The new coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread around the world at a rapid pace, with an increasing number of cases found in the United States as well. Worldwide, as of 11 March 2020, there have been more than 100,000 confirmed cases of people infected by COVID-19 and over 3,500 people have died from the disease. 

Like many other viruses, it is believed to have started in animals and then spread to humans. And now, with human contacts that got affected by the virus, it is spreading to other people as well. 

Countries have implemented several measures to contain the virus with travel restrictions and quarantines, and Corporate Organizations have asked employees to work remotely (work from home) and also barred them from visiting client location and instead use phone or video conferencing for conducting meetings. 

In fact, this deadly infection has arrived in some offices, and the employers are figuring out how to adapt to this emergency situation. Due to the vulnerable nature of the virus and the affinity towards being transmitted from one person to another, businesses are grappling with how to deal with a potential outbreak.

Employers – let’s be aware of the Coronavirus as it can spread at the workplace – so that you can take necessary measures to prevent further outbreak of the disease.

Person to Person Contact – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new coronavirus spreads mostly through person-to-person contact. In the workplace, there is a high chance of the virus being transmitted to multiple people from the one who is infected.

Sneeze or Coughing – The viral particles of coronavirus can be spread through coughing and sneezing. The particles can reach in the mouths or noses of those who are within 10 feet radius. Maintaining adequate distance from the infected people is mandatory to keep an employee safe.

Touch or Indirect Contact – There is also a possibility to catch this lethal virus by touching a surface where the virus has landed recently, and then touching one’s mouth, eyes, or nose. However, this method of transmission is not common but it is better to take preventive measures.

Not Maintaining Cleanliness in the Workplace – Maintaining proper hygiene in the workplace is the key to stay away from the virus. Cleaning of the gadgets, and using sanitizer is advised to keep the workplace germ-free. For instance, if a person didn’t wash their hands after touching a contaminated surface, it can increase the chance of the virus being spread.

Lack of Preventive Measures by the Corporate Employers – If the employers or entrepreneurs do not take preventive measures to prevent the outbreak, it can prove to be lethal in due course. Employers should take cognizance of the coronavirus outbreak and take necessary steps to create an awareness program to educate the employees and help them stay safe from being infected with the virus.

Set certain guidelines and recommendations to avoid catching the new coronavirus – avoid close contact with people who are sick, wear face masks, work from home, hold video conferencing for conducting meetings with clients, and many more.  

Through the initiatives of the companies, the employees can be well informed with the up to date news related to coronavirus. To make this effort hassle-free, you can incorporate an Employee Preparedness and Coordination Solution that will help companies to share information regarding work conditions, plans and other relevant news in one place where every employee can access.

The platform, Ready For Corona, will focus on educating employees regarding prevention practices available and recognizing positive and safe workplace behavior. Companies can also drive engagement through reward programs, badges and offering donation credits for employees to finish checklists, for watching training videos, and for staying informed about evolving situations and safety instructions. Along with these features, the platform offers peer-to-peer coordination for a seamless sharing of resources with team members and continues to maintain a teamwork culture even if they are working in remote settings.

To know more about this turnkey solution, feel free to contact us today.