Guidance for Staff Members and Students on COVID -19
In the present context, workplaces need to modify work practices and the work environments to prevent any possible transmission of COVID-19 infection at workplaces with the commencement of the operations. This document provides guidelines to be followed at workplaces to prevent/control the spread of possible COVID-19 infection. Further, it provides additional precautions to be adhered to considering the different categories of workplaces and settings. The measures are simple to follow and can be adopted easily. However, it must be noted that the current scientific evidence on COVID-19 infection is limited as it is novel to the world.
Please note that this document is developed based on several guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services as at date hereof. The users shall be mindful that the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services may update the said Operational Guidelines from time to time. The purpose of this document is to provide a guideline to the users on the temporary measures that will be implemented within the office premises following the Covid-19 outbreak.
Possible Methods of Transmission at Work Settings
Droplets – The virus can be transmitted by breathing infected droplets. Droplets can be produced during coughing or sneezing or even by exhales from infected persons. These droplets can travel up to a distance of 1m.
Direct – Person to person transmission by direct contact with an infected person. (E.g.: hugging, shaking hands). The virus can enter the body through nose, mouth or eyes.
Indirect – When an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales, droplets of infected fluid may get released and contaminate nearby surfaces and objects, such as desks, tables, telephones, computers etc. An uninfected person may come in contract the virus by touching these surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Following Categories of Workers Should Not Report for Work.
Those having fever, with or without acute onset respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and/or shortness of breath.
Those who have had contact with suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 for the last 14 days.
Those who are quarantined for COVID-19 the last 14 days.
The employer should ensure that if a sick person reports to work, he / she is sent back home / hospital immediately.
All Students, Staff Members and Visitors are Expected to Adhere to the Following Good Practices
Anyone entering the premises (students, staff and visitors) should wash their hands with soap and water before entering. (Foot operated tap is the best for the wash basin).
Temperature will be checked at the time of entrance to the workplace and any person recording a temperature above 98.4 0F or 37 0C should be re-checked after 10 - 15 minutes of rest and if positive for second time sent him / her back.
Use the Disinfectant Mat - Sanitizing Foot Bath at the entrance to the building.
Use the hand sanitizer after using the fingerprint scanner. Fingerprint scanner shall be disinfected before and after each shift. Do not rub your fingers on the wall to remove the stain on fingers.
Keep a distance of one meter between workers at all times (while working, meetings, canteens etc.)
All shall wear masks properly while in the premises. They should refrain from touching the mask or their faces, while wearing it. After removing the mask, it has to be discarded into a pedal operated closed bin and hands should be washed subsequently. There should be minimal handling of the mask when removing. Avoid touching the face at all times.
Staff is encouraged in respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes. Coughs and sneezes have to be covered by the inner side of elbow or sleeve. In a situation where this is not possible a tissue can be used to cover the nose/ mouth, provided the tissue is discarded into a closed bin and hands washed thereafter.
Staff is advised to avoid using other workers’ mobile phones, pens and other common telephones, fax machines, desks, or other work tools and equipment, whenever possible. If any object has been shared it must be cleaned with soap and water or with minimum 70% v/v alcohol-based sanitizer.
Staff is advised to avoid shaking hands/ hugging and adopt other non-touch techniques of greeting.
Staff is advised to bring their own masks and gloves.
Food hygiene and good food safety practices can prevent the transmission of virus through food. Therefore, staff is advised to maintain good personal health and hygiene by practicing the following:
Do not share food
Bring your own lunch packet & water bottle from home
A balanced diet
Drinking adequate amounts of clean water
Regular physical exercise
Abstain from unhealthy habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol
Special Advice in Case of Detecting a Suspected Case at the Workplace
In the event of detecting a suspected case in the workplace, seek assistance from hotline 1390 and follow the instructions given or alternatively transfer the worker to the nearest government hospital, by ambulance. Suwasariya ambulance service can be contacted by dialing 1990.
The suspected worker should continue to wear a mask and kept in isolation and all relevant precautions should be taken to limit the spread of the disease, until transfer to hospital. If this person tests as positive the health authorities will visit the facility and will instruct on further preventive measures as per the latest health policies and procedures in the country.
For more information
· The Ministry of Health hotline, available 24 hours - 94 113 071 073
· The Government media unit hotline – 117
· Suwa Sariya Health line – 94 710 107 107
· Medical Officer of Health of the area