What cares should you have in this quarantine period?

The disease caused by the new coronavirus was considered a world pandemic by the World Health Organization and put us all, without exception, in a state of alert. In order to minimize the consequences of this disease, it is the duty of everyone to know and collaborate.

Protective measures are much more than recommendations. Above all, they are a social responsibility for a greater good.

What’s COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new virus from the family of coronavirus whose transmission is done from person to person. The infection may resemble common flu or present as a more serious illness and develop into pneumonia.

The outbreak originated in a small town in China, quickly evolved and affected other parts of the country and in a short period of time, spread to other countries. The United States of America is now considered the main focus of the outbreak. Since 28 February, the World Health Organization considers a high risk of global transmission, as the incubation time of the virus can last from 2 to 14 days and it can survive days in contact with surfaces.

How does the virus spread?

The new coronavirus is a highly contagious virus that is able to survive for several hours, even days, on infected surfaces. Saliva, sneezing, coughing and direct contact with patients and contaminated surfaces are highly damaging and can give rise to a new chain of contagion. This is where the big problem of this epidemic and the importance of prevention lies.

Main symptoms

According to the World Health Organization, it typically manifests through three main symptoms:

Cough;
Fever;
Respiratory difficulties, such as breathlessness.

Complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis have appeared, especially in cases of older patients.

Mandatory care during this period

If you’re with someone infected, you should stay home;
When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with your arm or tissue that should be put in the trash immediately;
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use at least 60% alcohol-based solution for 20 seconds and repeat this process whenever you blow, sneeze, cough or come into direct contact with patients;
Avoid close contact with other people if you have returned from an affected area;
Do not share objects, personal belongings, or food;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
Keep a social security distance of at least two meters;
Do not greet anyone;
Avoid going to restaurants, cafes and other non-compulsory places;
Clean with alcohol frequently touched objects such as the mobile phone, the steering wheel or others.

On the trip to work, how should you protect yourself?

Consider carrying alcohol or an alcohol-based solution in your bag every day;
Follow all the instructions from the authorities, as described above;
If any suspicious signs appear (coughing and even a mild fever), stay home and avoid close contact with co-workers and family members.

Measures applied in Prudêncio

Prudêncio’s activity presents few risks as the covers where we work are mostly of limited accessibility or inaccessible to outside people. In addition, they are exposed to the sun and wind, conditions that are not prone to the virus (when it is raining our workers mostly stay at home, as there are no conditions to work).

So, the greatest risk occurs on the journey to work. As a way of protecting our employees, Prudêncio has made itself available to assume all transport costs, so that our employees can travel alone in each vehicle after the company vehicles have been depleted.

It has also made itself available to pay for the costs of food at home and the respective transport, or even to check the availability of catering services for the delivery of food on work, in case there is the need to have lunch outside (in works far from the area of residence).

Also with regard to procedures, we also advise and reinforce that they comply with the care disclosed by the DGS, such as minimum distances between people and even work colleagues and the frequent washing of hands.

In this way, we are trying to reduce the exposure of our workers to the virus, avoiding contact with other people, outside the company chain, in order to minimize the risks for everyone. Simple care can make a big difference!