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Five Healthy, Homemade Cleaning Solutions

3/26/2020

2 Comments

 
Keeping your house clean is especially important in these trying times of COVID-19 right now. Are you tired of spending money on multiple cleaning products that take up a lot of space? Often, with just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own cleaning solutions at home. Most homemade cleaning products are a fraction of the cost and are typically better for your health and the environment. Get started with these five everyday cleaning solutions:
  1. Clean and deodorize your kitchen. Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle for a kitchen cleaner you can safely use on most counter top surfaces and appliances. It makes stainless steel shine and freshens up the inside of a refrigerator. 
  2. Make your shower sparkle. Combine 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Place in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds then pour into a spray bottle. Spray, then let sit for three to five minutes before wiping clean.
  3. Scrub your toilet bowl without toxic fumes. Use a glass bowl and wooden spoon to combine 2 cups of baking soda with 100 drops of a disinfecting essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender – this makes enough for about 30 cleanings. Transfer to an airtight glass jar, and store outside of the bathroom. To clean, place 1 tablespoon of the baking soda mixture into the toilet bowl then sprinkle more around the sides. Next, add 2 cups of regular 5% distilled white vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda should begin to foam. Scrub the bowl with a toilet bowl brush, let the solution sit for 15 minutes and flush.
  4. Get smudge-free, fresh-smelling windows and mirrors. Mix 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
  5. Clean surfaces naturally.  Combine 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle with seven drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil. You can swap the rubbing alcohol for distilled white vinegar, but do not use any vinegar solution on granite, marble, natural stone or hardwood.6
When making your own cleaning solutions, be sure to follow each recipe carefully to avoid damaging surfaces or mixing potentially toxic combinations. Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap are the most common homemade cleaning product ingredients. Get that fresh, just-cleaned smell with the addition of lemon or essential oils. When combined, used alone or diluted with water, you can clean just about anything.
​
Reposted with permission from BlueChoice Health Plan.
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Business income coverage and COVID-19

3/19/2020

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With the evolving and significant changes happening in the world around the
coronavirus and its impact on commercial insureds, we have received a number of
questions from our clients regarding business income coverage.

Designed to protect a business in the event of an interruption in operations caused
by a physical loss that results in financial downturn, business income coverage
serves to cover the period of time it takes to rebuild, repair or replace damaged
property. Requirements for the coverage to trigger vary across insurance carriers.
Additionally, each state has its own department of insurance that governs what is
acceptable insurance language which can cause variations from state to state.
Most insurance companies policy forms incorporate approved Insurance Services
Office (ISO) policy terms and conditions. Following ISO, the business income
insuring agreement requires a covered cause of loss that causes direct
physical loss of, or damage to, the property at the described premises. The
cause of loss must also cause a necessary interruption of operations that results in
business income loss.

Without a direct physical loss, business income coverage will not be triggered.
There will also not be a period of restoration of property to determine business
income loss.

In addition to the terms of business income coverage, policies include Exclusion of
Loss Due To Virus or Bacteria (form numbers CP0140 or CP7140), which exclude
commercial property losses resulting from any virus, bacterium or other microorganism
that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease. Form number CP0140 is found on newer Insurance policies. Form number CP7140 appears on older policies. These endorsements have been used since they were issued and filed by ISO several years ago.

With any claim, policy wording and the specific trigger driving losses determine the applicability of coverage. If a formal property business income claim is filed, it will be adjusted on the applicable policy wording and specific details driving the loss. Theodore & Associates is committed to supporting you through the challenges of the coronavirus. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work with you through this uncertain time.
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Best practice guidelines COVID-19

3/12/2020

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Over the span of the last few months, there has been an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus which can be spread from person to person. Certain measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting the illness. Due to the large number of cases of illness including rising deaths resulting from the virus, it is important to stay informed. Details are still developing and no vaccine is currently available. In order to keep the virus contained, a travel ban has been issued for many countries (NOTE: The Department of State has restrictions posted on their site as well. Before traveling, be sure to get the latest on the region you plan to visit).

As of February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a name (COVID-19) for the coronavirus that originated from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is important to remember to use standard hygiene practices to avoid this and any other respiratory illnesses (such as seasonal influenza which is typical this time of year in US communities). UPDATE: As the situation evolves daily, the best source of information is the WHO daily situation report that maintains data on the current number of confirmed cases by country.

Travel
CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China. If you must travel:
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Discuss travel to China with your healthcare provider. Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease.
  • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
If you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, do the following:
  • Seek medical advice - call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
As the situation develops, more countries will be added to the list of travel-restricted areas. Please visit the CDC website to learn more.

Prevention

The CDC recommends the following in order to prevent COVID19 and other viral infections:
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV, except in specific care settings identified below.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019-nCoV, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • 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.

Facemasks

There are several types of facemasks on the market today. There is a distinct difference, however, between what is commonly known as a “surgical mask” and an N95 respirator:
  • Typical surgical masks are not respirators, and are best used to provide a barrier against droplets including large respiratory particles.
  • N95 masks are respirators that are rated for use in a surgical setting to provide respiratory protection, reducing the risk of passing or contracting a disease.
  • If you are showing symptoms, it is not recommended to use a mask with an exhalation valve.
  • N95 masks may be more effective in reducing the chance of passing of disease in other settings as well.

Additional information

The CDC website has a wealth of information to remain up-to-date on what you should know. Remember not to make any determinations of risk based on race or country of origin. Confidentiality of people with any health issue including COVID-19 should be maintained. As we know more about transmissibility, severity, and other features of COVID-19, we will do our best to update you. Please visit the dedicated CDC page for updated information.These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
  • For information about handwashing, see CDC’s handwashing website
  • For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s hand hygiene in healthcare settings
CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
  • CDC travel notices
  • Department of State
  • World Health Organization
Information for businesses
  • Communication resources
  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
0 Comments

Will travel insurance cover coronavirus?

3/5/2020

3 Comments

 
With continued flight cancellations and imposed travel restrictions, it's important to know what travel insurance covers.
    
As reported cases of coronavirus increase, the outbreak is stoking fears among travelers.

Several countries, including the U.S., have imposed travel restrictions that include quarantines to contain the virus. At least 73 airlines have canceled or limited flights to China. And now cruise lines have begun to take notice following a recent outbreak on a ship in Japan.

Given these developments, consumers may be wondering whether travel insurance will protect them in case they cancel their trip, become sick while abroad, or if their flight is grounded.

But consumers need to understand that their travel policy doesn’t protect them from everything. So it helps to find out ahead of time what is and isn’t covered.

Cancellation coverage? Don’t count on it
Tour operators and travel insurance brokers are reporting an increasing number of requests from customers asking to change their travel plans. Meanwhile, many U.S. airlines, including United, America and Delta, have canceled several flights to China.

Consumers may be surprised to learn that in either situation, their travel policy probably wouldn’t cover them.

Most travel insurance is designed to protect you in case you need to cancel a trip, lose belongings, or require medical attention. But for cancellations related to coronavirus, only certain reasons qualify. Here’s a breakdown.

Airline cancels flight: Not usually covered
Reimbursing a canceled flight is generally the responsibility of the airline — not the insurer. The same goes for cruise lines, rail companies, or any other transportation provider that cancels because of coronavirus or any other reason.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the transportation provider will cover all expenses. Airlines, for example, are not required to refund canceled flights and may limit the extent of the reimbursement. Fare policies vary, so it’s a good idea for travelers to review them before booking a flight.

 Traveler chooses to cancel a trip: Not covered
Travel insurance will cover consumers who have to cancel their trip for reasons including adverse weather, a natural disaster, jury duty, an act of terrorism, or the travel company going out of business. But it won’t protect travelers who cancel because they are worried about the coronavirus.

Traveler contracts coronavirus and has to cancel: Covered
Travelers are protected if they have to cancel a trip because of personal sickness or injury, or the sickness, injury or death of an immediate family member.

Quarantine: Covered
Most standard policies will cover cancellation or interruption if the traveler is placed under quarantine, or if the destination is placed under a mandatory evacuation.

Although standard policies don’t cover all cancellations, some travel policies offer “cancel any reason” provisions or flight delay benefits that will provide reimbursement. Again, here’s where reading the fine print comes in.

Illness protection — it’s in the details
The good news for consumers is that most policies protect travelers who become sick while abroad. But the details of the policy matter.

Travel insurance is intended to cover medical costs abroad. As long as the policy includes medical coverage, the traveler is protected should he or she require medical care, hospitalization, or a medical evacuation while in a foreign country.

But travelers need to understand the stipulations of their policy from the outset. Here are some considerations:

Primary or secondary payer?
A secondary payment policy is designed to pay for costs that the traveler’s personal insurance does not cover. This may mean the traveler has to pay deductibles and co-pays out of pocket. A primary payment policy, however, serves as the first payer for any medical costs that arise.

Limits
All policies have a maximum they will pay, and many also have deductibles and other limitations.

Exclusions
Policies may exclude coverage for certain situations, such as risky activities. So thrill-seekers like skydivers and bungee jumpers might be out of luck.

Supplemental policies
A separate health policy, or rider, may be helpful for covering things a standard policy might exclude (like that skydiving expedition). A traveler may be able to purchase a rider to extend coverage in case of injury. A rider for foreign medical care coverage might also be useful, although those types of provisions are rare.

In most cases, a standard travel policy is sufficient. There are several types of policies with different levels and coverage for all sorts of travel. Some policies may be specific to cruises, where it may become critical to evacuate to a hospital. Other policies are geared more toward adventure travel.

Riders are meant to provide coverage that’s missing from a primary policy. So if a policy excludes coverage for dangerous activities such as bungee jumping, a traveler may be able to purchase a rider to extend coverage in case of injury.

Reality check
The headlines may paint a scary picture of the coronavirus, but it helps for U.S. travelers to keep facts and figures in perspective.

As of Feb 25, 2020, there have been more than 80,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Of those, 77,780 were reported in China, where the outbreak originated.

And although some U.S. airlines have canceled flights, bear in mind that almost all of these cancellations involve flights to and from China. The U.S. has temporarily barred entry for anyone traveling from China who isn’t a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or immediate family member of either.

Travelers planning a trip to the Western Pacific region may want to give more thought to their insurance coverage. For travelers who are headed anywhere else in the world, chances are they’ll be in good shape with a standard policy.

The key is for travelers to determine their actual risk, understand what they are trying to cover, and then find a policy that accomplishes that.
3 Comments

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