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This article provides general information on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. If you are returning to work soon, and you will be interacting with colleagues and customers, it is incredibly important to remember the following recommendations:

• Keep your workplace, desk, and items on the desk clean. A daily cleaning routine should be followed in your office, whether by your employer or by yourself.
• Keep a hand sanitizer on your desk. Use it after handling items to and from customers or colleagues.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds upon arrival at work, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before eating. Wash your hands after handling items and when interacting with others.
• Remember that hand sanitizers, wipes, soap, and soap liquids may cause allergies; moisturize your hands regularly.
• Keep to coughing and sneezing etiquettes. Use tissues, masks, or the inside of your elbow.
• If you have symptoms of a cold such as fever, cough, or runny nose, inform your employer and stay at home. You must adhere to precautionary safety measures, including the use of protective clothing and reduced contact with customers and colleagues if recommended by your workplace.
• Wear a face mask at all times when interacting with people within a distance of two meters or six feet.
• Keep practicing physical distancing, avoiding close contact with others.
• Avoid contact with objects or surfaces used or touched by other people (e.g., door handles, photocopy machines, etc.) and wash your hands after contact with such surfaces or objects.
• Try not to worry and remember to do the best you can. Take each day at a time, and do not stress out.  Always follow the recommended precautions.
• Resuming our daily life and having financial stability is also important.
• Remember that you need to keep healthy by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping well.

For more information, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has published a guide for employers on COVID-19 prevention. Please see below:

https://www.ilo.org/actemp/publications/WCMS_744033/lang--en/index.htm

References

1.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/resuming-business-toolkit.html
2. https://doh.gov.ae/en/covid-19/about
   

Dr. Iffat Elbarazi
Assistant Professor of Public Health
College of Health Sciences