Everything you should know about Coronavirus | COVID-19

Coronavirus, formally known as Wuhan novel Coronavirus is part of the same family as Sars and Mers. This family of viruses originate in animals and jump to humans and there are seven variants. All these viruses present similar cold and flu like symptoms which make them exceptionally easy to spread and tricky to diagnose.

Symptoms to look out for include tiredness, cough and/or sore throat, breathing difficulties and high temperature. As these symptoms are so common in every workplace – it’s people who have travelled to or from the affected countries recently who should be on high alert.

Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said that the “whole world

needs to be alert” to fight this COVID-19 virus.

Coronavirus is a particular problem for scientists and doctors because of its long incubation period. It can be up to 14 days before symptoms show in a patient and incubation overall can be up to two weeks meaning it can spread before you even know you are carrying it.

The virus is understood to be mutating already and its effect has been compared with the Spanish flu in 1918 and the recent H1N1 outbreak which was one of the most devastating in modern history. Some professionals suggest it’s spread appears to be faster than Sars, and it’s no wonder when we consider that the world is faster paced and more technologically advanced today than it was nearly two decades ago. People can move much more freely thanks to better travel infrastructure and cheap flights meaning before Wuhan province even knew it had a problem, the virus was already on the move around the globe.

The virus is ‘transmissible’ enough that the average sick person, according a recent paper, will infect around two others, just enough to keep the outbreak going, but less than could be expected of some viruses.

WHO IS AT RISK DURING COVID-19?

Currently there is no cure for Coronavirus, so preventing it is critical. It affects all age groups indiscriminately (although the usual categories are worst affected).

If a UK outbreak happens – anyone working with or who has children at home is at higher risk as children are a major vector for viruses. Ensure your children understand the hand hygiene basics and keep children at home if they are showing signs of being unwell.

Our healthcare customers are no doubt at significant risk as they are at the frontline of medical care. The Public Health England (PHE) advice has recently been extended to include specific guidance on cleaning procedures. The recognition of their importance in the spread of the virus, as well as their power to prevent further contamination and outbreaks shows how simple these things can be to minimise if everyone is informed.

For businesses operating healthcare or elderly care facilities – we advise you read (and keep up to date daily) with the .Gov page for health and care professionals which can be found  here.

The quick spread and serious potential impact of Coronavirus has had elsewhere has prompted UK employers to think about employee safety and how to prevent an outbreak in the workplace should it occur…

The simplest solution is to understand how it spreads. Like the common cold Coronavirus is spread via droplets from sneezing or coughing, or by being picked up by touch of a contaminated surface (much ongoing research is happening to identify the most prevalent ways the virus is being passed on). It’s likely the spread can also come from other secretions too, although this is less well understood.

Hand hygiene is, without doubt, our best defense, followed by effective, regular cleaning.

As humans naturally touch their face over 15 times an hour – we are constantly subconsciously spreading the germs we pick up. The most basic advice applies but sometimes a little reminder to staff can help too.

Yet, with a wealth of information available on basic prevention techniques in today’s hyper-connected workplaces – if employers are prepared in good time – the impact could be significantly minimized.

Businesses in the UK should use their time advantage wisely to ensure they are prepared and well equipped to manage the threat.

To talk to Ecoserve Cleaning about any of this, and how we could help you, please get in touch with us.