Preventing the spread of Coronavirus at work

Coronavirus has hit the news in a big way. This new strain of virus has similar symptoms to other seasonal illnesses, including a fever, a cough and shortness of breath.

Its status has been raised from low to moderate public risk. While the government explains that the risk to individuals remains low, we can all take sensible precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Keep your hands clean

Make sure you wash your hands regularly to help stop the spread of germs, after coughing and sneezing and after using public transport.

To properly wash your hands you need to use an antibacterial hand wash. Wash for at least 20 seconds, which is as long as it takes to sing the ‘happy birthday’ song twice. Then, dry your hands with either a paper towel or warm air dryer.

If you can’t get to soap and water, use hand sanitizer. The NHS recommends you choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Always use a tissue

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then throw the tissue into a closed bin straight away. Finally, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow as a barrier when you sneeze or cough to stop the germs spreading into the atmosphere.

If you’re sick, stay home

We all know the people who soldier on and come into work despite the runny nose, red eyes, hacking cough and headache. They shouldn’t be in the office.

If you are able to, work from home and keep your bugs away from the rest of your colleagues.

Keep your distance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends you ‘maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever’.

Extra protection

You can also take further precautions by wearing a face mask. The specific mask recommended for coronavirus is the N95, or FFP3. Wearing gloves when emptying the bin or cleaning can also help to protect you.

We stock a whole range of antibacterial products so stock up your cupboards while stocks last.

Taking a few simple steps can help prevent the spread of germs and keep us all healthy.