I- ADDENDUM ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF) FOR CONTINGENCY EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMPONENT (CERC) OF THE SAINT LUCIA HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECT (P166783) - APRIL 2020 This document is an Addendum to the Environmental and Social Framework (ESMF) for Component 4, the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC), of the St Lucia Health Systems Strengthening Project (P1666783). The EMSF and this Addendum are intended to guide the environmental and social risk management activities of the emergency response component in response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and form the CERC-ESMF which is part of the Operations Manual for the CERC action. The project ESMF1 includes templates for relevant Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) which provide guidance for the construction and operation of healthcare facilities in general. For small civil works under CERC, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will prepare an ESMP describing the works/activities to be conducted and the associated mitigation measures to be used to avoid or reduce environmental and social risk. For projects or works with potential exposure to COVID-19, the ESMP will also include the additional safety measures in this Addendum, as provided in the following Annexes: A. Screening Tool for E&S Risks B. Infection Prevention Control Protocol (IPCP) C. Health and Safety Guidelines for Retrofitting/Rehabilitation of Medical Facilities D. ESHS Risks and Mitigation Measures for Small Civil Works at Health Care Facilities E. Communication Guidance Further information can be found in the following references: 1 https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P168539 1. Guidance on Management of Solid Health-care Waste at Primary Health-care Centres2 2. Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings3 3. WBG guidelines for Health Care Facilities4 4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for autoclaves, incinerators, ventilation and filtration systems, and positive pressure equipment (these should be supplied with the equipment along with the necessary training) 2 http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/manhcwm.pdf 3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html 4 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at-ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines Appendix A. Screening Tool for E&S Risks Error! Reference source not found.1 below identifies potential impacts of the proposed activities envisioned under CERC actions. Many of the actions or activities have low or negligible potential negative impacts, such as purchase of equipment or supplies. Some may have impacts that are typical for small construction or rehabilitation projects, such as repair of damaged infrastructure, buildings, or clinics. Others, particularly those dealing with management of infectious disease control such as COVID-19, may have moderate to high risk. The form below is intended to be used as guidance by the Implementing Agency to screen potential environmental and social (E&S) risk levels of a proposed sub-project or activity, determine the relevance of environmental and social safeguards, propose its environmental and social risk level, and whether or not an ESMP needs to be prepared for the sub-project. Sub-project Name Sub-project Location Sub-project Proponent Estimated Investment Start/Completion Date Sub-projects / Activities Potential E&S Risks or Impacts E&S Risk Level 1 Purchase of medical equipment and None Low supplies 2 Repair of damaged infrastructure Increased dust, noise, water Moderate including, but not limited to: water pollution, solid/hazardous/ supply and sanitation systems, dams, Toxic wastes, waste oil/fuels, reservoirs, canals, roads, bridges and public health and safety; transportation systems, energy and possible use of asbestos- power supply, telecommunication, and contaminated as construction other infrastructure damaged by the materials and land acquisition; event; and impacts on ethnic and vulnerable groups. 3 Re-establishment of the urban and rural Same as (2) above Moderate solid waste system, water supply and sanitation (including urban drainage); 4 Repair of damaged public buildings, Same as (2) above Moderate including schools, hospitals and administrative buildings; 5 Repair, restoration, rehabilitation, retro- Same as (2) above Moderate fitting, schools, clinics, or hospitals; 6 Establishing emergency isolation and Highly variable depending on Moderate to substantial quarantine facilities and locations for locations chosen, risks mobile facilities. associated with community concern, information sharing, and occupational health and safety. 7 Removal and disposal of debris Waste management and Moderate to substantial associated with any eligible activity disposal 8 Disposal of medical wastes (at camp site, Increase health risks, need Moderate to substantial small clinic/hospitals), asbestos-based management of medical materials, other toxic/hazardous wastes waste, toxic materials, asbestos-contaminated debris 9 Temporary toilets for emergency Hygiene, waste management Moderate to substantial facilities Activities and actions with low potential E&S risk require no further safeguards actions. Those with moderate potential risk will be managed using the general ESMF for the Saint Lucia Health Systems Strengthening project, and will typically require that an ESMP be developed. Those with moderate to substantial potential risk will be managed using the tools in the general ESMF for the Saint Lucia Health Systems Strengthening project along with the additional safety guidance and information provided in this CERC-ESMF, and will also require that an ESMP be developed. Appendix B. Infection and Prevention Control Protocol (IPCP) The following information was adapted from the CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for patients with confirmed COVID-19 or persons under investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings. The original reference should be consulted for any updates. HEALTH CARE SETTINGS 1. Minimize Chance of Exposure (to staff, other patients and visitors) • Upon arrival, make sure patients with symptoms of any respiratory infection arrive to a separate, isolated and well-ventilated section of the health care facility to wait, and issue a facemask • During the visit, make sure all patients adhere to respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, hand hygiene and isolation procedures. Provide oral instructions on registration and ongoing reminders with the use of simple signs with images in local languages • Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol), tissues and facemasks in waiting rooms and patient rooms • Isolate patients as much as possible. If separate rooms are not available, separate all patients by curtains. Only place together in the same room patients who are all definitively infected with COVID-19. No other patients can be placed in the same room. 2. Adhere to Standard Precautions • Train all staff and volunteers to undertake standard precautions - assume everyone is potentially infected and behave accordingly • Minimize contact between patients and other persons in the facility: health care professionals should be the only persons having contact with patients and this should be restricted to essential personnel only • A decision to stop isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with local health authorities. 3. Training of Personnel • Train all staff and volunteers in the symptoms of COVID-19, how it is spread and how to protect themselves. Train on correct use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns, facemasks, eye protection and respirators (if available) and check that they understand • Train cleaning staff on most effective process for cleaning the facility: use a high-alcohol based cleaner to wipe down all surfaces; wash instruments with soap and water and then wipe down with high-alcohol based cleaner; dispose of rubbish by burning etc. 4. Manage Visitor Access and Movement • Establish procedures for managing, monitoring, and training visitors • All visitors must follow respiratory hygiene precautions while in the common areas of the facility, otherwise they should be removed • Restrict visitors from entering rooms of known or suspected cases of COVID-19 patients. Alternative communications should be encouraged, for example by use of mobile phones. Exceptions only for end-of-life situation and children requiring emotional care. At these times, PPE should be used by visitors. • All visitors should be scheduled and controlled, and once inside the facility, instructed to limit their movement. • Visitors should be asked to watch out for symptoms and report signs of acute illness for at least 14 days. CONSTRUCTION SETTINGS IN AREAS OF CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 1. Minimize Chance of Exposure • Any worker showing symptoms of respiratory illness (fever + cold or cough) and has potentially been exposed to COVID-19 should be immediately removed from the site and tested for the virus at the nearest local hospital • Close co-workers and those sharing accommodations with such a worker should also be removed from the site and tested • Project management must identify the closest hospital that has testing facilities in place, refer workers, and pay for the test if it is not free • Persons under investigation for COVID-19 should not return to work at the project site until cleared by test results. During this time, they should continue to be paid daily wages • If a worker is found to have COVID-19, wages should continue to be paid during the worker’s convalescence (whether at home or in a hospital) • If project workers live at home, any worker with a family member who has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 should be quarantined from the project site for 14 days, and continued to be paid daily wages, even if they have no symptoms. 2. Training of Staff and Precautions • Train all staff in the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, how it is spread, how to protect themselves and the need to be tested if they have symptoms. Allow Q&A and dispel any myths. • Use existing grievance procedures to encourage reporting of co-workers if they show outward symptoms, such as ongoing and severe coughing with fever, and do not voluntarily submit to testing • Supply face masks and other relevant PPE to all project workers at the entrance to the project site. Any persons with signs of respiratory illness that is not accompanied by fever should be mandated to wear a face mask • Provide handwash facilities, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and mandate their use on entry and exit of the project site and during breaks, via the use of simple signs with images in local languages • Train all workers in respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and hand hygiene using demonstrations and participatory methods • Train cleaning staff in effective cleaning procedures and disposal of rubbish 3. Managing Access and Spread • Should a case of COVID-19 be confirmed in a worker on the project site, visitors should be restricted from the site and worker groups should be isolated from each other as much as possible; • Extensive cleaning procedures with high-alcohol content cleaners should be undertaken in the area of the site where the worker was present, prior to any further work being undertaken in that area. Appendix C. Health and Safety Guidelines for Retrofitting/Rehabilitation of medical facilities The following table lists the health and safety risks and impacts associated with small civil works financed by the Bank for retrofitting and rehabilitation of medical facilities (including isolation units and respiratory facilities) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Potential mitigation measures and references to sources of additional advice and information are provided as guidelines for the PIU to use in preparing the appropriate environmental instrument such as the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). Activity Risks and Impacts Mitigation Measures Design activity – The focus on Ensure that the designs for medical facilities also consider the collection, segregation and hospitals, clinics treatment and care is treatment of medical waste. progressed The treatment of healthcare waste produced during the care of COVID-19 patients should disproportionately be collected safely in designated containers and bags, treated and then safely disposed. with the need for Open burning and incineration of medical wastes can result in emission of dioxins, furans adequate medical and particulate matter, and result in unacceptable cancer risks under medium (two hours waste infrastructure. per week) or higher usage. If small-scale incinerators are the only option available, the best practices possible should be used, to minimize operational impacts on the environment. Best practices in this context are: ✓ effective waste reduction and segregation, ensuring only the smallest quantities of combustible waste types are incinerated; ✓ an engineered design with sufficient residence time and temperatures to minimize products of incomplete combustion; ✓ siting incinerators away from health-care buildings and residential areas or where food is grown; ✓ construction using detailed engineering plans and materials to minimize flaws that may lead to incomplete destruction of waste and premature failures of the incinerator; ✓ a clearly described method of operation to achieve the desired combustion conditions and emissions; for example, appropriate start-up and cool-down procedures, achievement and maintenance of a minimum temperature before waste is burned, use of appropriate loading/charging rates (both fuel and waste) to maintain appropriate temperatures, proper disposal of ash and equipment to safeguard workers; ✓ periodic maintenance to replace or repair defective components (including inspection, spare parts inventory and daily record keeping); and ✓ improved training and management, possibly promoted by certification and inspection programs for operators, the availability of an operating and maintenance manual, visible management oversight, and regular maintenance schedules. Single-chamber, drum and brick incinerators do not meet the BAT requirements under Stockholm Convention. Small-scale incineration should be viewed as a transitional means of disposal for health-care waste. Alternative treatments should be designed into longer term projects, such as steam treatment methods. Steam treatment should preferably be on site, although once treated, sterile/non-infectious waste may be shredded and disposed of in suitable waste facilities. See WHO Safe management of wastes from health-care activities Construction Land taking for the Follow ESS5 and IPF Policy para 12 on E&S requirements in situations of urgent need of activity – construction of new assistance. hospitals, clinics, and expansion of mortuary existing hospitals. Apply ESHGs to implementation of projects. Injury during the construction of new buildings or refurbishment of existing buildings. Design and The design of the For patients with possible or confirmed COVID-19, isolation rooms should be provided and operation of facility and the used at medical facilities. Isolation rooms should: facilities, operating ✓ be single rooms with attached bathrooms (or with a dedicated commode); including triage, procedures will help ✓ ideally be under negative pressure (neutral pressure may be used, but positive isolation(or prevent spread of pressure rooms should be avoided); quarantine) infection ✓ be sited away from busy areas (areas used by many people) or close to vulnerable or facilities high-risk patients, to minimize chances of infection spread; ✓ have dedicated equipment (for example blood pressure machine, peak flow meter and stethoscope), but should avoid excess equipment or soft furnishings; ✓ have signs on doors to control entry to the room, with the door kept closed; ✓ have an ante-room for staff to put on and take off PPE and to wash/decontaminate before and after providing treatment. An operation manual should be prepared prior to the opening of isolation rooms to describe the working procedures to be taken by healthcare workers to protect themselves and prevent infection escape while providing treatment. The operational procedures should be of a standard to meet guidance from WHO and/or CDC on infection control: ➢ WHO interim guidance on Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected; ➢ WHO technical brief water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management for COVID-19; ➢ WHO guidance on infection prevention and control at health care facilities (with a focus on settings with limited resources); ➢ WHO interim practical manual for improving infection prevention and control at the health facility; ➢ CDC Guidelines for isolation precautions: preventing transmissions of infectious agents in healthcare settings; and ➢ CDC guidelines for environmental infection control in healthcare facilities. Improve access Some vulnerable Projects should develop and commit to specific actions to ensure disadvantaged and to support and groups (especially vulnerable groups have effective treatment, whether in medical facilities or in the treatment for the elderly or those community. disadvantaged with pre-existing Similarly, where IP communities are involved, need to follow ESS7 and IPF policy Para 12 on vulnerable medical conditions) emergency provision. groups may be severely affected by COVID- 19 and may need additional support to access treatment. Employment of Workers do not Contractors should ensure that contracted workers have medical insurance, covering workers receive the care treatment of COVID-19. needed if infected with COVID-19. Transient and Workers that are Expats or transient workers should adhere to national requirements and guidelines with expat workforce mobilized from respect to COVID-19. abroad or returning Expats or transient workers coming from countries/regions with cases of the virus: from abroad become • Should not return if displaying symptoms vectors for • Should self-isolate for 14 days following their return transmission of disease to For self-isolation, workers should be provided with a single room that is well-ventilated (i.e., construction with open windows and an open door). If a single room is not available for each worker, projects. Workers adequate space should be provided to maintain a distance of at least 1 m between workers that travel from sharing a room. Workers in isolation should limit their movements in shared space, for other regions may example through timed use of shared spaces (such as kitchens and bathrooms) with also provide a vector cleaning prior to and after use of the facilities. Visitors should not be allowed until the for passing infection worker has shown no signs and symptoms for 14 days, and the number of staff involved in onto work sites. caring for those in isolation should eb kept to a minimum. Healthcare professionals and cleaners should visit each day (wearing the appropriate PPE and observing hygiene requirements and make appropriate arrangements for supplying food and water to the kitchens for the workers in isolation. Further information is provided by WHO in Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Labor camps Close working and Develop contingency plans with arrangements for accommodation, care and treatment for: living conditions of • Workers self-isolating workforce may • Workers displaying symptoms create conditions for • Getting adequate supplies of water, food and supplies the easy transmission of Contingency plans also should consider arrangements for the storage and disposal COVID-19 and the arrangements for medical waste, which may increase in volume and which can remain infection of large infectious for several days (depending upon the material). numbers of people. Ensure medical facilities are stocked with adequate supplies of medical PPE, as a minimum: ✓ Gowns, aprons ✓ Medical masks and some respirators (N95 or FFP2) ✓ Gloves (medical, and heavy duty for cleaners) ✓ Eye protection (goggles or face screens) ✓ Medical staff at the facilities should be trained and be kept up to date on WHO advice and recommendations on the specifics of COVID19. The medical staff/management should run awareness campaigns and posters on site advising workers: • how to avoid disease spread (cough/sneeze in crook of elbow; keep 1m or more away, sneeze/cough in tissue and immediately throw tissue away, avoid spitting, observe good hygiene) • the need to regularly wash hands with soap and water – many times per day • to self-isolate if they think they may have come in contact with the virus • to self-isolate if they start to display any symptoms, but alert and seek medical advice Wash stations should be provided regularly throughout site, with a supply of clean water, liquid soap and paper towels (for hand drying), with a waste bin (for used paper towels) that is regularly emptied. Wash stations should be provided wherever there is a toilet, canteen/food and drinking water, or sleeping accommodation, at waste stations, at stores and at communal facilities. Where wash stations cannot be provided (for example at remote locations), alcohol-based hand rub should be provided. Enhanced cleaning arrangements should be put in place, to include regular and deep cleaning using disinfectant of catering facilities/canteens/food/drink facilities, latrines/toilets/showers, communal areas, including door handles, floors and all surfaces that are touched regularly (ensure cleaning staff have adequate PPE when cleaning consultation rooms and facilities used to treat infected patients) Worker accommodation that meets or exceeds IFC/EBRD worker accommodation requirements (e.g. in terms of floor type, proximity/no of workers, no ‘hot bedding’, drinking water, washing, bathroom facilities etc.) will be in good state for keeping clean and hygienic, and for cleaning to minimize spread of infection. To minimize pressure on PPE resources: WHO advice on the effectiveness and use of PPE by general public should be followed to ensure that the supplies are not exhausted through ineffective use – this is equally important on construction sites. Other measures (such as working water sprinkling systems at crushers and stock piles, covered wagons, water suppression or surfacing of haul roads etc.) should be used for dust suppression on site before relying upon the use of dust masks (which could unnecessarily reduce the availability of N95/FFP2 masks for use by medical staff performing some duties) References and sources of further information https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/lab-biosafety-guidelines.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance#guidance-for-health-professionals https://worldbankgroup.sharepoint.com/sites/wbsites/coronavirus/Pages/index.aspx Appendix D. Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) Risks and Mitigation Measures for small civil works at health care facilities where COVID-19 may be present The paragraphs below describe the ESHS risks at each of the stages or phases of small civil works projects where COVID-19 may be of concern. The subsequent matrix describes the associated mitigation measures. The discussion and matrix can be modified to create an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for these types of small works under the CERC. • Phase 1 - Design and Deployment. The selection of a site must take into account land ownership and community safety. Given that the CERC objective is to support immediate priority activities, the activities or subprojects with resettlement issues will be avoided. Once a site is being prepared, there must be attention paid to avoid impacts such as controlling runoff, having safe areas for waste storage bins or receptacle storages, and adequate facilities for the collection, storage and eventual treatment of sanitary wastewater. Standard measures to avoid impacts from traffic safety, dust, and noise must be observed, as well as those dealing with occupational health and safety for site workers. Areas with diesel generators may also be used for power or emergency back-up, requiring adequate ventilation, fuel storage, and safety measures. As well, construction waste and debris will need to be disposed of properly. • Phase 2 - Operations. Once operational, facilities will have biomedical waste which will need proper treatment and disposal. The health and safety of health care workers could be affected by poor waste management practices. Operation of an autoclave or incinerator is also a source of risk if not properly done. Thermal injuries, or chemical burns could also arise in the context of disinfection, sterilization or waste treatment activities. Infection control procedures are also of critical importance during the operations phase. • Phase 3 - Decommissioning. After the facility is finished operating as an active isolation the facility must be adequately sanitized, waste materials removed and disposed of, and supplies and equipment must be safely stored and maintained for future use. Phase 1 - Design and Deployment Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Site selection for • There may be construction/assembly • Conduct community outreach once site has been finalized. anxiety and area Follow the level of outbreak guidance on Risk Communication complaints from those and Community engagement (RCCE) readiness and response living in or using to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) published by the nearby areas about WHO. potential impacts of COVID -19 Hazardous materials • The risk of • Avoid the storage of hazardous substances around water handling, storage, use accidental discharge bodies and transportation of hazardous products, • Ensure that storage containers of hazardous substances are leakage of always in good condition and tightly closed hydrocarbons, oils or grease from • Ensure that storage facilities are provided impervious construction surfaces and bunds to control spill in case of accidental spillage machinery • Develop spill response plan as part of the construction ESMP . • Secondary containment for fuels to avoid spill contamination and inspection during operation • Some training in fuel and waste handling should be part of the orientation for workers • Maintain the MSDS Sheets for hazardous materials onsite Construction Wastes •Improper storage •The contractor shall handle construction materials and waste and Debris and/or disposal of in accordance with approved procedures. materials • The contractor should only dispose of materials in areas • Dispersion of approved by the Municipality or relevant authority materials in nearby canals, ditches, rivers, • The contractor shall contain excavated materials in the streets and adjacent vicinity of the worksite within berms to prevent dispersion and properties sedimentation of drains, creeks, streets and adjacent properties • In case of accidental waste dispersion, the environmental authority shall be informed, and restoration measures shall be applied. Dust and noise from • Impaired Air quality • Dust suppression methods such as wetting materials or construction activity due to emissions from slowing work should be employed as needed to avoid visible vehicles and dust dust generated • Gas masks / respirators when working in closed areas such as • Respiratory impacts access manholes, etc. (according to approved procedures) on site workers, • Document requirements and standards in the Contract nearby residents and • Hearing protection for working around pedestrians machinery where the noise exceeds 85 dB (according to • Noise generation approved from the use of procedures) machines and •The location of noisy machinery (including generators) can be construction positioned away from sensitive sites such as schools’ hospitals, equipment with its residential areas etc. impact on workers • Maintain vehicles and Contractors machinery according to and neighborhoods maintenance requirements. Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Community Health • Movement of heavy • Ensure that a Traffic Management Plan is in place where this and Safety trucks and equipment might be an issue. may cause traffic • Ensure that sites are properly barricaded during construction problems and create and temporary pedestrian walkways are provided when unsafe situations for required local motorists. • Restrict hospital staff and public from going to the • Unauthorized entry construction site during and outside working hours by placing of local persons may posters, reflecting tapes and erecting barriers. place them in • Contractor must develop a Community Health and Safety jeopardy if they are on Plan (CHSP). work locations. Worker health and Accidents to workers • Train workers on prevention of accidents and managing safety on the construction incidents. site • Workers must wear protective gear. • Provide first aid kit and emergency plan for accidents or incidents • Proper supervision of the construction workforce. Worker health and Exposure and spread • For COVID -19 management on the construction site follow Safety – COVID -19 of infection the infection control protocol in Annex B of this CERC Risks Addendum. Water pollution from Clogging of ditches or • Prepare the ground where the facility or equipment will be runoff or infiltration drains with sediment placed by compacting, lining, coating, and otherwise ensuring of wastes on different or silt it is impervious to water infiltration or percolation. sites where facilities • Sensitize the workers to appropriately manage construction or equipment may be Fouling of waterways materials and wastes deployed with pollutants of any • Use berms, silt traps or silt fences, pits or other mea sures to kind ensure that any runoff from the site is controlled Medical Waste Improper handling of •A Medical Waste Management Plan for handling any items Management medical waste could during the site preparation expose nearby communities or workers to infection Phase 2 - Operations Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Community Exposure of visitors • Control and restrict access to the facility following COVID-19 Health and protocol and guidance from the WHO for health facility, and the Safety COVID-19 risk communication package for healthcare facilities. • Implement the Infection control protocol in the annexes of this CERC-ESMF. Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Occupational Injury to healthcare • Train staff on how to use PPE and ensure there is adequate Health and workers supply Safety • Regularly monitor performance and conduct maintenance of Infection of health care equipment workers • Train staff in infection control and SOPs for equipment. • Use the checklist tool from WHO “Risk assessment and management of exposure of health care workers in the context of COVID-19 for any instances where facility staff are exposed to a confirmed COVID 19 person. • Determine how illness among isolation facility staff will be managed in terms of required reporting, self-isolation, and workers compensation. Share this approach to all facility staff. Medical Waste Exposure of nearby • Use procedures from the WHO, CDC, CARPHA, and national Management communities plans to properly classify, segregate, label, store, handle, and dispose of wastes Exposure of workers • Provide training on waste management and infectious disease management training and surveillance programs Air emissions Air pollution from • Ensure the SOPs from the incinerator supplier are followed and from incinerator inadequate that training is received from supplier incineration of waste • Sensitize and train staff to adequately segregate, store, and transport the waste to the incinerator and/or autoclave • Adequately budget for fuel for the incinerator and/or autoclave • Provide appropriate breathing masks to incinerator operators and other staff that work near the incinerator • Regularly monitor and maintain the incinerators to ensure they are working properly in accordance with SOPs Air emissions Spread of airborne • Control airflow and provide filtration for intake/exhaust from isolation particles or aerosols • Manage air filters as medical waste unit filtration • Regularly monitor and maintain the filtration system to ensure systems they are working properly in accordance with SOPs Hazardous Spread of infection • Liquid wastes to be stored, neutralized, and disposed of so that liquid waste it is not infectious management Contamination of • Sensitize staff to avoid spillage of waste water on the ground streams or groundwater surface • Sensitize staff and users of the facility to appropriately use the wastewater collection and disposal facilities Non-hazardous Unintended mixing of • Segregate liquid and solid wastes where possible liquid and solid wastes, vector control, • Construct the septic tank and soak-pit according to the design waste waste and debris specifications accumulation • The latrines or septic tank and soak pit site should be regularly monitored and serviced to prevent problems or overflow • Ensure that wastewater disposal is adequately budgeted for maintenance Traffic Unauthorized entry to • Control visitor access and movement into and out of the facility Management facility of vehicles or and surrounding areas and Access persons • Establish dedicated loading and unloading areas for supply Control vehicles and emergency vehicles. Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Community Misinformation about • Develop and implement a communication plan for all media Concerns on the spread of the types with key messages on prevention for facility visitors, local COVID-19 disease may result in community, and national level following the tool from the WHO the public not taking “Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) the appropriate Action Plan Guidance COVID-19 Preparedness and Response” preventative measures, • The plan will target the general population as well as specify messages for key vulnerable populations groups such as the which may result in the elderly and their careers. The plan will take guidance from isolation facility being WHO COVID-19 guidance for preventing and addressing overwhelmed with stigma and WHOCOVID-19 risk communication package for cases. healthcare facilities Phase 3 - Decommissioning Aspect Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation Site clean-up Risk of infection from • Incinerate or bury contaminated solid waste and dispose contaminated runoff, ash in approved sites dust, or soil • Remove or seal and encapsulate any wastewater system elements Contaminated Risk of infection from • Provide appropriate PPE for staff for cleaning equipment equipment contaminated used in all areas used equipment • Clean all equipment used following standards provided by WHO Appendix E. Communications Protocol Under conditions of a disease outbreak a common approach to stakeholder engagement where large gathering of the public is encouraged will need to change. There are numerous alternatives, but they key criteria for stakeholder engagement remains the same, and that is meaningful dialogue with project-affected people with attention given to the most vulnerable. Every alternative must still include what feedback and suggestions were provided by stakeholders. Some suggestions for community engagement during a COVID-19 outbreak are listed below. • Avoid public gatherings (taking into account national restrictions), including public hearings, workshops and community meetings; • If smaller meetings are permitted, conduct consultations in small-group sessions of no more than 10 people, such as focus group meetings in an outside area with chairs placed 6 feet apart; • If in-person meetings are not permitted, make efforts to conduct meetings through online channels, including webex, zoom and skype; • Try social media and online channels to share activity information. Where possible and appropriate, create dedicated online platforms and chatgroups appropriate for the purpose; • Employ traditional channels of communications (TV, newspaper, radio, dedicated phone-lines, and mail) if a stakeholder does not have access to online channels or does not use them frequently. • Where direct engagement with project affected people or beneficiaries is necessary, identify channels for direct communication with each affected household via a combination of email messages, mail, online platforms, dedicated phone lines with knowledgeable operators, or direct calling by the project team; Communication and engagement activities under this CERC will also follow the publication from the WHO “Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) readiness and response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)” which will guide messaging about the COVID -19 preparedness and response measures under the CERC and gives broader guidance and checklists for national level communication during different phases of a disease outbreak.