Basic hygiene measures are a very powerful way to stop the spread of infections, together with the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Primary hygiene measures include:
hand hygiene – that is, washing fingers commonly with soap and water, or cleansing with hand sanitiser
staying at dwelling in case you are sick
coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow after which performing hand hygiene
cleaning surfaces regularly.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), reminiscent of face masks can reduce the spread of an infection when used correctly and within the appropriate context. This could also be really helpful in workplaces the place people are more prone to come in contact with the disease.
Use of face masks
For most people locally, PPE corresponding to face masks usually are not recommended. However, for individuals with signs of an acute respiratory an infection, the WHO recommends that there may be benefit in wearing a face mask to reduce the spread of an infection to other people.
Find out how to accurately wear and remove a face mask
In case you are unwell or have a job which requires you to be in close contact with people who may have coronavirus, it is recommended you use a face mask. It is crucial that face masks are worn and removed correctly. Masks ought to fit snugly and absolutely cover your nose and mouth.
How to wear a mask:
wash fingers with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
place over nose, mouth and chin
fit flexible nose piece over nose bridge
safe on head with ties or elastic
adjust to fit – safe on your head, fitting snugly around your face with no gaps
keep away from touching or adjusting your mask throughout use.
Tips on how to remove a mask:
wash arms with cleaning soap and water or use hand sanitiser
avoid touching the entrance of the mask
if the mask has ties, untie the bottom, then top tie
remove from face
discard, do not use again
wash arms with soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately.
Use of PPE within the workplace
Workplaces the place people can preserve more than 2 metres contact distance from folks with potential COVID19 symptoms – Facemasks and gloves will not be recommended.
Examples of these workplaces embrace – education facilities, pharmacies, stores
Individuals who, due to the nature of their job, may be unable to maintain more than 2 metres contact distance from individuals with potential COVID19 symptoms – facemasks and gloves are really useful when this contact is more likely to occur.
Examples of these workplaces embrace – Police, jail staff, customs staff
These recommendations are a guide only and workplace settings not listed within the table should consider their ability to take care of the two metres rule and use the table to inform their use of PPE. Generally, surgical/medical masks stop the dispersal of droplets by an contaminated affected person and the inhalation of droplets if within 2 metres of a coughing individual.
Hand hygiene and cough / sneeze etiquette (keep distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues and wash palms) may have a bigger impact.