The Coronavirus – We don’t have time to sit around and wonder if anything might happen, it is going to happen!
Now is the time for businesses of every single description and the general public to get prepared.
With no vaccine or treatment available to combat these infections, everyone must be prepared to take other precautions to protect themselves, family and communities from the virus, it is the only defence that we have.
Prevention of this new virus can be difficult because:
- It is highly contagious
- Our experts are still learning
- The virus can attach itself to High contact surfaces that are frequently touched by people such as doorknobs, light switches, TV Remotes, keyboards all of which should all get particular cleaning attention.
But what can we do, personally, to prepare for an impending viral outbreak?
Some Tips:
- Practice good hygiene and health habits
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser (with at least 60% to 95% alcohol).
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with an elbow sleeve or tissue.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as you can pick up the virus that way.
Evidence suggests that disinfectants such as SaniGuard or IC Solutions 1% hydrogen peroxide spray can “efficiently” inactivate coronaviruses within a minute, though it’s not yet known how the new coronavirus reacts to these products, we are pretty confident (99.9%) that they will be effective.More on Saniguard SpraysMore on Saniguard Room Foggers
Be prepared to stay home
Talk with your employer about what the company’s work-from-home and sick leave policy are, remote working should be considered says Rosemary O’Shaughnessy who is a full-time remote worker.
Schools may be closed in your area during an outbreak. Ask your child’s school, local school board or health department about how much advance notice there might be preceding a closure. Plan for how you will handle child care if schools and day care centres are closed.
Large group gatherings may be cancelled, including concerts, religious services and public events.
Keep up with your areas local announcements to find out about those cancellations.Steps You Can Take to Avoid the Coronavirus.
If you or someone in your household regularly takes prescription drugs, it may be wise to ask your doctor about procuring an emergency supply.
Make a plan for how to care for those at greater risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, such as those over 65 years old and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Also, have a backup plan for who will care for your dependents if you become ill.
Make sure you have reasonable amounts of groceries (stock up that freezer) and other basic household necessities, such as laundry detergent & don’t forget the pet food!
However, it’s a balance: On the one hand, your chance of exposure will be minimal if you stay home, but if the cost of that is empty shelves in the pantry and having nothing available generally, that’s a problem.
Check in with your neighbour’s and loved ones
Talk with your neighbours to check on their health status and see how you can help each other if one of you is home sick or caring for others.
Share the newest information from local health authorities, and make sure others are up to date.
This is where the internet social groups come into their own
What to do if you or a household member has symptoms of COVID-19
If you are experiencing high fever, weakness, lethargy, or shortness of breath or have underlying conditions, you should seek medical attention call the healthcare emergency numbers but do not on any account attempt to visit a doctor or hospital… If you do have the virus, you will be spreading it!
The older you are, the greater the need to be aware of your daily health situation. Infants should also be observed for a fever or are breathing rapidly, again if you suspect anything do not travel to hospital or doctor, call and seek advice.
Most likely you may be asked to voluntarily quarantine yourself at home to prevent the possible spread of the infection to others.
What to do if you are healthy, but have to go outside in an affected area?
Wearing a standard medical mask can’t protect you from COVID-19, as they are not designed to lock out viral particles, however, if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you might consider wearing a mask as a courtesy to others.
In crowded spaces, creating distance between yourself and others can help reduce your risk of person-to-person infection, officials recommend standing at least a metre away from nearby persons, but if an epidemic proves more severe, the recommended distance may be increased. Remember the simple rule, AVOID SITUATIONS if at all possible!
Oliver Canty, CEO at IC Solutions 24/7 Limited who are “International Specialists in decontamination, whole room disinfection and mould remediation” serving clients across a range of sectors from the NHS to Hospitals to the business sector at large.Oliver Canty
CEO, IC Solutions 247