Keep safe when going to work

With more people going back to the office, it also means an increased risk of being exposed to Covid-19. It is normal to feel anxious returning home and potentially infecting your loved ones.

By following simple hygiene practices, you can ensure that you and your family are protected. Always practice the five golden rules:

1. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or rub with hand sanitiser.
2. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
3. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands thoroughly.
4. When you leave the house, keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other people and wear a cloth mask.
5. Stay home if you feel sick. Call your nearest clinic or doctors’ room or call the toll-free Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102.

Remember that you should continue practicing these hygiene guidelines even when wearing a cloth mask. While wearing a cloth mask won’t protect you from being infected, it can prevent you from spreading droplets which can infect other people. You might have the Coronavirus and will be infectious before experiencing any symptoms. Make sure you know how to handle your cloth mask correctly to avoid becoming infected:

• After every use, wash the mask in warm, soapy water, let it dry in the sun, and iron it before using it again.
• Wash your hands before putting the mask on.
• Place the mask with the correct side facing your nose and mouth, make sure it covers both your nose and mouth, and ensure it fits well by tying it tightly.
• Once you have put on the mask, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE again until you take it off.
• When taking it off, only touch the ties or elastic. Fold the mask inside out and place in a container preserved for washing the cloth mask. Wash your hands thoroughly.
• If the mask feels wet while you are wearing it, replace it immediately with a clean and dry cloth mask.
• Never share a cloth mask with anyone else. Make sure you have at least two masks so that you can have a clean one ready.

You can also contract the virus if you touch objects or surfaces with infected droplets on it. Infect all high-touch objects and surfaces as often as possible using a diluted bleach solution of 6 teaspoons bleach per 1 litre of water. High-touch surfaces include cell phones, office telephones, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, key pads, tables, chairs, toilets, taps, and sinks). Also wash or sanitise your hands after touching any object or surface.

If you need to make use of public transport, protect yourself and others by wearing your cloth mask, opening windows for ventilation, trying not to touch surfaces and be sure to wash or sanitise your hands when arriving at your destination.

When you return home, leave your shoes outside and undress. Place your clothes in a dedicated laundry basket and take a shower or wash all exposed areas of skin before greeting or touching your family. Wash and iron your clothes to disinfect it.

Remember to look after yourself and if you feel unwell, rather stay home and seek medical assistance. If you have flu like symptoms which includes a fever, cough, sore throat and body aches please call the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102, call your nearest health facility or use the self-assessment tool https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/risk-assessment-covid-19

Stay informed by getting the latest COVID-19 information on our website https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/ and let’s stop the spread together.

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