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Workplace Guidelines on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. 

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

Suspected cases of Coronavirus:

Regarding on dealing with a suspected case of coronavirus in the workplace, informing staff and protect its equipment contributes to a calm response and avoiding panic. Timely planning, effective prevention and information will ensure the health of visitors and staff and maintain the proper functioning of the workplace.

All staff members who arrived from the affected areas of Cat. B and Cat. C, additionally having symptoms of COVID-19: Fever, sore throat and dry cough.

In view of the above, all workplaces should be informed and take precautionary measures as follows:

1. Proper ventilation throughout the offices, as well as easy access to running water and soap to maintain hygiene.

2. Frequent hand washing with soap and water. If the hands are not visibly soiled, an alternate alcoholic solution (70 ° C alcohol) may be used. The use of gloves does not replace hand washing.

3. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, knobs and workbenches.

4. Proper and frequent ventilation of our workplace.

5. Cover your mouth and nose with a cough or sneezing tissue.

6. Avoid contact of hands with your mouth, nose or eyes to prevent germ spreading.

7. Avoid close contact (1-2 meters’ distance) with people with respiratory symptoms.

8. Ensure that sufficient consumable material is available immediately at the workplace to prevent infections such as thermometers, simple surgical masks, disposable gloves, garbage bags, cleaning liquids.

In the event of a suspected case, staff should maintain their composure and immediately report the Ambulance Citizens' Line to 1420 (24 hours) giving the following information:

Please note that a hotline for finding out information related to Coronavirus (not for reporting cases, which is 1420) is available on two numbers: 1450 and 1412.

1. Name and Surname of Employee

2. Country

3. Symptoms

4. Workplace Address