You may have to return to work soon ... 10 Corona Prevention Tips

Farida Ahmed

With the spread of the Corona epidemic and the injury of more than a million people around the world, most institutions and agencies have issued a decision to work remotely "from home" to reduce the spread of the epidemic.

There are some institutions that dealt with the part-time system, where some employees come to work two days a week and the rest of the days from home, but these exceptions may not last long, especially with the pressure of businessmen and owners of companies and factories to return production wheel soon, and you may be one of these employees who They will have to return to workplaces in light of the Corona crisis.

If you are one of those employees who have to work in these critical conditions, you should follow some tips to protect yourself and your family from infection with the emerging coronavirus:

1- Wash hands
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, and in the absence of soap and water, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% of alcohol can be used, and since all workplaces have water Soap is better, or even if soap is not available, you can buy one per day.

2- Sterilize the office and tools
The regular desk, where you work, eat your food, and meet with colleagues, contains 800 bacteria per square inch, nearly 14 times more than the toilet seat, according to a study by Professor Charles Gerba, professor of environmental science at the University of Arizona.

The same applies to all other tools that you use at work, it must be sterilized and constantly disinfected, especially the common desktop phone, which is the most germ spot in your office, with more than 1,600 bacteria per square inch.

3- Dealing with the toilet
Make sure to reduce the use of the toilet whenever possible, with the need to sterilize and disinfect anything you touch. According to an article published on "Forbes", the bathroom is a place full of viruses, which requires being careful to wash hands for 20 to 30 seconds after using the bathroom, and avoid using a hand dryer, use a paper towel to dry hands, as well as use a paper towel to stop the tap and open Bathroom door before disposal in the trash so your clean hands do not have to touch contaminated surfaces.

4- Take your own tools
Make sure to buy your own gadgets and don't share them with others, ranging from antiseptic alcohol and disinfectant tools, to tissue paper, pens, and soaps.

5- No to bare hands
To reduce the chances of infection with the virus, be sure not to touch things at work or outside the house with your bare hands, as it is preferable to use a tissue when using door handles and elevator buttons or lighting, and it is not recommended to wear gloves that may contribute to the spread of the disease, in case the person wears it for a period and touches his face .

In this regard, an article for the Independent newspaper considered that people can do more harm than good by wearing gloves, given that they give a false sense of safety, and that they play a very important role in a clinical environment, but it is not beneficial for uninfected people.

6- Avoid physical contact
You may not have heard of an injury to a person in your surroundings or circle, which may make you feel comfortable or denied, and in both cases this may prompt you to practice some intimate habits, such as shaking hands with your co-workers or embracing them.

It is really dangerous, and requires limiting physical contact with others as much as possible, and then you can read the news to make sure that the incidence of infection worldwide increases.

Gesture and smile may suffice under the current circumstances, and officials at work should spread that new culture and urge employees to limit direct physical contact between colleagues.

7- Keep a distance
At work you may have to talk and interact with colleagues or attend a meeting, then you must maintain a sufficient distance between you and anyone.

Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus, and according to the CDC, getting away from others is especially important for people who are at risk of developing a severe illness.

It is also advised to cover the face with a piece of fabric while in the midst of a group of people, which seems useful when attending meetings.

8- Do not touch your face
People touch their faces more than 23 times an hour. According to a study published in 2015 in the American Journal of Infection Control.

May increase the number of times touching when working and pressure to complete tasks, be careful not to touch your face, and use a tissue for sneezing or coughing and get rid of it directly in the garbage bin, then wash your hands well with soap and water.

9- A special place
If you do not have a specific office and depend on using your laptop, be sure to choose a secluded location where you sit continuously and are far from others.

Make sure your laptop is charged, use your charger and you don't need to share the tools of others.

Sterilize where you intend to sit and work, and it is probably best to use your phone during this time.

10- Rest at home
If you feel tired or have signs of illness, such as coughing or high fever, you should inform the official and go home immediately, and seek medical help if symptoms increase.