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Flu/COVID-19 Prevention Tips:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent this particular strain of the coronavirus, however, recommendations to prevent infection are aligned with everyday measures to avoid the spread of respiratory diseases. These actions include:
- Practice good hand washing and hand hygiene. Wash your hands well and often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Follow with a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Perform hand hygiene afterward if you must touch your face.
- Make sure you have your flu vaccine. This will help maintain your personal health, protect your immune system, and reduce stress on the medical system.
- Risk of virus transmission via food in the supply chain is very low – it is more of a person-to-person risk.
- Frequent reminders for all volunteers and visitors of proper hygiene protocol while in your facilities is important.
- Employee health and hygiene is critical in controlling the spread of the virus. Do not go to work ill. Staying home when you are sick will reduce the risk of any illness to yourself and your co-workers.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Have best practices and proper equipment and chemicals in place for cleaning up an issue with bodily fluids in your establishment (e.g. vomit, blood, urine).
- Ensure effective sanitation programs and perform routine environmental cleaning of your facility. Use cleaning agents that effectively kill bacteria and viruses. No additional disinfection beyond what is required for food safety is recommended at this time.
Our normal best practices for health and safety are effective. We simply need to be more mindful and vigilant in applying them, especially during the cold and flu season. If you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please reference the websites above.
Let’s all stay healthy!