Primary hygiene measures are a very powerful way to cease the spread of infections, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Fundamental hygiene measures embody:
hand hygiene – that is, washing fingers commonly with cleaning soap and water, or cleansing with hand sanitiser
staying at house if you are sick
coughing or sneezing right into a tissue or your elbow after which performing hand hygiene
cleaning surfaces regularly.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE), comparable to face masks can reduce the spread of infection when used correctly and within the appropriate context. This could also be recommended in workplaces the place individuals are more prone to are available in contact with the disease.
Use of face masks
For most people in the community, PPE reminiscent of face masks aren’t recommended. Nonetheless, for people with signs of an acute respiratory infection, the WHO recommends that there could also be benefit in wearing a face masks to reduce the spread of infection to different people.
Methods to appropriately wear and remove a face mask
If you are unwell or have a job which requires you to be in shut contact with individuals who might have coronavirus, it’s endorsed you employ a face mask. It is necessary that face masks are worn and removed correctly. Masks should fit snugly and absolutely cover your nostril and mouth.
Methods to wear a masks:
wash fingers with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
place over nose, mouth and chin
fit versatile nose piece over nose bridge
secure on head with ties or elastic
adjust to fit – secure in your head, fitting snugly round your face with no gaps
avoid touching or adjusting your masks during use.
Methods to remove a masks:
wash arms with cleaning soap and water or use hand sanitiser
keep away from touching the entrance of the mask
if the mask has ties, untie the bottom, then high tie
remove from face
discard, do not use again
wash fingers with soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately.
Use of PPE within the workplace
Workplaces where folks can maintain more than 2 metres contact distance from people with potential COVID19 symptoms – Facemasks and gloves aren’t recommended.
Examples of those workplaces embrace – education amenities, pharmacies, retail outlets
People who, because of the nature of their job, may be unable to keep up more than 2 metres contact distance from folks with potential COVID19 signs – facemasks and gloves are beneficial when this contact is likely to occur.
Examples of these workplaces include – Police, jail workers, customs workers
These recommendations are a guide only and workplace settings not listed in the table ought to consider their ability to maintain the two metres rule and use the table to tell their use of PPE. Usually, surgical/medical masks stop the dispersal of droplets by an infected affected person 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 hands) will have a bigger impact.