Coronavirus (Covid-19): Information and Guidance to Glenn Colleagues
Information about the virus
A coronavirus is a type of virus and are common across the world, common strains are responsible for infections like flu or the common cold. COVID-19 which is in the news at present is different as it is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.
The difference with Covid-19, is that it is a new or novel virus and as such, this means nobody has been vaccinated against it, a vaccine hasn’t been developed as yet and the anti-viral drugs to treat other forms of the virus may not be effective. What we do know is it seems clear that most people who do become infected with Covid-19 suffer symptoms much like regular flu and recover after taking rest, fluids and painkillers as required.
How is Covid-19 Spread?
Coronaviruses like COVID-19 are most often spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact (including touching and shaking hands) or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands.
Exposure and Symptoms
The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19 infection:
- cough
- difficulty in breathing
- fever
If you are worried about symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.
How to Protect Ourselves
Even though Covid-19 isn’t likely to be life-threatening to most people who catch it, trying to contain the spread of the infection is a sensible thing to do. People are encouraged to take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases. Public Health England (PHE) currently recommends that the following general cold and flu precautions are taken to help prevent people from catching and spreading COVID-19:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away do not reuse tissues after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds at a time – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. See hand washing guidance.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Currently Public Health England do not recommend wearing facemasks to protect against the virus. These are only recommended for people who show symptoms of having the virus
Advice for Cleaning Operatives
Our operatives play a very significant role in preventing the spread of this virus, to help you provide the best possible service to our customers and minimise the risk we have the following instructions;
1.Wash your hands before putting your cleaning gloves on.
2.Whenever possible use disposable gloves and bin these gloves after use in each area.
3.Wash and sanitise your gloved hands before you begin cleaning.
4.Wash your hands before and after eating, using the restroom, touching a high contact surface or whenever you have the opportunity.
5.Cover your mouth using tissues when sneezing or coughing and dispose of tissues into a closed bin. If you do sneeze into your hands, wash your hands to prevent any germs from spreading.
6.When cleaning/sanitising surfaces, ensure the product is allowed to dwell for the correct time – doing this ensures that bacteria, viruses and pathogens are destroyed.
7.We have recommended to many clients that they change the cleaning regime to provide more time for cleaning ‘high -frequency’ touch points such as desks, phones, door handles, hand rails, etc., as well as obvious hygiene hot-spots such as WC’s, urinals, wash basins and such like. Check with your Line Manager to see if there are any updates to the cleaning regime at your location.
8.When cleaning tasks are complete, wash your gloved hands as before. As you remove your cleaned gloves, unless using disposable gloves hang them up to dry ready for the next day as soon as you’ve done this, wash your hands again before you leave work.
What To Do If You Think You May Have Coronavirus Covid-19
As stated previously the symptoms of Covid -19 are
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- high temperature
However do remember that these symptoms are extremely similar to other illness that are much more common, such as common cold and flu.
NHS 111 is an online service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do if any of the following apply;
- you think you have coronavirus
- you’ve been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19)
- in the last 14 days you’ve been to a country with a high risk of coronavirus – see NHS Coronavirus Advice For Travellers:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-travellers
Should you feel you may have Coronavirus (Covid-19) please contact NHS 111 and your Line Manager as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
Jason Glennon
Managing Director
Glenn Cleaning & Support Services Ltd