Yesterday, Coronavirus cases in the UK reached 590 (the biggest daily jump in the UK so far).

Awareness in the workplace is becoming increasingly more important. You should understand what you should be doing as an employer or employee, to protect yourself and your colleagues.

With a now large inevitability that the virus will infect or affect 1 in 5 workers.

Preparations could be the difference between your business succeeding or failing through these uncertain times.

Personal Hygiene

There are several things you can do now to protect yourself and those close to you.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately
• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Office Hygiene

• Clean all door handles, light switches, buttons, taps etc in the office twice per day
• Don’t share your keyboard, mouse or other office equipment with others
• Don’t shake hands with colleagues or clients
• Keep a 1m distance between yourself and others
• Wash your hands regularly

If you’ve never washed your hands before – here’s how to do it…

MAKE SURE YOUR WASH YOUR HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS

Here is a list of songs you can sing whilst washing to make sure you hit the critical 20 second mark!

1. Happy birthday x 2
2. God save the queen
3. Locomotion Chorus – Kylie Minogue
4. Jolene Chorus – Dolly Parton
5. Africa Chorus – Toto
6. Stayin’ Alive Chorus – Beegees
7. Just a little bit – Gina G
8. Take on me – A-ha

Or, maybe none of those tickle your fancy as your bathroom sign-a-long?!

Well we have some great news for you! If you head over to Wash Your Lyrics you can input any song you like. It will generate how many lyrics to sing along to before the 20 seconds is up.

Here are some of our favourites –

Justin Bieber

Kings of Leon and

Spice Girls!

We may be in one of the most uncertain times of modern day. But, why not have a bit of fun with it! Especially when it comes to getting kids to wash their hands.

 

Symptoms to Look out for

At the time of writing this post the common symptoms are:

• Respiratory symptoms
• Fever
• Cough (mostly dry)
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties

Persons at risk:

• Recently travelled – especially to an infected area
• Have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case

If you are concerned, do not go to a hospital or GP, call 111 and they will run through your symptoms and advise the correct action to take.

The most recent advise is to only call 111 if your symptoms are severe and if you have a high fever or new and continuous cough to self-isolate for 7 days.

Additional advice:

• Don’t kiss/shake hands
• Avoid close contact with anyone – especially the elderly and vulnerable
• Keep your immune health up

       – Drink plenty of water

       – Take vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D and C

       – Avoid sugar and gluten (as both can cause inflammation)

       – Eat 5 portions of fruit and veg every day

       – Exercise

       – Minimise stress

 

If you are an employer

You should inform all internal staff and agency workers with information about Coronavirus, in particular:

• Symptoms of Coronavirus
• Basic hygiene to help protect themselves and others
• Where they can get more information
• When they should seek medical guidance if they have or may have been exposed to the virus

More information can be found on the NHS website.

There is a lot of misinformation being shared online. Newspapers printing to scare the public and sell papers!

Have a sing-along when you wash your hands, stay safe, and don’t panic! People who don’t stockpile need toilet roll too!