The coronavirus pandemic has created a scary new reality. As the lockdown restrictions are eased, there are some measures that all businesses will have to take to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible, as we return to some semblance of normality in the workplace.

Employers need to make some provisions to maintain a safe working environment for employees and their customers.

Use of IR thermometers for temperature checks to incoming customers

Infrared thermometers allow for contactless monitoring of everyone entering the premises. Even though the government urges that this is a good way to identify people who are already ill, it does have a limited impact on reducing the spread of the virus. This is because a person infected with the virus may be contagious, but not have detectable symptoms.

However, because the measure has proven to be very effective in monitoring both employees and customers, it has been implemented widely by department stores, retailers, and other businesses.

Most businesses have also issued their employees with kits, and they are encouraged to take their temperature at home and they are urged to rather stay home if they are not feeling well.

Even though IR temperature screenings may miss half the infected cases, it is one of the effective measures decided on and can be implemented alongside others to help lower the curve of infections.

Hand sanitizing spray for all

According to the FDA, the most effective way to sanitize our hands is with soap and water. Hands need to be washed for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, after coughing, sneezing or blowing our noses, and always before eating.

However, as we all go about our daily business, it is almost impossible to always have soap and water available to wash our hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all businesses provide consumers with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

The most effective way to use sanitizer is before customers and clients enter the store and office and they should also sanitize the handles of shopping trolleys or baskets.

Plexiglass sneeze guard on counters to protect employees

According to the American Lung Association, all sorts of viruses and germs are spread as we sneeze or cough. It is our body’s way of releasing irritants. As we cough, our body expels almost 3,000 droplets, and these travel at a speed of 50 mph.

Even though we all try to maintain social distancing, it is difficult for many businesses to enforce the 6 feet effectively.

Plexiglass sneeze guards installed between tellers, cashiers, office workers working in side-by-side cubicles, and between clients and employees are an excellent way to protect everyone.

Sneeze guards have a dual purpose, first, they protect against the virus if someone happens to sneeze or cough. However, these plexiglass guards also serve us as a reminder to maintain proper hygiene and social distancing.

Sneeze guard barriers demonstrate that a business is dedicated to protecting the health of its employees and customers. They work very well when all other precautions are also diligently followed.

Provide face masks and hand gloves for those that arrive without these essentials

Protection against commonly touched surfaces is important. Many of us unwittingly leave our clean and sanitized homes, without remembering to take them with. We need to remember that the virus is very contagious and all precautions need to be taken.

However, face masks and gloves alone are only effective if care is taken when they are put on and removed. Wearers must also take care while they are wearing them. Face masks are protective when worn by infected people because they filter particles from sneezing or coughing. However, even though they prevent direct inhalation, we all need to be aware that droplets can be picked up by our hands and then transferred if we touch our face.

Gloves are an essential item for health care workers, but many also feel more secure when wearing them. The virus does not spread through the skin or touch alone. However, the CDC recommends their use in health care workers treating someone suspected to have COVID-19 and those who are caring for or cleaning the home of someone with the virus. It is vital that while wearing gloves we do not touch our faces, and they should always be removed properly without touching the bare skin.

Every office and business should be prepared to provide both its employees and customers with these essential items for their protection.

Final word

As we all return to our normal routines, we want to see businesses and offices adopt these 4 important measures that will help to keep everyone safe. As we all get used to working and doing business amid this new reality, we will become acclimatized to these changes.

We all need to be patient and accept the importance of temperature screenings, we must constantly sanitize our hands and everything we touch, communicate from behind plexiglass barriers, and wear gloves and face masks when we are out and about. It is always better to be safe so that we can protect our loved ones and respect the people we encounter daily.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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