts of the
world, people who have traveled internationally, people who were in
quarantine, or healthcare professionals.
Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or
a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19
spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip
that spreads rumors and myths.
Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger toward ordinary people
instead of focusing on the disease that is causing the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
What should I do if my pet gets sick and I think it’s COVID-19?
There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected
with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person
with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns you have
about your pets.
If your pet gets sick after contact with a person with COVID-19, do not take
your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let
them know the pet was around a person with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may
offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your
veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s
treatment and care.