The widespread family of viruses known as coronaviruses (CoV) is frequently linked to minor ailments like the common cold. A new coronavirus strain that hasn't been discovered in people before is known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV). among the severe illnesses were: MERS-CoV, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (first reported in 2012, all cases have been linked to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula) Acute Respiratory Syndrome with Severity (SARS-CoV) A coronavirus known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus was discovered in China (Wuhan City) in late 2019. (2019-nCoV). On December 31st, 2019, a sickness was reported, and on January 7th, 2020, coronavirus identification was confirmed. The condition is now formally referred to as COVID-19, the coronavirus illness. The sickness is brought on by a virus called ""severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2."" (SARS-CoV-2). Viruses are dynamic organisms. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will mutate naturally over time, changing the genetic makeup of the virus. A variation of a virus is one that has undergone numerous major mutations. When a variation affects: illness transmission, disease severity, it is of concern (for example, whether you have mild symptoms or require hospital care) tests to identify viruses that have been protected by past infections, vaccinations, or therapies
What stage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is it in right now?
This document will go over broad safety measures that can be implemented at work to assist stop the spread of coronaviruses. Please visit these websites for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic: in Canada Administration of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada) - Coronavirus illness (COVID 2019): Update on the USA's outbreak: Disease Prevention and Control Center (CDC) - World reporting on the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Coronavirus illness, according to the World Health Organization (COVID-19)
What can management do at work?
Provide the necessary information, education, training, cleaning, and disinfection, as well as proposing actions such mask wearing or personal protective equipment, as required, to protect the health and safety of employees and customers.
Employers should have a policy in place that specifies what is expected of them when employees are absent due to illness or to take care of others.
This policy should specify how to notify the employer, as well as whether and when a doctor's note is necessary. To lessen the strain on the healthcare system, organizations may decide to suspend the requirement for a doctor's or medical note for the absence. Businesses may be urged to close during a pandemic, operate with fewer employees (to encourage physical distance and avoid crowding), or employ low-contact techniques. Where it's practical, let employees work from home. In order to identify who or what duties can be completed remotely, evaluate each person or job function. Keep track of everyone that attended the office each day. If COVID-19 in a worker or client is confirmed, get advice from public health authorities before taking any further action. Encourage constant physical separation, good hand hygiene, and respiratory manners. In order to stop the accumulation of respiratory aerosols, maintain or enhance ventilation. Make sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning properly by working with a professional. The HVAC system should have the proper filter, be acceptable for the environment and activities, the number of people present, be appropriate for how long the area is utilized, and, if necessary, be modified to exchange air as much as feasible. If you can, move activities outside. If feasible, open windows or doors to let fresh air in if you're inside (if weather permits, and where safe to do so). When employees arrive at work, screening techniques like checklists and temperature checks may be employed. Use a public health agency's screening form, and advise employees to remain at home if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how minor. Since pandemics frequently come in waves, there may be times when restrictions are tighter or looser depending on the local infection rates. Visit the organizations mentioned above for further information and keep an eye on the situation. Employers can assist by having an infection control plan that contains information like: advising employees and visitors to keep a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet) or more between them and other people in the physical space. Signs, posters, crowd-control stanchions, room dividers, and floor markings are some of the techniques. use another method. When placing barriers, avoid creating tripping hazards or ""blind spot"" locations. Do not let any barriers obstruct the ventilation (air flow) of that place. Promoting the use of well constructed, well fitting, and comfortable masks (preferably a respirator or medical mask) or personal protective equipment as appropriate and acceptable to your workplace, workers, and customers. Consider any current recommendations from public health or other authorities when determining these measures. Use the best quality and best fitting mask or respirator that is available to you. Providing clean hand washing facilities, with soap, water, and disposable towels. Offering alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) when regular washing facilities are not available (or to people on the road). Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched or shared surfaces, spaces, and objects often, including lunchrooms, washrooms, etc. Clean and disinfect touch points and surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, railings, kettles, etc. more often with household disinfectants or bleach solution (5 millilitres (mL) of (5%) bleach per 250 mL of water). Always pour the bleach into the water, never the other way around. Use a disinfectant with a drug identification number (DIN). This number means that it has been approved for use in Canada. Disinfecting all high-touch electronic devices (keyboards, tablets, smartboards, printers) with alcohol or disinfectant wipes, if the device can withstand liquids (check the owner’s manual). Making sure that any person required to clean and disinfect has received the appropriate training and uses any required personal protective equipment. The area where the cleaner is used should also be adequately ventilated. Providing boxes of tissues and encourage their use. Providing equipment, tools, or communication devices for individual use. If items are shared, they must be cleaned and disinfected between users. Reminding workers to not share cups, glasses, dishes, and cutlery. Be sure all items are washed in soap and water after use. Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as tea rooms and kitchens). Making sure ventilation systems are working properly, have been maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendation, use filters with the highest minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating the system can handle, and have been adjusted to provide the maximum air exchanges per hour. Cleaning a person's workstation or other areas, especially if used by a person suspected or identified to be infected (e.g., use a disinfectant wipe). Offering services that used methods of low contact, such as online ordering, online or phone check-in, delivery, curbside pick up, or by using phone or video instead of meeting in person. Do not offer services that involve close person to person proximity (e.g., garment fittings), unless you are using rigorous methods to minimize the chance of transmission (e.g., dentist, massage therapist) or are an essential service (e.g., police, paramedic). Do not hold activities such as buffet style drinks or food, valet services, face-to-face meetings, large gatherings, or conferences.
How does a coronavirus spread?
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they usually have an animal origin. For example, investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans, and MERS-CoV was transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. In some cases, the coronavirus can evolve further and spread from person-to-person. The route of transmission is not always known, but these viruses are generally thought to spread by airborne respiratory droplets and aerosols between people who are in close contact. SARS-CoV-2 spreads by: respiratory droplets and aerosols generated when you cough, sneeze, breath, sing, or shout close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands Health Canada states that with SARS-CoV-2, person to person spread occurs when there is close contact. It is also possible for aerosols stay in the air for a period of time, especially in indoor spaces that are poorly ventilated. People can become infected with COVID-19 when a droplet or aerosol containing the coronavirus comes into contact with the mucous membranes of their nose, mouth, eyes, or lungs.
What is meant by “close contact”?
Generally speaking, examples of close contact include: Having cared for or lived with a person known to have the virus, including being within 2 metres (6 feet) or within the room or care area of a person with the virus Direct contact with droplets from coughing or sneezing by someone affected by the virus When a person touches a surface contaminated with infection and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes
What are symptoms of infection with COVID-19?
Each coronavirus will vary in the severity of infection it causes. COVID-19 is known to cause a variety of symptoms with the result being a range that includes both a very mild illness, or it may be fatal to others. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. COVID-19 presents with fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or difficulty breathing). Common symptoms include: sore throat runny nose sneezing new or worsening cough shortness of breath or difficulty breathing temperature equal to or more than 38°C feeling feverish chills fatigue or weakness muscle or body aches new loss of smell or taste headache abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting feeling very unwell There is also evidence indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted by someone who is infected but not showing symptoms, including people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is determined by medical test as well as the person’s exposure history.
Which occupations are at risk?
People caring for individuals with COVID-19 are at the greatest risk for contracting the disease such as health care workers in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, long term care facilities, emergency departments, and others who work in close contact with their clients or patients. However, any occupation that has frequent, close, and prolonged interactions between people from different households have an increased risk of transmission. Persons living with individuals with COVID-19 may also be at risk for contracting the disease. Individuals who are older (over 65), or who have underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of developing serious disease outcomes from COVID-19.
What are the recommendations to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus?
Recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to the public to prevent the spread of infection include: Get the COVID-19 vaccine and any boosters when they are made available to you. Stay home and away from others (including those you live with) if you feel sick. Make sure the indoor space is well ventilated. Good ventilation exchanges indoor air for outdoor air, helping to reduce the buildup of potentially infectious respiratory particles in the air indoors. Open exterior windows or doors where possible. Refer to Indoor Ventilation: Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic for more details. Avoid or limit your time in closed spaces, crowded places, or close contact settings where there is: singing shouting close-range conversations heavy breathing (for example, during exercise) Avoid close contact with anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms Only travel when it is essential Wear a well constructed, well fitting and comfortable mask when you are in: public shared indoor spaces with people you do not live with Keep the number of people you have prolonged contact with as small as possible. Stick to a small and consistent social circle and avoid gathering in large groups. Talk to your employer about working at home if possible. Do not neglect your own personal care, take time to exercise (preferably outdoors), and monitor your mental health. Maintain a strong social support network and seek help when you need it. Maximize your physical distance (at least 2 metres) from people you do not live with, when recommended by public health authorities. Have good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette Frequently clean your hands by using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if soap and water is not available alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched by others frequently. Clean surfaces before using disinfectants and always follow product label directions. If available, choose products that clean and disinfect all at once, such as wipes or commercial disinfectant solutions. The general guidelines for public and most workplaces (non-healthcare) are outlined in the following documents: Hand Washing: Reducing the Risk of Common Infections Good Hygiene Practices - Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses Know the appropriate procedures for general sanitation and infection control, and how to work safely with hazardous products, including bleach. If using gloves when cleaning, always wear the appropriate type of glove for the product you are using. The appropriate type of glove material will be listed on that product's safety data sheet (SDS). If this information is missing, contact the supplier or manufacturer of the product. Manufacturers of chemical protective gloves and clothing may also assist their customers in making appropriate choices.
What are measures that can be taken in workplaces that provide health care?
For health care workplaces, the following precautions should help prevent transmission. In addition, check with organizations such as Health Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) who will be monitoring any new situation, and will include specific infection control guidance for workers at risk as the information becomes available. For example, guidance for health care workplaces is outlined in the document “COVID-19: For health professionals” from the Government of Canada. There are infection prevention and control measures for various health care settings including acute care, long-term care, homecare, and outpatient and ambulatory care. Measures may include: Conducting risk assessments, including a point-of-care assessment Following routine practices, including hand hygiene Establishing triage and facility access points Conducting active screening Requiring all workers and visitors to wear a medical mask, as necessary Providing information to workers, visitors, and patients Providing education and training to all workers Establishing procedures for personal protective equipment, including gloves, gowns, masks/respirators, and eye protection as necessary Establishing procedures to manage exposures or when signs and symptoms are noted Developing procedures to manage wastes, linens, cleaning, and other aspects of the work environment Limiting visitors as appropriate Monitoring and evaluating procedures and processes for continual improvement or in response to a disease outbreak""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
