Basic hygiene measures are the most important way to cease the spread of infections, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Basic hygiene measures embrace:
hand hygiene – that is, washing palms recurrently with cleaning 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.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE), reminiscent of face masks can reduce the spread of an infection when used correctly and in the appropriate context. This could also be recommended in workplaces where persons are more prone to are available contact with the disease.
Use of face masks
For most people locally, PPE similar to face masks are not recommended. Nonetheless, for folks with signs of an acute respiratory infection, the WHO recommends that there may be benefit in wearing a face mask to reduce the spread of an infection to different people.
The right way to accurately wear and remove a face mask
If you are unwell or have a job which requires you to be in close contact with individuals who might have coronavirus, it is recommended you employ a face mask. It’s important that face masks are worn and removed correctly. Masks should fit snugly and absolutely cover your nose and mouth.
The best way to wear a mask:
wash palms 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 – secure on your head, fitting snugly round your face with no gaps
keep away from touching or adjusting your masks throughout use.
Learn how to remove a masks:
wash fingers with cleaning soap and water or use hand sanitiser
keep away from touching the entrance of the mask
if the masks has ties, untie the underside, then high tie
remove from face
discard, don’t use again
wash arms with soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately.
Use of PPE in the workplace
Workplaces the place people can keep more than 2 metres contact distance from people with potential COVID19 symptoms – Facemasks and gloves will not be recommended.
Examples of these workplaces embody – schooling services, pharmacies, shops
Individuals who, due to the nature of their job, may be unable to maintain more than 2 metres contact distance from folks with potential COVID19 symptoms – facemasks and gloves are beneficial when this contact is likely to occur.
Examples of those workplaces embrace – Police, prison staff, customs workers
These suggestions 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 tell their use of PPE. Normally, surgical/medical masks forestall the dispersal of droplets by an infected 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) can have a bigger impact.