Appendix 1 - COVID19 AFSC Field Plan 2021.pdf

Appendix 1

Solicitation 1305M321QNFFS0014

January 7, 2020

AFSC Safety Standard Operating Procedures for Fieldwork for FY21

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts shipboard surveys and other fieldwork using contracted commercial fishing vessels, NOAA research vessels, chartered and NOAA aircraft and remote field camps. In cases where AFSC partners with another entity (e.g., OMAO, Fish & Wildlife Service) that has a different safety protocol additional discussion may be needed to reach agreement on protocol details. In general, these SOPs apply on charter platforms and in / on AFSC-owned assets. While AFSC also uses small boats extensively to achieve its mission, these requirements are governed by the NOAA Small Boat Program and not covered as part of this document.

The Center and its Programs developed COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to follow in preparing for and executing surveys and other fieldwork to safeguard staff and minimize potential disruption to research operations by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the resulting COVID-19 illness. The intent is to create a safe workplace for staff and to reduce health risks to families and to Alaskan communities as a result of AFSC activities. Project leads, staff (including Field Party Chiefs (FPCs)), and affiliates should be thoroughly familiar with these general procedures and survey/fieldwork-specific procedures before conducting fieldwork. Survey and fieldwork-specific procedures for ships, aircraft and field camps are included as appendices to these overarching AFSC safety procedures for COVID-19.

Each survey is expected to conduct training on the operational aspects of their specific SOPs, for both general safety-at-sea issues and for COVID-19. The procedures in this document are specific to COVID-

19. For regular survey procedures, refer to the survey-specific scientific operations plan, and for safety at sea, refer to the survey-specific safety manual.

SOP Medical and Periodic Review

COVID-19 SOPs must be frequently reviewed and updated to reflect the latest and safest knowledge of transmission, prevention, and treatment. Best or recommended practices may change as a result of new medical or public health knowledge about the virus. Similarly, recommended practices may change based on lessons learned from the fishing and other similar industry practices or prior field efforts. This plan and the specific preventive measures herein have been reviewed by qualified medical personnel and by the AFSC Safety Office. These COVID-19 SOPs should be reviewed by AFSC Leadership and qualified physicians or public health officers on a quarterly basis or as new information becomes available. These SOPs do not consider the procedures or requirements for a vaccine that may be developed for SARS-CoV-2. These factors will be reconsidered once functional and accessible vaccines are developed and introduced into the working environment.

Resolving Important Questions on COVID-19 Contingencies

AFSC is aware that clarity is needed on important questions to allow staff to make decisions about participating in FY21 field activities. These questions include:

1. Can AFSC provide/pay for medevac insurance for field-going staff?

We have worked with the NOAA Acquisitions and Grants Office, and have gotten approval to establish a government contract to provide medevac services to cover injury and illness (including COVID-19) in the field.

https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/small-boat-program https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/small-boat-program

2. Will NOAA field-going staff be considered “high risk” to reduce the burden of proof required to have Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims approved should they become ill during AFSC fieldwork or required travel?

We have reached an excellent conclusion regarding the likelihood for staff to receive workers compensation should they contract COVID-19. The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new Bulletin in October 2020 expanding coverage of Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) claims related to COVID-19. In addition to certain types of positions being determined “high risk” due to the nature of the work performed, another provision has been added that allows a “high risk” determination for a specific employee based on individual circumstances. Employees that follow our pre-travel shelter in place and testing protocols will be able to use that as evidence that they didn’t contract COVID-19 prior to traveling. This creates a more solid case that they would not have gotten sick were it not for the government-required travel. Each case stands on its own and DOL is responsible for making the final determination for all FECA claims. But this new provision greatly increases the likelihood that the claims will be approved in these situations.

3. Can AFSC provide/pay for short-term disability insurance for field-going staff?

At this time, AFSC Leadership is engaged with NMFS and NOAA Leadership to get clear answers to outstanding questions. Staff are encouraged to consider all available information regarding these questions in making decisions about whether they are able to participate in field activities.

In addition, AFSC staff are strongly encouraged to review their personal health coverage to fully understand what is covered. To the extent staff feel additional coverages are needed, Federal Health Benefits Open Season (November 9 – December 14, 2020) provides a timely opportunity to review and update coverages as needed for the year beginning January 1, 2021. Any staff who become sick or are injured during the course of performing AFSC responsibilities are encouraged to submit OWCP claims.

Required Practices

AFSC requires that staff conducting surveys and other fieldwork adhere to common practices to reduce the occurrence of COVID-19. These practices serve as a foundation for these SOPs and are included in Appendix IV. Of primary importance are the OSHA guidelines for personal infection control (PIC) that highly reduce the chances of becoming infected with COVID-19. These PICs include physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals, wearing face coverings or masks, avoiding touching your face, practicing good respiratory etiquette, and frequently washing or sanitizing your hands. However, on many research platforms, distancing and wearing face masks will not always be practical, so shelter-in-place (SIP) periods and testing for COVID-19 will be essential to reduce the chance that a COVID-19 positive person boards any of our surveys or conducts other fieldwork activities. In some cases, fieldwork will require a 14-day pre-travel isolation period and a 14-day SIP period at the port of embarkation may be required prior to engaging in fieldwork (e.g., 14-day home isolation in Seattle prior to commercial flight to Anchorage plus a 14-day SIP in Anchorage prior to a charter flight to Dutch Harbor (port of embarkation)).

PICs are required for all fieldwork planning, mobilization and demobilization activities. Meetings should be conducted virtually. When meetings, training, packing or other activities must be conducted in person, those involved must be limited to those who are absolutely necessary, physical distancing https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dfec/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FECABulletins/FY2020-2024#FECAB2101 https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2020/10/rate-announcement-2020/ https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2020/10/rate-announcement-2020/ https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html should be practiced whenever possible, face coverings must be worn at all times, eye protection is recommended, and good hand hygiene must be practiced.

I. Survey Preparation A. Coordination between NOAA and non-NOAA partners

1. AFSC fieldwork-specific procedures and infection prevention and control policies are consistent with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest COVID-19 guidance (e.g., Protecting Seafood Processing Workers from COVID-19 and Alaska Protective Plan for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels Appendix 01 to Health Mandate 017, Health Order 6 International and Interstate Travel and other required mandates).

2. Inside and onboard vessels, aircraft and field camps:

a. These procedures will be shared and discussed during the contracting process (for charters) and clarified during the pre-deployment meetings with the vessel and aircraft operators, OMAO (for NOAA aircraft and vessels), and the contracting officer.

b. To the extent possible, NOAA and any contracted / partner entities will identify and resolve any differences in safety procedures in advance of the field activity.

c. AFSC will explore medical advisory service that can be consulted by each scientific party during suspected COVID-19 cases.

d. On OMAO platforms, AFSC leadership and survey participants will read and follow safety protocols, as well as assist OMAO with their implementation.

e. AFSC will work with OMAO, charter companies or other partner entities to ensure that signage describing basic personal hygiene and sanitation will be prominent in each research platform.

3. Procedural documentation . Program Leaders, in coordination with their Division Director and the AFSC Directorate, obtain current procedural documents on COVID-19 for NOAA and the vessel or aircraft being used, as well as current procedures and directives for all states, ports, and communities (including native council/leadership) that will be contacted during operations, including travel, mobilization, supply and crew change stops, and demobilization.

a. Program Leaders, in coordination with their Division Director and the AFSC Directorate, obtain mission critical travel and Return-to-Work approval from AFSC and NMFS and NOAA leadership, as required within the required lead time.

B. Training

1. All training will follow the latest CDC guidelines and NOAA Fisheries / AFSC standards for PICs including physical distancing and adhere to current procedures established for group activities, including:

. Medical training

a. Cold water safety training

b. On-deck and wheelhouse applications training

c. All modules associated with survey and fieldwork training as appropriate.

2. All survey and fieldwork participants must be familiar with the following COVID-19 resources: the NOAA COVID-19 safety orientation (to be completed immediately for any new hires), COVID-19 SOPs (this document), handling and use of PPE, signs and symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, isolation and field treatment of potentially infected persons.

Familiarity with COVID protocols and other training resources should be in addition to, and an augmentation of, standard first aid/CPR training.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-seafood-processing.html https://covid19.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-MANDATE-017-Appendix-01-Protective-Plan-for-Independent-Commercial-Fish.pdf https://covid19.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-MANDATE-017-Appendix-01-Protective-Plan-for-Independent-Commercial-Fish.pdf https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R-_yLaBfGrOS2teXBxGeRUqUIrD94vU0 https://doc.csod.com/client/doc/default.aspx

3. For training activities in which field-going participants must use shared equipment (tablets, computers, etc.), currently accepted procedures for surface disinfection should be followed before and after handling (e.g., AFSC cleaning and disinfecting guidelines).

4. Project leads should identify at least one alternate with appropriate cross-training so that survey and fieldwork staffing requirements will be met in light of stringent shelter-in-place requirements and the possibility that staff could become sick or test positive in advance of deploying to the field.

C. Staffing

1. In order to assess staff availability and identify needed alternates, Division and Center

Leadership will ask field-going staff whether they are willing to participate in specific planned field activities in light of these SOPs and other considerations. Supervisors play a key role in helping employees identify and assess risks, as well as communicating staff questions and concerns to AFSC Leadership. It is expected that supervisors will aid their staff in making individual decisions about conducting fieldwork, but that supervisors will stop short of making these decisions on behalf of their staff.

2. Staff who have concerns about participation in fieldwork, including abiding by the safety procedures outlined in this document, should contact their supervisors as soon as possible.

Decisions to not participate in fieldwork will be free of repercussions or consequences.

3. If some field activities cannot be adequately staffed, Center and Division Leadership will evaluate planned activities to ensure that core and mission-critical functions are prioritized.

4. For each field activity, if possible, Division and field party leadership will identify a primary, secondary, and tertiary staff member to provide care and treatment of any COVID-19 patient stricken during fieldwork until the patient can receive professional medical care.

5. AFSC Leadership will consider stationing additional personnel in Alaska that have successfully completed the required SIP procedures in the event that staffing replacements are needed.

6. AFSC Leadership will consider the tradeoffs of implementing standard-length legs versus reducing the number of legs to minimize staff turnover and potential shelter in place failures.

Staff will be asked to consider leg duration and personal circumstances in considering their willingness to participate in field activities.

A. Route Planning and Ports

1. For each field project, the Port of Embarkation, Ports of Call, ports that can be used in an emergency to load/offload fieldwork participants, Port of Disembarkation, and approximate schedule should be identified by the survey coordinators and included in survey operational plans. Ports of call will be limited and behavior of all fieldwork participants while in port is critical to ensure “the bubble” of those who have sheltered in place and been tested is not broken.

2. OMAO or charter companies must contact port or airport authorities and vessel / aircraft services (e.g., OSI (Dutch Harbor) and ASD (Ketchikan)) to establish COVID-19 procedures and appointments for each vessel or aircraft.

3. Available ports, including unscheduled ports, will be evaluated by the survey coordinators for the port’s vessel access and capacity to treat or transport potential acute COVID-19 patients.

A rational plan for the survey route and options in the event of disruption will be developed.

B. COVID-19 Outbreak Scenarios and Potential Fieldwork Disruption

1. Project leaders and Division managers will work preemptively with survey and stock assessment scientists on possible mitigation strategies for survey operations in case they are curtailed due to a COVID-19 outbreak on any of the survey vessels or other field locations.

2. Mitigation strategies and contingency plans will be considered on a leg-by-leg basis in the event that it is not possible to complete the planned activities.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pDsB8YbvFmWi_hNYbfiGsiDiaZ7f3gVD/view

3. Each survey or other field project will have project-specific plan outlining the steps that will be taken if someone exhibits COVID-19 symptoms while in the field, including:

a. All efforts will be made to isolate the staff showing symptoms, thoroughly clean the vessel/aircraft/camp and test everyone onboard on the vessel with Abbott ID NOW or testing at the port of call.

b. Any symptomatic individual testing positive will be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility for treatment and isolate for at least 10 days.

c. The remainder of the scientific party and any crew will remain in quarantine for 14 days before proceeding with the survey, unless a medical professional advises in certain circumstances that a shorter quarantine period is safe. AFSC will evaluate potential continuation of the survey in consultation with medical professionals. Recommend testing at the end of the 14 day quarantine.

d. AFSC will consider the safety of continuing surveys and other fieldwork if a vessel must return to port or a field camp must close. Another vessel may also need to return to port or field camp may also need to be closed if it is not possible to safely operate in a remote area alone.

e. Before any final decision is made to discontinue a survey, AFSC will consider whether other vessels and crews are available to continue.

C. Gear and equipment preparation and provisioning

1. To the extent possible, sharing of gear (e.g., raingear, work vests) will be avoided. Each fieldwork participant will be issued their own gear. Their gear will be bagged, labeled, and grouped with gear from the same leg.

2. AFSC will purchase required PPE and supplies (gloves, masks, shields, etc.) in adequate amounts for daily and emergency uses.

3. Aspects of technical planning that require interactions with other groups and employees (e.g., communications group for chart production) will be conducted virtually, if possible, or close contact will be avoided or minimized to the extent possible.

4. Single individuals will be identified to set up field-going computers, load software, and clone computers so that computers will not be cross-contaminated between individuals. High touch surfaces on computers must be sanitized between uses.

II. Pre-departure Mobilization A. Home Port

1. For all packing and loading:

a. Deploying personnel must coordinate with supply teams to minimize the number of people involved.

b. Whenever possible, multiple people will not handle gear. When multiple people must handle gear, gear handling events will be separated by one day.

c. Personal gear will be assembled and stored for several days (or appropriate time considering current CDC guidelines) before loading, to ensure that surface contamination for gear loaders is not a concern.

2. Personal office spaces will not be used as gear staging areas unless they are vacant / unused.

B. Port of Embarkation (Alaskan communities) and Set-up

1. Personnel orientation will be performed at the beginning of the field project and will include a summary of applicable PICs, PPEs, and emergency infection procedures.

2. Setup operations must be conducted observing all relevant PICs and CDC guidelines for physical distancing and surface contamination.

3. Port/airport and related services such as OSI (Dutch Harbor) and ASD (Ketchikan) must be contacted as vessels and aircraft establish firm dates for occupation and enact COVID-19 safe practices.

4. Any NOAA support staff participating in vessel setup must either follow the same shelter-in-place protocols as vessel crew and survey personnel prior to engaging in these activities or be treated as a vendor with isolation and minimization of areas, PICs, and sanitation.

5. Gear storage spaces should be packed so that personal gear is grouped together for subsequent legs, empty cases are packed in less accessible spaces, and spare and replacement gear is easily available during the leg to reduce re-handling of gear.

6. Interaction with vendors, dock, and facilities personnel; shopping excursions; and contact with the community will be avoided unless it is necessary. If these workers who are not part of the survey team are required to be onboard the research platform, then interactions with survey personnel will be limited and close contact (i.e., exposure of less than 6 ft for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more) will be avoided. Physical distancing guidelines will be followed, PPE (e.g., face coverings) will be worn by both parties, and touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected.

III. Travel A. Travel Arrangements

1. Travel planners and travel coordinators must be familiar with the most recent State (AK, WA, OR, CA) inter- and intra-state travel restrictions.

2. Prior to trip planning, travel planners and coordinators should meet and identify air carriers, hotels, and ground transportation that have standards that meet or exceed CDC guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19 (see Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic).

Communication between travel preparers and travelers on these lists of carriers, hotels and ground transportation providers is strongly encouraged.

3. A COVID-19 procedure briefing must be conducted with travel coordinators to ensure that COVID-19 survey procedures (e.g., SIP periods) are considered when purchasing tickets and making other travel arrangements.

4. Consistent with travel regulations, to the extent possible direct flights from place of origin to ports will be purchased.

5. Hotel and overnight stays en route to the destination will be avoided, whenever possible, but lodging that provides quarantine services should be identified during travel planning.

Consider using hotels that have a separate ventilation system for each room.

6. Until regular commercial flight service from Anchorage to Dutch Harbor resumes, the feasibility of replacing this transportation with charter flights will be investigated, especially if SIP periods are conducted in Anchorage. In addition, AFSC will consider charter flights to/from other ports of embarkation, as needed, based on whether it is feasible to complete SIP there and other relevant factors.

B. Before Beginning Travel

1. AFSC staff participating in fieldwork are strongly encouraged to keep a travel/isolation daily log documenting times and purposes for leaving and returning to home or hotel, the destination, anyone they come in close contact with and other pertinent information.

2. AFSC requires a 14-day home (or hotel) isolation period for fieldwork participants prior to travel. AFSC will pay lodging costs when hotel isolation is needed. Current Alaska state interstate regulations require a negative SARS-CoV-2 molecular test result within 72 hours of travel (See Appendix IV). Testing required as part of AFSC official business will be provided by AFSC through the OMAO testing contract or other established means. The cost of testing will be paid in advance directly by AFSC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Ftravelers%2Ftravel-in-the-us.html

3. To the extent possible, preplan and purchase all personal items that will be needed during the time in the field (toiletries, snacks, etc.) prior to travel as shopping and excursions outside of SIP location or vessel will be restricted.

C. Travel to and within Alaska

1. Travel to / from airport: use PIC and choose transportation that offers the greatest distancing and COVID-19 cleaning practices (e.g., obtain a ride to the airport from a household member).

2. Follow PIC including wearing a face covering at all times.

3. Do not stop to shop.

4. Upon arrival in Alaska, obtain further testing as required by current Alaska Health Order 6

International and Interstate Travel (revised November 2020).

5. Flight to port of embarkation. Travel only with people that have completed 14 days of isolation, or as otherwise recommended by Alaska or CDC guidelines. Chartered flights will be used to the extent possible to ensure compliance. Emerging evidence indicates wearing face coverings (N95 may be worn voluntarily, if available) at all times onboard flights reduces the risk of virus transmission. Also, travelers should strongly consider wearing goggles, a shield or some form of eye protection.

D. Delayed or Interrupted Travel

1. As flying conditions often result in canceled flights in Alaska, travelers should be on the alert for altered or delayed flights and make the best judgment to get to their destination following PICs.

2. Re-book flights or re-check flight status to depart at the earliest possible times.

a. When waiting at airports for delayed or rescheduled flights, use PIC procedures, minimize travel within the airport, wear a face covering and practice physical distancing.

b. Once re-boarded on the airplane, continue to maintain PIC procedures.

E. SIP at Port of Embarkation (includes Alaska residents):

(Modified from OMAO and Discovery Health Guidelines)

Shelter in place means to stay at your SIP lodging (hotel) leaving only for essential activities related to urgent or emergency medical issues, testing, and other essential functions. The SIP residence must be close enough to the ship’s disembarkation location to safely drive to and from that location with no stops on the day of COVID-19 testing or boarding the vessel. For most AFSC survey operations this means to SIP in the Port of Embarkation.

1. Proceed from the airport to your designated SIP lodging and contact travel coordinator to let them know that you have arrived.

2. The travel coordinator is a designated person who will monitor the cohort of travelers on the site. This person may be a field party chief, chief scientist, deck lead, or other senior field team member. They will be responsible for tracking the sheltering team during the SIP period. They may be assisted by a local logistics person.

3. The local logistics person is a staff member or a contractor from the local, rural community with local expertise in transportation, food availability, and testing sites. The logistics person must be familiar with the SIP protocol, avoid or minimize direct contact sheltering staff unless they practice strict PIC.

4. Sheltering staff must monitor themselves continuously for COVID-19 symptoms and conduct COVID-19 Self-Assessment (including taking your temperature) on a daily basis.

5. Body temperatures in excess of 100.4° F any other symptoms must be immediately reported to the travel coordinator.

6. Remain at the SIP site for a 14 day period except for SARS-CoV-2 testing, medical emergencies, and other authorized activities for essential functions.

7. Essential functions include obtaining food or conducting isolated personal exercise.

• If it is necessary to leave your room, check-in and check-out with a local travel coordinator.

• When obtaining food, use outside/curbside pick-up or delivery when possible. If not possible, enter a facility only to pick up food and practice PICs.

• Taking solo walks or runs is allowed as long as strict social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing (see PIC) are implemented.

• Avoid using elevators and avoid hallways or rooms with other people.

• Do not visit indoor public spaces such as bars, libraries, community centers, hair salons, barber shops, gyms or indoor religious services.

• Do not participate in public gatherings or social functions.

• Do not host events or entertain people in your home or hotel room.

• Report any close encounters with other people (e.g., an unmasked person in the elevator) or other departures from PICs to the local travel coordinator.

8. Cooking for yourself in a room with a kitchen facility is preferred.

9. Consider having the designated logistics person get and deliver meals.

10. If you are living with other people, then those people must also comply with SIP criteria.

11. Maintain safe personal and environmental hygiene (PICs) by frequently washing hands and disinfecting surfaces and objects that you touch often.

12. Obtain a SARS-CoV-2 molecular test within 5-6 days after beginning the SIP period and again at 2-3 days before boarding the vessel. Report results to the travel coordinator.

13. If you obtain a positive test result or are sick, seek medical advice and DO NOT PROCEED TO THE SHIP AND DO NOT REPORT FOR DUTY. Contact your travel coordinator and vessel CO or captain and report your condition.

14. If you disregard any of these procedures, do not report to the vessel and report to your supervisor or lead worker.

15. Once ready for sea, proceed directly to the vessel.

16. Once on the vessel, do not leave it or conduct any activity that would break the bubble of all who have completed the SIP and received a negative test result.

17. Seek medical advice in case of a positive result and do not report to the vessel. When possible AFSC will have arrangements with testing clinics in departure locations to enable rapid retesting to rule out false positive results.

18. The protocol for false positive results is: 1. The person must have no symptoms or close contact in prior 14 days. 2. Obtain a second sample, (some states say you can do this immediately, some say you should wait 24 hours). 3. If the second sample is negative, wait > 24 hours and retest. 4. If the 3rd sample is negative, you can consider the 1st a false positive.

19. When positive cases are confirmed, AFSC will seek to continue with the planned survey either using backup staff who have already completed the SIP and testing requirements and are in the departure location or by not refilling the vacant position. For positive test cases, AFSC will seek medical advice regarding care and transport for positive individuals, exposure risk to other survey travelers, and follow-up procedures.

F. In Port Procedures

1. All supplies that are needed will be either delivered to the vessel or one dedicated person per vessel can go to town and purchase items while wearing PPEs.

2. Local personnel can be asked to purchase and deliver items needed to prevent vessel crew from having to leave the vessel (need to potentially set up a contract vendor).

3. When possible, deliveries should be first stored for 72 hours. Whenever handling delivered packages, good hand washing / hygiene is required.

4. For crew who go to shore for essential purposes, follow PIC and safe transportation procedures (Appendix IV Common Procedures).

5. External Vendors:

a. See above Travel Section, regarding out-of-state travel requirements.

b. All outside personnel must wear face covering and other PPE.

c. Areas of contact from outside personnel need to be cleaned and disinfected before other crew can enter the area.

d. When possible areas where outside personnel operated indoors should not be occupied by other staff for at least 15 minutes.

6. Crews will remain on onboard until transportation arrives to deliver them to their next travel conveyance. All efforts will be made to minimize interactions between field personnel and those outside the bubble.

7. Incoming personnel will follow SIP protocols in the Appendix IV.

G. Travel Home

1. Follow PIC including wearing a face mask.

2. Travel to airport: Use PIC and choose transportation that offers the greatest physical distancing and practices good COVID-19 cleaning practices (see Appendix).

3. Once home, AFSC recommends 14-days of home isolation. Employ a safe home scenario described in Appendix IV to protect household members upon arrival at home. Consider staying in a hotel for the isolation period if needed. AFSC will pay lodging costs and M&IE in these cases.

4. The full 14-day home isolation period may be shortened if the traveler is symptom free and obtains a negative molecular test result after at least 7 days following arrival home. AFSC will pay for this test. If the result of the test is negative consider relaxing restrictions and returning to work. If positive, seek medical advice.

5. See current AFSC Reintegration Plan for returning to the workplace after travel.

Scientific evidence supporting timeline guidance for quarantines and other procedures:

• As of June 2020, 14 days is the recommended SIP duration, as 99% of individuals infected will develop symptoms within 14 days. 97.5% of cases will show symptoms within 11.5 days (95% CI, 8.2 to 15.6 days) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-seafood-processing.html). Mean incubation period is 3-9 days, while the range is from 0-24 days (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653220300998 and references therein).

• Further support for recommended quarantine lengths and allowing for relaxation of some protective measures after 14 days on board the vessel (if necessary; see section IV I) is given by the fact that asymptomatic/mild symptom carriers shed virus for 8–15 days after symptom resolution, with 90 % resolving after 10 days and nearly all cases resolving after 15 days (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653220300998 and references therein).

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-seafood-processing.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-seafood-processing.html https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653220300998 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653220300998

• Support for note in section IV G.7.f regarding the duration before staff can occupy an indoor space entered by an outside party: droplets can remain suspended for 8-14 minutes (https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875?mod=article_inline).

• For other supporting information, see the linked Discovery Health document for seagoing vessels in Alaska (https://discoveryhealthmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID19- Onboard-Procedures-v1.13.pdf)

IV. If someone in the field exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19 A. Discriminate Between Suspected COVID-19 and Other Illnesses

1. Seek emergency medical attention if the patient exhibits potentially life-threatening symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pressure or pain in chest, confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face.

2. Identify any individual(s) crew member(s) with possible COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Follow guidelines in Discovery Health decision tree, latest version: COVID-19 Assessment of Symptomatic Crew Flowchart found in Appendix VI.

4. Conduct RAPID flu test and COVID-19 test, if available.

B. Have the captain / field camp leader contact the Medical Advisory Service for advice.

1. Treat and Isolate the patient(s)

2. Immediately provide the patient with a mask.

3. Isolate the patient in separate quarters, with a separate bathroom if possible.

4. Provide them with garbage and hand sanitizer. Have hand washing close by.

5. Use signage to restrict access to the room to only the patient(s) and person providing care.

6. Set up a station outside the patient’s room where as soon as the provider leaves, they doff PPE.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/using-ppe.html

7. To the extent possible, only one person should tend/provide assistance to patient

a. Identified care givers trained in COVID-19 procedures (see Section I Training) shall provide care.

b. Follow procedures for patient care developed by medical experts similar to:

Discovery Health’s COVID-19 Onboard Procedures (will be ATTACHED).

c. Attending persons shall wear proper protective equipment (N95 mask, goggles/face shield, gown, disposable gloves, etc.). PPE should be removed and discarded as soon as possible in a designated location outside the patient’s stateroom.

d. Increase frequency of monitoring of crew for COVID-19 symptoms and isolate/test additional cases.

C. Contact the USCG and report the position, symptoms, and condition of the patient.

D. Contact port upon entry to identify harbor use agreements or other requirements to receive instruction on measures to protect the community and prevent COVID-19 spread.

E. Obtain medical consultation

1. Charter vessel: Follow contractors/AFSC consultant advice

2. OMAO vessels: consult with OMAO medical officer

3. Contact local public health nursing (907-465-3150 or 800-499-2964) for appropriate actions once in port i.Dutch Harbor via Anchorage Itinerant nursing: 907-334-2250 ii.Kodiak Public Health Center: 907-486-3319 https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875?mod=article_inline https://discoveryhealthmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID19-Onboard-Procedures-v1.13.pdf https://discoveryhealthmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID19-Onboard-Procedures-v1.13.pdf https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ErdaB2389vHIcyhfGsTQLFh2bpPTVsvM/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ErdaB2389vHIcyhfGsTQLFh2bpPTVsvM/view?usp=sharing https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/using-ppe.html http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Nursing/Pages/locations.aspx iii.Nome Public Health Center: 907-443-3221 F. Notifications/Consultation Procedures

1. Inform all personnel on board of suspected COVID-19 infection.

2. Notify AFSC program and division supervisors who will contact appropriate NOAA staff and emergency contacts.

V. Post-outbreak Quarantine of Staff not Presenting Symptoms

1. Test all personnel, if possible.

2. Staff should quarantine in a suitable location until test results are available or for up to 14 days from the time the sick staff is transported as per Alaska Health Mandate 017 guidelines.

3. If the staff are in a remote port / area with limited hospital, medevac, and flight possibilities

(such as Dutch Harbor, AK), they will proceed onboard the vessel or aircraft or via other means to a port with advanced facilities and air support, as identified in Pre-Survey Planning (such as Kodiak, or Seward, AK) to complete quarantine.

VI. Procedure in Case of household Emergency

1. Survey and other fieldwork participants will plan for their absence from home for durations longer than have been experienced during previous surveys. Contingencies should be made in case a household member becomes ill while the survey participant is gone.

2. In case of household emergency, AFSC will try to return the science crew member to the nearest port as soon as practicable. However, remote locations, quarantine status, survey status, weather, flight availability and other factors can delay the return home for several days or more.

VII. Survey Disruption and Continuation In the case of a COVID-19 infection, AFSC leadership, in coordination with survey managers and division leaders, will make decisions regarding survey modifications due to removing the affected vessel from the survey. Options will be identified during pre-survey planning.

Appendix IV: Common COVID-19 Prevention Procedures

The purpose of this document is to identify and list the practices common to travel, vessel, and survey operations that are foundational to preventing an outbreak of COVID-19. Primary guidance for this list are documents produced and maintained by the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and Discovery Health (https://discoveryhealthmd.com/coronavirus-corner/#onboard).

General Procedures:

Personal Infection Controls (PIC):

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Practice good respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.

https://covid19.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-MANDATE-017-Appendix-01-Protective-Plan-for-Independent-Commercial-Fish.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/ https://discoveryhealthmd.com/coronavirus-corner/#onboard

• Avoid close contact: Put at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household (socially distance).

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Avoid people who are sick.

• Monitor your daily health: be alert for symptoms, take your temperature, stay home if sick, track your symptoms, and seek medical advice.

• Recognize personal risk factors. According to the CDC, certain people, including older adults and those with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

Disinfection of Surfaces (DOS):

• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

• If possible, clean surfaces with soap and water first, then use disinfectant.

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and wash hands often.

• Use an EPA-registered household disinfectant appropriate for the surface being treated.

• Use caution when disinfecting delicate or sensitive surfaces (e.g., electronics).

• Launder clothing and bedding as often as possible.

COVID-19 diagnostic testing standards (based on FDA guidelines) Molecular Tests (Required for Alaska Travel and SIP pre-boarding)

These represent the most reliable diagnostic tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and therefore the form we recommend. These include a few different specific methods, but the most common technique is reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR. Results of samples collected “at-home” can be obtained within 1-6 days from arrival of the sample at the laboratory. Other point-of-care versions of this test may provide results within 5 minutes; however, the accuracy of these rapid tests remain in question, thus until such issues are clarified, we recommend confirmation of results with a standard molecular test. Antigen testing is not recommended for the screening of asymptomatic people.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Supplies:

Face Coverings:

• Cloth face coverings are required when it is not possible to achieve physical distancing, including when traveling and onboard vessels and aircraft. However, wearing a face covering may not always be feasible based on working conditions and is not consistently achievable aboard a ship.

When cloth face coverings are worn, they must be clean (or new if disposable). A ready supply of clean face coverings will be available for use when the coverings become wet, soiled, or otherwise contaminated.

• Face coverings shall have the following characteristics:

o Must be constructed of multi-layered cloth and mask-style (i.e., not bandanas) or disposable materials (i.e., surgical masks). Masks shall not have exhalation vents or valves.

o Fit snugly against the skin around the mouth and nose.

o Be secured at all times, using ties or ear loops or wrapping around the face.

o Allow for breathing without restriction.

o Either be disposable or able to be laundered and machine dried after each day’s use without damage or change to shape.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html

Face Shields and Other Eye Protection

• Consider wearing eye protection (safety glasses, prescription glasses, goggles, face shields). Face shields may reduce moisture on face masks and make them more effective. Face shields do not replace the advantages of face masks.

Gloves and Outerwear

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning.

• Non-disposable PPE (e.g., rain gear, boots. Heavy gloves) should be rinsed and, if possible, disinfected regularly.

• Use of PPE does NOT replace the need for frequent hand washing and maintaining physical distancing.

Transportation (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/using-transportation.html)

For all types of transportation, follow these general principles:

Practice PICs Have adequate supplies

• Before traveling, pack sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (in case you are unable to wash your hands at your destination). Bring your mask to wear at times when physical distancing is difficult—for example, while riding on a train or bus, waiting at a rest stop, or riding in a car with people outside your household.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly (for example, the steering wheel, gear shift, door frame/handles, windows, radio/temperature dials, and seat belt buckles).

• When using parking meters and pay stations, consider using alcohol wipes to disinfect surfaces or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after use. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as it is possible.

Practice social distancing

• Consider limiting the number of passengers in the vehicle to only those necessary (for example, choose one or two household members who are not at higher risk for severe illness to run the essential errands).

Improve ventilation

• Improve the ventilation in the vehicle if possible (for example, open the windows or set the air ventilation/air conditioning on non-recirculation mode).

Choose a safe transportation option

• Select an available transportation option that has the fewest people https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/using-transportation.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

• Consider:

• Have the fewest number of passengers and greatest social distancing.

• Ability to sanitize high-touch services.

• Ability to open windows.

• Advertised COVID-19 prevention procedures

• Best modes would be personal vehicles, rental cars, limos-for-hire, and hotel shuttle vans

• Avoid taxis, ride shares, subways, busses

• If necessary to ride in a car with members of different households:

• Limit close contact and create space between others in the vehicle as possible.

• Improve air flow in the car by opening the window or placing air conditioning on non-recirculation mode.

• Wash your hands immediately after you return home, arrive at your lodging, or board the vessel.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Procedures

• Sanitation and disinfection on a routine basis is imperative to minimize viral particle accumulation on surfaces.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved viral pathogen products that claim efficacy against emerging viral pathogens are recommended for use for surface decontamination procedures against SARS-CoV-2. A list of registered (EPA) approved disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

• It is sufficient to use an EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant solution (e.g., bleach, Lysol© IC, Cavicide©) to disinfect all high-touch surfaces such as telephones, door handles, handrails, heads, berthing spaces, gyms, galleys, and any other potentially contaminated surfaces or spaces. Wipe formulations of virucidal agents are for single use only, and should be disposed of immediately after use.

• Meticulous infection control and disease prevention measures will be practiced according to well-established CDC guidelines which can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html. Gloves, face and eye protection, and other types of protective gear should always be used when cleaning and disinfecting.

• Disinfection shall be conducted regularly on surfaces that are touched by more than one person, using a cleaning solution approved for neutralizing coronavirus.

• Always follow the manufacturer's label regarding use (including dilution, contact time, care in handling, and appropriate protective gear). In addition, consult the MSDS prior to use of a specific product. If there are questions regarding the correct disinfectant or solution to use, contact medical authority for guidance.

• Cleaning frequencies will be determined by load, with emphasis on frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, toilets, coffee pots, etc.) and high-traffic common areas (e.g., office space, lab space, stairwell handrails, etc.).

• The following disinfection guidance for controlling norovirus can be used for COVID-19 disinfection. (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2) o Cleaning/Sanitation: Clean high use surfaces using a detergent or soap and warm water prior to disinfection.

o Disinfection/Decontamination: Recommendations for shipboard disinfection are to use either household bleach or an HTH solution. A minimum of 5000 parts per million (ppm), https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 or 0.5%, is the required minimum solution concentration to kill SARS-CoV-2. If preparation is required, solutions shall be prepared daily or as directed based on manufacturer guidance. Containers should be clearly labeled with the solution, date, and time of preparation.

o How To Mix and Use A Bleach Solution Use cool water, not warm or hot water, for mixing.

Mix fresh solutions for sanitizing and disinfecting. If using a spray bottle, mix daily, and if using a bucket with rags, make a new batch every 2-4 hours.

Always add the bleach to the water.

Do not mix liquid bleach with other cleaning products Household Bleach solution (starting with 8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite) Ensure the solution is prepared by personnel wearing proper protective gear, in a well-ventilated space that is absent of any flammable material.

Take 15 parts water and add 1 equal part of concentrated solution (e.g., a concentrated solution consisting of 8.25% sodium hypochlorite, such as unscented Clorox©), to make a 5,000 ppm, or 0.5%, disinfecting solution.

Apply to surfaces and observe a contact time of 10 minutes.

After contact time has passed, remove any residual disinfectant solution with a clean, damp cloth.

Discard prepared solutions after 24 hours.

Disinfection shall be conducted, at a minimum, daily to minimize persistence of any viral particles.

To one gallon of water, add:

8.25% bleach/sodium hypochlorite

5.25% bleach/sodium hypochlorite

Sanitizing (100 PPM) 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon

Disinfecting (600 PPM)* 2 tablespoons ¼ cup

Special disinfecting (5,000 PPM): vomit, diarrhea, blood

1 cup 1 ½ cups

*Contact time: Wet for 10 minutes or as specified on the label when used as a disinfectant Discovery Health COVID-19 Onboard Procedures