7 Strategies To Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus

As the number of coronavirus cases spreads, death rates increase and a Pandemic is declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), every one of us has a moral and social responsibility to:

1. Understand the symptoms and how the coronavirus is spread.
2. Protect ourselves from catching the coronavirus.
3. Protect other people by reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

We encourage people and communities to be diligent, informed and take the necessary precautions that is appropriate to the level of risk. This COVID-19 risk requires a dynamic risk assessment on a daily basis.

So what are the key things each one of should be doing right now?

1. Monitor your health

• • Are you in the high risk category? Older people over 60 and people with underlying medical conditions (involving the heart, lung or immune system) are at higher risk.
  • The more the risk to you, the more preventative measures you need to take.
  • If you suffer from the symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, get medical attention immediately.
  • If you have the symptoms, stay at home…stay away from people for at least 14 days.

2. Maintain good personal hygiene

• • Good hygiene can protect you and others and prevent infection and spread.
  • Regularly clean hands by using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Minimise close contact with others – shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
  • Clean surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) around the home frequently.
  • Minimise contact with objects of exchange (like cash, goods).
  • Avoid or minimise contact of objects and surfaces in public places (vending machines).
  • Minimise touching objects or surfaces and then touching your mouth or face.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing
  • Sneeze into your elbow or in a tissue – dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands.
  • Wear disposable gloves.
  • Properly dispose of used gloves and other disposable items.

3. Avoid crowded places

• • Coronavirus is easily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets on surfaces or in the air.
  • Self isolate if you are a person at high risk (elderly, pre-existing medical conditions).
  • Avoid any close contact with people who show the symptoms of fever and cough.
  • Minimise non-essential travel.
  • Avoid travel to high risk locations/ countries.
  • Avoid places of mass gatherings (shopping centres).

4. Practice food safety

• • Don’t consume raw or undercooked animal products.
  • If you handle food in areas with known cases of coronavirus like raw meat, milk or animal organs, handle with care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

5. Prepare responsibly (for 4-6 weeks)

• • Stock up on essential items – canned food, long life food, soap.
  • Don’t panic. Respect others whilst shopping.
  • If you have medical conditions, stock up on your medication.

6. How to isolate yourself

• • Don’t go to public places (work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university).
  • Ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.
  • No visitors. Only people who usually live with you should be in your home.
  • You do not need to wear a mask in your home.
  • If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.

7. Monitor the situation

• • Closely monitor the situation and risks from reliable sources.
  • Stay abreast of state and local health authorities’ plans and recommendations for managing an outbreak in those communities where the employer operates. We suggest the following websites:

Australian Government – Department of Health – Alerts

World Health Organisation – Alerts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

NSW Health – Alerts

Smarttraveller

 

How we can help

InConsult is committed to helping organisations become more resilient to a range of disruptions including pandemics.  We have extensive experience in risk management, crisis management, business continuity, emergency management, disaster management and pandemic planning.

If you feel the coronavirus may have an adverse impact on your business and would like to discuss strategies to be better prepared and respond, contact us  to discuss your needs.