The Covid-19 is a global pandemic which is a new situation for everyone and has led the economy to a decline. After several months of lockdown, most of us have resumed or will soon resume work with an intention of earning a living to support our families. Due to this new pandemic, we have been pushed to adapt a new life style with a lot of safety measures.
In using the low-cost measures below, you can help in preventing the spread of COVID19 at your workplace and protect your customers and employees.
Promote good respiratory hygiene at the workplace. For example, cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough. Thereafter, dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands because the droplets spread the coronavirus. Ensure that face masks, hand gloves, and paper tissues are available at your workplaces, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them because good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of COVID-19.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution. Such frequent washing (for at least 20 seconds) kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is simple but very important. Sanitizing and hand wash dispensers should be placed in prominent places around the workplace so that all employees, customers, and contractors have access to places where they can wash their hands with soap and water because washing kills the virus on your hands and prevents the spread of COVID19.
Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body. Hands touch too many surfaces and can quickly pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your face, from where it can move inside your body, making you feel unwell.
In terms of social interaction, take a step back and stay at least one-meter distance from your colleagues at the workplace. By maintaining such social distancing, you are helping to avoid breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity.
Ensure that your workplace is clean and hygienic. Working surfaces (e.g. desks and tables) and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly because contamination on surfaces touched by employees and customers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads.
Drink warm or room temperature water during the course of the day, preferably with lemon.
At a meeting or work event, arrange seats so that participants are at least 1 meter apart, and those who have symptoms or feel unwell should not attend. Open windows and doors whenever possible to make sure the venue is well ventilated. Teleconference meetings and events are advised for meetings with many participants.
If you feel unwell, request for sick leave and follow all instructions provided by your local health authorities. In case of a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.
Keep informed as local health authorities provide the latest information on the situation in your area. Please follow their specific instructions, and call in advance to allow them to direct you to the appropriate local health facility. This serves to protect you and to help prevent the spread of virus and other infections.
Remember: Action now will help in protecting your business, employees and customers. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference.
Life is a precious gift #staysafestayhealthy