feature coronavirus in the workplace
Readying the workplace for COVID-19 On 18 March 2020 the WHO website confirmed the number of cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen to more than 191 000 globally with at least 110 000 cases outside of China, as the economic trauma caused by the outbreak continues to impact global share markets.
A
t least 7 807 people have died as a result of the virus, with the majority in mainland China. But figures outside of the country where the virus was first reported are growing, even as China slowly starts to get back to normal. Almost one hundred countries and territories have confirmed cases, now including South Africans that recently travelled to Italy. During early March Italian authorities placed much of the northern part of the country on lockdown, affecting nearly 15 million people, while other regions will face varying forms of travel restrictions. More than 31 500 cases and 2 503 deaths have already been confirmed in Italy. With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 25 African countries including South Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and key health partners are strengthening cooperation to better coordinate readiness and response efforts across Africa. The WHO convened a meeting in Nairobi during the first week of March, with representatives from the Kenyan Health Ministry, the African Union and key United Nations partner agencies in attendance. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is supporting member states to prepare for a potential case of COVID-19 in a number of ways. The WHO has dispatched experts to countries believed to be at higher risk of an outbreak of coronavirus to assist in areas including case management, surveillance and early detection. Across the continent, the WHO is working to increase the capacity of national laboratories to detect COVID-19 by supplying reagents, testing equipment and training for
20
African Cleaning Review March/April 2020
staff. Essential personal protective equipment has also been dispatched by the WHO to some African countries. It must, however, be kept in mind that although the World Health Organization and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, long-term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of society, including businesses and employers and most definitely the professional cleaning industry, must play an active role in presenting workplace hygiene solutions if we are to stop the spread of this disease.
Background – how COVID-19 spreads When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects – such as desks, tables or telephones.
People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one metre of a person with COVID-19, they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or inhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way
to flu. Most persons infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover. However, some go on to experience more serious illness and may require hospital care. Risk of serious illness rises with age: people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those younger. People with weakened immune systems and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to serious illness. When considering hygiene in the workplace, it is imperative to be mindful of the following information made available by the WHO. These measures should also be discussed with the professional cleaning contractor on site in order to ensure seamless action against infections in the workplace.
Ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace The low-cost measures below will help prevent the spread of infections in your workplace, such as colds, flu and stomach bugs, and protect your customers, contractors and employees. Employers should start giving attention to this now, even if COVID-19
