SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management on Infectious Disease Policy

 

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, says "Employers are legally liable for both employees and non-employees infected in the workplace.  Additionally, chronic disease carriers such as persons with tuberculosis are protected against employment discrimination by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is imperative to have a policy and actionable plan in place that considers legally protected employees under the ADA, privacy issues of infected employees, recognition of risk, and the reduction of employer liability and continuing operations.

Employers have five basic actions to take when there is a potential communicable disease risk in the workplace:

    Notification and verification of disease risk.
    Understanding the disease and culling resources.
    Identifying the scope of the risk.
    Determining employer response.
    Handling internal and HR compliance matters."

Read more here.

Caring for the Collection

 

Disinfecting artifacts: The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is sharing information on disinfecting and sanitizing at historic sites, including tips for cleaning solutions and different surfaces. 

 https://www.ncptt.nps.gov/blog/covid-19-basics-disinfecting-cultural-resources/ 

FAIC - Collections Care Amid COVID-19.

Security is extra important while the museum is shut down.  Make sure security cameras are in place, alarms turned on, and designated individuals are checking the premises regularly.

Monitor for water damage - broken or leaky pipes, windows, ground penetration - that could damage collections.

Pests proliferate when humans are not around.  Set traps and monitor carefully.

International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection: Sound Advice for Basic Security During Current Closures

August 2020 Survey Results
(Adobe PDF File)
May 22 Survey Results_1
(Adobe PDF File)

Survey Results

IMA will take snapshot surveys over the next few months to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Iowa's museums over time. 

The first survey was taken May 18-22, 2020 - see pdf.

The second survey was taken August 2020 - see pdf.

The third survey was taken January 2021 - see pdf.

Products You May be Seeking

The Iowa Museum Association has no relationship with these businesses and only provides these as suggested sources for products potentially needed as museums reopen:

IowaMade.org - Protostudios Face Shield
https://iowamade.org/protostudios-face-shield

McMaster Carr - hand sanitizer
https://www.mcmaster.com/sanitizers/purell-hand-sanitizer-cartridges-and-dispensers/

Global Industrial - masks and face shields
https://www.globalindustrial.com/

Regal Plastics - customized sneeze guards - call 319-232-8757

Edwards Creative Acrylic Barriers - fully customizable.