Coronavirus update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) bulletin
Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
OPAL Services would like
all members and volunteers to know that we are monitoring developments in
Coronavirus (COVID-19) very closely and will issue news updates as the
situation changes. For the moment we will continue to observe safe hygiene
practices and encourage all others in our OPAL services and settings to do the
same.
We do not expect people (staff, volunteers or members) to attend our services
if they have heavy colds or flu-like symptoms. If you have concerns, we
would encourage you to talk to your Organiser as soon as possible. We
will remain alert to new advice and information we receive and will communicate
it as necessary.
The following is an extract from advice given by the UK Government, Public
Heath England. The full guidance can be obtained from the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-social-or-community-care-and-residential-settings-on-covid-19/guidance-for-social-or-community-care-and-residential-settings-on-covid-19#preventing-the-spread-of-infection
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent
infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. There are general
principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,
including:
- washing your hands often – with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if handwashing facilities are not available – this is particularly important after taking public transport. Guidance is available on hand washing
- covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch It, Bin It, Kill It
- people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work
- employees
should wash their hands:
- before leaving home
- on arrival at work
- after using the toilet
- after breaks and sporting activities
- before food preparation
- before eating any food, including snacks
- before leaving work
- on arrival at home
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- if staff are worried about their symptoms or those of a family member or colleague, please call NHS 111. They should not go to their GP or other healthcare environment