So, I’m sure you have by now heard of the Coronavirus over in China, which has now started to spread into Europe, the USA and other places and now at the time of writing this, over 4,500 people have been infected and 106 people have sadly died.
What is it?
It is a family of viruses that cause a range of illness right from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The current outbreak is known as Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Those who are infected may experience flu like symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, breathlessness, headache for example.
Where did it come from?
It was first detected in an area of Central China, Wuhan it was first thought to have come from an animal market. However, an increase in those infected state they have had no contact with an animal market therefore it is now apparent person to person transmission is a likely method of it spreading.
The virus is believed to spread through respiratory means, with those infected coughing and or sneezing.
What can I do?
Whilst at this stage the virus hasn’t been reported as reaching the UK, it is a good idea to look at things we can do to protect ourselves, especially if it does reach the UK.
- Those who have travelled recently to affected areas should be especially aware of the risk. Ensure all clothing and personal effects are cleaned properly and disinfected to ensure nothing has been carried. Illness can take a few days after infection so just because you feel well it doesn’t mean there has not been an infection. The NHS says you should be quarantined at home for 14 days if you have returned from this part of the world.
- Practice good hygiene at all times washing hands thoroughly with soap and water and using an alcohol gel to sanitise them can be a good start, particularly when entering the workplace to reduce the risk of infections being introduced to the work environment via peoples hands after travelling on public transport for instance.
- Avoid eating or touching your face with unwashed hands.
- If you become sick, stay at home and seek medical advice – don’t come into work and affect your colleagues. Ensure as an employer your policy is clear on what happens in this instance.
- Regular cleaning / disinfecting surfaces.
- Ensure tissues are always available and used for coughs or sneezes and placed in the bin – don’t forget to wash your hands again!
I’ve seen people wearing Face Masks , will this protect me?
Whilst there may be a very small level of protection from the correct type of mask, many that have been observed are “dust masks” and give very little protection. If a mask is to be effective at preventing airborne pathogens it needs to be the right type, ideally for this type of contaminant an FFP3 type. But remember if there isn’t a proper seal around the face then contaminated air can get in the sides rendering the mask largely ineffective.
There is also a consideration of contamination through mucus membranes in the eyes or even the ears.
If you are in a healthcare / public service environment there is clearly a higher risk – ensure you are prepared, speak to your health and safety rep if you are worried and familiarise yourself with the agreed procedures.
It’s unclear if the virus will reach the UK, but if it does there is no need to panic. Ensure you employ the above to help protect yourself and follow the published advice from the NHS / Public Health England and other healthcare professionals, and from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
We can help you develop your safety policies and assist with preparing your business to be resilient with proper procedures to deal with situations that arise, both from a health and safety prospective and a HR one. Please call us on 0333 240 7208 or contact us here.
