- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can cause illness ranging from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be fatal. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people infected with the virus have reported experiencing other non-respiratory symptoms. Other people, referred to as asymptomatic cases, have experienced no symptoms at all.
- According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
SCOPE
This Procedure outlines the preventive and response measures to be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in workplace settings. The HR and Admin Manager along with Department Head are responsible for implementation of the Procedure.
BASIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES
The basic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (employees and visitors) at all times. These include:
- Physical distancing of at least one meter to be followed at all times.
- Use of face covers/masks to be mandatory.
- Practice frequent hand washing (for at least 20-22 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty and use of alcohol based hand sanitizers.
- Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
- Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
-
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR OFFICES/SITES:
The HOD and HR & Admin Manager will ensure that Guidelines with respect to preventive measures specific to offices that has been/will be issued by Minister of Heath Kuwait is being followed. Any staff reportedly suffering from flu-like illness should not attend office and seek Medical advice from local health authorities. Such persons, if diagnosed as a suspect/confirmed case of COVID-19 should immediately inform the office authorities. Any staff requesting home quarantine based on the containment zone activities in their residential areas should be permitted to work from home. MOH guidelines with respect to organizing meetings, coordinating visitors shall be scrupulously followed.
All the Departments are advised to take all necessary measures such as :-
- Install thermal scanners at the entry of buildings and Sites as feasible. Mandatory placing of hand sanitizers at the entry of buildings/Sites. Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc.
- Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office/ Sites. Routine issue of visitors/temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors whom have proper permission of the Deputy Director or above who they want to meet should be allowed after being properly screened.
- Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. To minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of people unless necessary.
- Avoid non-essential official travel.
- Undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible.
- Facilitate delivery and receipt of Courier at the entry point itself of the office building, as far as practicable.
- Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces.
- Ensure regular supply of hand sanitizers, soap and running water in the washrooms.
- All employees may be advised to take care of their own health and look out for respiratory symptoms/fever and, if feeling unwell, should leave the workplace immediately after informing their reporting Managers.
- The leave sanctioning authorities are advised to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.
- Advise all employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The Departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.
7. DO’s AND DON’Ts FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
1) Do’s
- To maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing.
- To practice frequent hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands even if they are visibly clean.
- To cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief/tissue while sneezing and coughing.
- To throw used tissues into closed bins immediately after use.
- To maintain a safe distance from persons during interaction, especially with those having flu-like symptoms.
- To sneeze in the inner side of your elbow and not to cough into the palms of your hands.
- To take their temperature regularly and check for respiratory symptoms.
- To see a doctor if you feel unwell (fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing). While visiting doctor, wear a mask/cloth to cover your mouth and nose.
2) Don’ts
- Shake hands.
- Have a close contact with anyone, if you’re experiencing cough and fever.
- Touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Sneeze or cough into palms of your hands.
- Spit in Public.
- Travel unnecessarily, particularly to any affected region.
- Participate in large gatherings, including sitting in groups at cafeteria.
- Visit gyms, clubs and crowded places etc.
- Spread rumors or panic.
