How do you catch coronavirus?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to businesses and communities all across the globe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that roughly 1 in 10 people have been infected with the coronavirus.

There has been an estimated 4.4 million coronavirus cases in the UK, although these numbers are likely to be higher as many people have covid without symptoms.

Employers must understand how coronavirus is spread and take precautions to protect their staff and customers. Here is everything you need to know about how coronavirus is transmitted and how you can minimise the risk of infection in the workplace.

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Is covid 19 airborne and how does the coronavirus spread?

Medical research by the WHO suggests that coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets. These are produced when an infected person sneezes, coughs, speaks or breathes heavily.

In the workplace, the virus is most commonly spread when an infected employee comes into close contact with another staff member e.g. less than one metre apart.

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How do you catch coronavirus from surfaces?

Your employees can also catch coronavirus from contaminated surfaces like desks and worktops in communal kitchens. Transmission occurs if an employee touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes before cleaning their hands. This is why infections and viruses tend to spread quickly in busy office environments.

What symptoms appear after coronavirus transmission?

The most common coronavirus symptoms are a high temperature, a persistent cough, and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste. Many people who catch coronavirus also report symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and a sore throat. Coronavirus symptoms can range from minor to severe and the virus affects people differently.

What is asymptomatic covid 19?

One of the major reasons why coronavirus has spread so rapidly is because many people develop covid without symptoms. A recent study by the University College London revealed that 86% of coronavirus patients have asymptomatic covid 19. People with asymptomatic covid have no virus symptoms.

Is coronavirus contagious?

People who catch the virus are highly contagious even if they have asymptomatic covid 19. Studies have also suggested that people are most infectious in the days before they develop symptoms. This is why you must encourage your staff to self-isolate if they have been exposed to the virus, even if they have no symptoms.

How easy is it to get Covid from contaminated work surfaces?

It is possible to catch coronavirus from contaminated work surfaces such as desks, handrails, or light switches. Coronavirus can be transmitted if an employee touches a contaminated work surface and then touches their face before washing their hands.
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How long can covid survive on surfaces?

Research suggests that coronavirus can survive on some hard surfaces for several days or more. This is why it is vital that you maintain a strict office cleaning schedule and encourage staff to adopt good hygiene practices e.g. regular hand washing.

Is there a high risk of covid transmission from surfaces?

Scientist’s are still studying the virus and learning how it is transmitted. Some scientists believe there is a low risk of covid transmission from contaminated surfaces, whereas other experts think that the risk is high. It is safe to assume that contaminated surfaces in the workplace pose a significant risk and appropriate precautions should be taken to protect employees.

How can I reduce the risk of covid transmission in the workplace?

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce the risk of employees catching coronavirus in the workplace. Here are some essential precautions that you can take to protect your staff against the virus:

  • Encourage employees to maintain a two-metre distance from each other. Consider readjusting your office layout e.g. moving desks further apart.
  • Introduce one-way systems in communal areas like kitchens and staff rooms.
  • Stagger staff breaks and lunches to control building volume.
  • Keep your office well ventilated and increase air flow by opening windows and doors.
  • Ask employees to wear a mask when they come into close contact with colleagues, clients, or customers.into close contact with others.
  • Encourage staff to wash their hands regularly for at least 30 seconds.

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What are the best cleaning products to fight covid transmission?

You must clean work surfaces regularly using high-grade disinfecting products. We’re currently offering a 20% discount on our new Byotrol sanitation and decontamination packages to help businesses prepare for a post-COVID world.

Byotrol hygiene solutions kill up to 99.9% of known viruses and bacteria and provide 24 hour protection. Check out our full range of Byotrol products and take advantage of our amazing offer below:

See our sanitation packages
You can visit the GOV.UK website for the latest coronavirus updates. Make sure that your business follows local guidance and check what authorities are advising in your area. Some locations in the UK are considered high-risk and have additional restrictions in place to protect the public.

Summary

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact all around the world. Fortunately, the end is now in sight and the UK government has released a roadmap showing the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Many businesses are starting to return to the workplace, but you must take precautions to protect your employees and minimise the risk of infection.

There is lots of useful information available on how the coronavirus is transmitted and how to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace. Maintaining social distancing, disinfecting work surfaces regularly, and encouraging high hygiene standards are the easiest way to protect your business and employees against coronavirus.