Answered: What are the precautions for Coronavirus?
With unlock 1.0 as many head back to offices, here's a list of safety tips and Coronavirus precautions that health experts from all over the country are recommending to keep your colleagues and you safe.
1. Maintain social distance
What are the precautions, you ask? Well, maintain social distance. (Of course!)
Maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others AT ALL TIMES, especially in enclosed spaces like elevators and meeting rooms.
Avoid handshakes and hugs, even if you are meeting your colleagues for the first time after the lockdown! Also, should you head out for lunch, opt for contact less payment just as a precaution to avoid physical contact as much as possible.
2. Carry masks and other essentials
One of the best precautions for Coronavirus is to keep your essentials handy. Pack some extra masks, gloves, hand sanitisers, and disinfectant wipes. Wear masks at all times in the office, and in case you need to remove them, keep them in a zip-lock bag.
3. Take private transportation
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One of the most effective precautions for Coronvirus is to maintain social distance while you commute to work. Use a private car or take an Uber or Ola, instead of opting for public transport.
And if you are still taking the bus or metro, ensure social distancing and avoid touching any handles and poles.
4. Sanitise your laptop
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Don't forget to disinfect items and surfaces that you may touch frequently. Use disinfectant wipes from time-to-time to wipe your laptop, phone, wallet, and table as a precaution.
5. Keep washing your hands
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As soon as you step in, wash your hands, and continue doing so at regular intervals for at least 20 seconds each time.
Tip: If you think you may forget it amidst all the meetings and workload, write it down on a sticky note and paste it on your laptop, or set a reminder on your phone.
6. Carry your own lunch and cutlery
While most restaurants are offering delivery services, it is still encouraged to bring your own home-cooked lunch whenever possible.
Also, as an extra precaution for Coronavirus, avoid using office cutlery and carry personal ones instead. You can also use disposable cutlery that you can toss away after your meal.
7. Look out for your colleagues' health
Always be observant of the health condition of your co-workers, and yourself. Keep safe distance should you notice anyone coughing or sneezing, and seek medical attention immediately in case your colleagues experience any serious symptoms.
Tip: If you are an employer, allow vulnerable employees like older staff members or pregnant workers to operate from home.
8. Avoid team meetings
To reduce physical contact between workers as much as possible, work in shifts or rotations. This way you can avoid large gatherings and meetings, and continue maintaining all measures and precautions for Coronavirus.
9. Avoid smoke breaks
According to the World Health Organization, smokers may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 as smoking increases the possibility of transmission of viruses, and usually face more severe symptoms due to reduced lung damage.
So, avoid taking smoke breaks. And in case you still decide to, keep these precautions in mind:
- Step out alone instead of in a large group
- If you are going in a large group, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet
- Wash your hands as soon as you are back
10. Ensure the office is regularly sanitised
If you are an employer, do the due diligence of taking all precautions for Coronavirus in the workplace. Make sure to keep your premises frequently sanitised. Ensure floors, door handles, elevator buttons and counters are cleaned from time to time.
Supply sufficient soap, water, and hand sanitisers at convenient places and always encourage your employees to wash their hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
11. Rebuild workplace morale
Image for illustration purposes only. Keep safe distance and avoid physical contact.
While it is essential to take all safety measures and precautions for Coronavirus, it is equally important to keep your mental health in check.
The COVID-19, the lockdown and everything else that comes with it may bring some stress and frustration in our lives. So, try to uplift the spirits of your colleagues and yourself. Be empathetic, flexible, and encouraging towards each other.
Tip: If you are an employer, host team building exercises and make a resource list for employees should they require assistance.
12. Once you return home
And even once you return home from the office, continue taking precautions and safety measures. Here's your checklist.
- Leave your shoes by the door
- Discard your mask
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- Put your office wear to wash
- Take a shower
- Disinfect your keys, phone, wallet.
Now that you know all the guidelines and Coronavirus precautions, ensure you spread awareness and circulate this list of tips among your staff and colleagues.
