How can I stay safe when I go back to work?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
After a prolonged self-quarantine, lockdown, and at times, isolation, everyone wants to get back to work to revive the economy and come back to a normal pre-COVID-19 routine. However, the harsh reality is that life will never be the same. Expect changes in self, workplace, colleagues, and employers. Everyone is eager to return to a normal life with minimal risk. The risk can be minimized if one understands the basic modes of transmission of the Coronavirus. So far, three main modes of transmission are known. Firstly, large droplet infection laden with the fatal SARS-CoV-2 through coughing, sneezing or even talking from a symptomatic or asymptomatic individual. Secondly, small droplets/vapors called aerosols from an infected individual that are laden with the coronavirus, remain suspended in air for a few minutes, and then float down to the ground or various surfaces. Thirdly, in feces of an infected individual. Everyone can stay safe if they have the knowledge of the three modes of transmission of the Coronavirus and take precautions to avoid coming into contact by focusing on the following at the workplace:
1) Maintaining the highest standard of sanitization and personal hygiene – When at work, pay special attention to your visits to the rest room. Anytime an infected person flushes the toilet, the Coronavirus floats up in tiny droplets called aerosols and remains suspended in the air for a few minutes. This is why one must avoid using the toilet immediately after someone else has used it. Do not flush with the lid open. Have the exhaust fan on even after using the toilet and let it run for at least a few minutes. Frequent appropriate hand washing for at least 20 seconds is highly recommended.
2) Minimal touch policy – This must become a habit and a much-practiced lifestyle. Avoid touching with hands all public highly-used doorknobs, buttons, switches, keyboards, telephones, and hard surfaces. The more you touch, the greater is the risk of picking up Coronavirus. Where possible, all employers are encouraged to install a no-touch flush, no-touch toilets, and no-touch faucets and dryers.
3) Ventilation, air circulation and filtration – Improved ventilation system with increased air circulation and high filtration for viruses and bacteria can greatly reduce the risk of catching the Coronavirus at work. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control have recommended air circulation with adequate ventilation as an important factor in controlling the pandemic of COVID-19 and have provided guidance to employers to install high-grade filters (with a rating of MERV 13) in their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Upgraded filtration can be a part of an overall risk mitigation approach. Portable air purifiers can also reduce the risk. Simply opening the windows when possible can improve the quality of air and ventilation.
4) Relocating workstations and desks – Many offices have an open layout with workstations or desks facing one another. These must be relocated such that no workers face each other. All workplaces must face the wall or an open aisle so that there are minimal chances of droplets laden with Coronavirus landing on any worker, in case any infective worker coughs and sneezes. In case desks or workstations cannot be moved around, social distancing of six feet must be practiced, as much as you possible.
5) Hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and sprays – The water bottle commonly seen on desks must be joined by bottles of hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and sprays, to be used frequently and adequately throughout the workday. Employers are also encouraged to provide hand sanitizers, tissues, and wipes in big dispensers in common areas for all workers.
6) Wear a mask – A mask when worn properly with coverage of both nose and mouth, provides protection not only to the one wearing it but also to others nearby. It shows respect for others and wearing it accurately reflects care for other co-workers. A mask, along with social distancing, could be the key to controlling the pandemic.
Taking the above precautions would break the various modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and all workers could stay safe, until the availability of definitive protection from the much-awaited vaccine currently under development.