The coronavirus continues to spread in China, Europe, and other parts of the world despite significant quarantine efforts. Luckily, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 80% of cases are mild. Additionally, less than 2% of people have died from symptoms related to contracting this virus. However, WHO also recommends following any advice issued from your national health and local health authorities. This is especially true with coronavirus updates in your area that give current outbreak status.
Taking the right precautions.
Coronavirus in the U.S., and other lesser hit countries, continue to note a steady increase in incidence as well. All this coronavirus news may be leaving you feeling a little anxious about your health. Rest assured, if you are not in an outbreak area, your risk of contracting the disease is very low at this time. Keeping good hygiene and cleanliness in both your home and office will further minimize the risk of coronavirus and any other common cold and flu strains around this time of year.
Top 5 products for workplace hygiene.
Try these 5 great products for promoting health in your office. The best way to prevent illness from any virus is to minimize the chance of coming in contact with it.
- Hand soap. Washing your hands is the single greatest preventative measure you can take to prevent any kind of viral or bacterial spread. Make sure you are properly washing your hands with non-anti-bacterial soap (unless you work in healthcare) and lathering for 20 seconds or more. Wash your hands before and after meals, after touching public surfaces, and with use of the bathroom.
- Everyday disinfectants. Have surface cleaners and sanitizing solutions to address high traffic areas in the office such as door knobs, light switches, fridge doors, and more every day. Some of the most effective cleaners available are natural products such as vinegar and castile soap. For dirtier areas, consider use of bleach as long as it can be well ventilated.
- Air filter. If you are in an area with an established coronavirus outbreak, controlling the air you breathe is most simply done with the use of a face mask. This prevents you from coming in contact with any contaminated droplets in the air. For general air hygiene, consider use of a central air filter that can minimize presence of dust, fungus, bacteria, and viruses in the air.
- UV light sterilization. UV light is typically used as part of the disinfection process for waste management, air quality, and medical equipment. UV light quickly and efficiently kills over 99% of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. There are now a wide range of home options for purchase. Now you can have UV light sterilization built directly into your desk with a Monitorstand Workstation so that you can quickly and easily sanitize items like your phone, keys, pens, keyboard, and more in less than 10 minutes as often as necessary.
- Tissues. Coronavirus is spread primarily through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Having tissues to use when feeling ill can greatly minimize the spread of germs. If you have been sneezing or coughing a lot, keep a box of tissues close. If you notice a co-worker doing the same, offer them a box. (Or better yet, stay home!)
Current office health safety guidelines for China to minimize spread of the coronavirus.
China has released the recommendations below for reducing the spread of coronavirus. For anyone living outside of outbreak areas these may seem a little extreme. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about your potential risk. No matter what, remember to stay calm and simply do your best to stay healthy. Stressing about contracting the coronavirus will ironically lower your body’s immunity and make you more likely to become ill if you happen to come in contact with it.
- Wear a mask.
- Ride a bike or walk to work.
- Stay 1-2 meters from others on public transportation.
- Take the stairs, if possible.
- If using the elevator, wear a mask and avoid touching high traffic areas.
- Frequently disinfect objects in your office space, at least once per day.
- Open a window and ventilate the air often.
- Switch off central air conditioning or use fresh air mode (no circulation of old air).
- Use online communication tools when possible to minimize human contact.
- For meal times, choose less busy times and get takeout if possible.
- Do not sit face to face with someone.
- Wash your hands before and after meals.
- Avoid group settings such as cinemas, parties, malls, and bars.
Take care of yourself to keep good health.
Talk to everyone in your office about your concerns for keeping good hygiene at the office. Then, create a plan for illness prevention. Consider creating a cleaning schedule or bringing in an expert to review proper hand washing and other cleaning techniques. Lastly, contemplate what products might maximize your efforts. Our health is one of our greatest assets, so do your part to protect it.
