Fundamental hygiene measures are crucial way to stop the spread of infections, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Fundamental hygiene measures include:
hand hygiene – that’s, washing fingers frequently with soap and water, or cleansing with hand sanitiser
staying at house in case you are sick
coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow after which performing hand hygiene
cleaning surfaces regularly.
The usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), reminiscent of face masks can reduce the spread of infection when used appropriately and within the appropriate context. This could also be really useful in workplaces where individuals are more likely to are available in contact with the disease.
Use of face masks
For most individuals in the neighborhood, PPE corresponding to face masks should not recommended. Nonetheless, for people with signs of an acute respiratory infection, the WHO recommends that there may be benefit in wearing a face masks to reduce the spread of infection to different people.
How you can 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 individuals who could have coronavirus, it is strongly recommended you utilize a face mask. It’s important that face masks are worn and removed correctly. Masks ought to fit snugly and totally cover your nostril and mouth.
Tips on how to wear a mask:
wash fingers with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
place over nostril, mouth and chin
fit flexible nostril piece over nostril bridge
secure on head with ties or elastic
adjust to fit – secure on your head, fitting snugly round your face with no gaps
avoid touching or adjusting your masks throughout use.
The right way to remove a masks:
wash arms with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
keep away from touching the front of the mask
if the mask has ties, untie the underside, then high tie
remove from face
discard, do not use again
wash fingers with cleaning soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately.
Use of PPE within the workplace
Workplaces where people can keep more than 2 metres contact distance from people with potential COVID19 symptoms – Facemasks and gloves are not recommended.
Examples of these workplaces include – schooling facilities, pharmacies, stores
People who, because of the nature of their job, could also be unable to keep up more than 2 metres contact distance from people with potential COVID19 signs – facemasks and gloves are really useful when this contact is more likely to occur.
Examples of those workplaces embrace – Police, jail staff, customs staff
These suggestions are a guide only and workplace settings not listed within the table should consider their ability to keep up the 2 metres rule and use the table to inform their use of PPE. In general, surgical/medical masks prevent the dispersal of droplets by an contaminated patient and the inhalation of droplets if within 2 metres of a coughing individual.
Hand hygiene and cough / sneeze etiquette (preserve distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues and wash fingers) may have a bigger impact.