Below is information we have shared with our volunteers on what we can do to protect ourselves against Coronavirus.  We will discuss this in briefings each morning we are open, and have prepared a simpler sheet for service users in both English and Polish. 

This information may be updated as necessary.

Transmission is via:

• Aerosol droplets,
• Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth with a disposable tissue
• Touching your face, nose or mouth,
• If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you touch any metal surface, doorknobs, handrails, computer keyboards etc – wash your hands as soon as you can with soap.
• This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees.

Preventative Actions for everyone using the Drop-in

• Please increase your cleaning regime. Cleaning schedule to extend to keyboards, telephones doorknobs and use cleaning detergent to kill germs.
• We should stop serving unwrapped food (such as biscuits and crisps) from a common bowl.  The risk of transfer is too great.
• Washrooms are to be supplied with soap, disposable paper towels, plenty of boxes of tissues are recommended, anti-bacterial wipes, alcohol hand sanitiser on reception and small bottles for staff and volunteers as necessary.
• Visitors, service users, staff and volunteers should use gel or wash their hands before eating, drinking, smoking, preparing food and using the toilet and arriving at the workplace.
• It is up to every individual whether they are willing to shake hands or would prefer a fist or elbow bump.  Regular hand washing is recommended.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the bin immediately
• Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.

Symptoms and Actions

A sick individual will not know the difference between general Flu and Coronavirus unless they are tested by a medical practitioner. But here are some medical guidelines:

•  If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold
• Coronavirus is a dry cough with no runny nose.
• Symptoms are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.
• Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
• We can’t emphasise enough – drink plenty of water!
• If the sick person goes on to develop pneumonia, they will experience high fever and difficulty in breathing.  Medical support must be sought.
• Staff or volunteers showing signs and symptoms of cold, cough or Flu should monitor themselves and decide on whether they should not attend the Drop-in until their symptoms subside. People with a cold or flu might be showing a higher level of stress and believe they are suffering from the Coronavirus. Please refer people showing signs and symptoms first to the NHS website and then, if they feel it is necessary, to NHS 111.

Updated Tuesday 10 March 2020