It’s been months since you last set foot in your workplace. Whether you’ve been working from home, furloughed, or were laid off, the time has come to return to — the new — normal.
No doubt, you’re a bit nervous about being in a shared workplace. The last thing you want is to contract COVID-19 while trying to earn a living. Thankfully, there’s plenty of precautions you can take to decrease your chances of contracting the virus.
Here’s a look at what health experts are advising to help you stay safe at work.
Find Out What Precautions Will Be in Place
Before bringing employees back to work, your employer should have a robust plan in place to promote health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Your local municipality likely has rules in place, and hopefully, your company will go above and beyond these requirements to make everyone feel safe and comfortable.
It’s important to find out what safeguards will be in place in advance, so you’re prepared accordingly. Also, this will allow you to know whether you’ll be comfortable with the amount of precautions in place.
Wear a Mask
When masks are widely used in public places, they likely reduce the spread of COVID-19, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s possible that you or some of your co-workers will contract the virus and not realize it. In this case, wearing a mask can help decrease the chance it will be passed on to others. Masks are most effective when everyone wears one, so do your part to protect your colleagues, as you expect them to do for you.
Keep Your Distance
The COVID-19 virus typically spreads when people are in close contact with one another — i.e., within about six feet. Therefore, it’s important to stay at least six feet from your colleagues at all times — when possible — and do not make physical contact with them.
This will require careful planning because it involves everything from keeping your distance when walking down shared hallways to finding somewhere besides the breakroom to eat lunch.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Practicing good hygiene can decrease your chances of contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. It’s also important not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
If you’re unable to access soap and water at work regularly, the CDC advises using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Stay Home If You’re Not Feeling Well
It only takes one sick person to infect an entire workforce with COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well, alert your employer and stay home. The last thing you want is to be responsible for spreading the virus around the company when it could’ve been easily prevented.
Are you searching for new employment opportunities? PrideStaff Dallas wants to help you find the perfect fit, so contact us today!
