SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES AT THE OFFICE
1. What are the Suspected Symptoms of COVID-19?
As provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild symptoms.
2. Can I Contract the COVID-19 Infection from a Person who Shows no Symptoms?
Yes, you can. Many people with COVID-9 experience only mild symptoms. It is possible to catch the virus from someone who has just a mild cough and does not feel ill.
3. What Should I do if I come in Contact with an Employee who is Showing the Suspected Symptoms of COVID-19?
First of all, not everyone showing the symptoms of COVID-19 has necessarily contracted the infection. All the same, individuals in such predicaments should self-isolate and get tested. But while all these precautions are being taken, inform your immediate supervisor without having any physical contact with him or her.
4. When Should a Recovered COVID-19 Employee Return to Work?
Once a staff is cleared by the approved medical facilities, they should return to work.
NO STIGMATIZATION
The COVID19 pandemic can affect anyone without discrimination. The Ministry is committed to the no stigmatization campaign. Our no stigmatization message is:
Show care to the affected:
Show care to the recovered.
B. REDUCING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 AT THE OFFICE
1. As part of my work, I constantly relate to stakeholders and other employees of the Ministry, what do I do?
You must adopt the use of virtual means of communication and interactions. Face-to-face meetings must be replaced with digital platforms such as zoom and skype whilst webinars can be used for workshops and trainings.
2. How Often must I wash my Hands?
You must wash your hands as often as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Where soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you wash your hands especially during key times like;
- After touching objects that have been handled by customers or other employees.
- Before and after work breaks or work shifts.
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- After using the washroom
- After touching garbage
(Source:www.cdc.gov / )
C. WORKING FROM HOME
1. What are the best Practices to Consider while Working from Home?
- Designate an “office” space at home by creating a quiet area in the house to enable you to concentrate.
- Observe all the confidentiality requirements of the Ministry
- Find an area in which work-related material can be stored and organized and secured.
- Participate in Divisional virtual meetings to discuss progress on your work assignments.
- Establish rules or guidelines for yourself and your family members to make it clear that you are engaged on your job/work and not available for non-essential issues in the home.
- Take note of the MOF work from home protocols and observe them.
2. What Happens to my Annual Leave days when I’m Working from Home?
Each employee is entitled to some specific number of days within the year to take time off work and rest, rejuvenate and attend to other personal issues. Therefore, all staff are mandated to take their annual leave whether they are working from home or office.
With the easing of Restrictions do I have to still observe the Protocols?
The pandemic is not over, even though some restrictions have been eased. You are still required to strictly observe the protocols for your own safety and that of your family/colleagues.
D.VIRTUAL MEETINGS
1. Ensure good lighting and proper positioning of the camera before a virtual meeting commences.
2. Files and/or links that will be shared during a virtual meeting should be ready before the start of the meeting.
3. Participants are advised to mute their microphone when they are not speaking. Instances where the microphone has to be unmuted, participants must be mindful of background noise in order to avoid interruptions.
4. Staff are required to turn on their video during official meetings.
E. PREVENTION REMINDERS
To prevent the spread of illness and viruses, MoF staff are reminded to:
1. Regularly wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not readily available
3. Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
4. Properly dispose of used tissue
5. Limit handshakes and hugs and avoid touching your face
6. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at the office
7. Ensure social distancing as much as possible