How We're Dealing with the Coronavirus

It’s been difficult to avoid news of the coronavirus in the last few weeks, especially now that it’s reached the UK with over 100 cases.

We thought we’d share how we’re preparing for and dealing with the virus, both internally and on-site. 

 

01. Keep your on-site staff and residents informed

We’re keeping on top of the latest information and advice from the government and the NHS and emailing our staff with updates on a regular basis.

We’re doing this to avoid panic and we’re emphasising the small changes we can all make to minimise risk to ourselves and others. We are also keeping our residents informed where appropriate. 

Which brings us on to…

 

02. Minimise the risk of infection

We’re encouraging our staff to familiarise themselves with the hygienic guidelines from the NHS. As we know, washing our hands thoroughly for 20 seconds is the most important thing the public can do to minimise the spread of the virus. 

The NHS has created a video which you can view here and they have also created a PDF guide for hand washing. Purell have created a guide for hand sanitation. 

Overall, according to the NHS, there are 5 important things to remember:

  • Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or antibacterial alcohol-based gel if soap and water is not available

  • Avoid hand contact with others such as shaking hands in greeting

  • Use tissues when sneezing or coughing or use your elbow to cover your mouth

  • Dispose of tissues safely in the bin after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose

  • If your hands are not clean, avoid touching your face

Across all properties, our on-site staff are also ensuring that door handles, screens and monitors, keyboards, phones, pens and sign in books are cleaned more frequently and on a regular basis. 

We would also recommend putting up posters in on-site kitchens, break rooms and bathrooms outlining the NHS’ recommended hand washing technique.

 

03. Put a plan in place

In the event of an infection in one of our buildings or amongst our staff, we have plans in place for each individual property.

As we wrote in our blog ‘Emergencies: are your on-site staff ready?’, preparation is key in the event of an emergency. We have seen several examples over the years of property managers scrambling to put appropriate procedures in place at the last minute, causing unnecessary stress and miscommunication.

Ensure that your on-site staff knows what to do if residents get sick and self-isolate, and also what you want your on-site staff to do if they themselves get sick.

 

The Cledor way

We ensure that our staff are trained for and prepared in situations like these, making them a valuable asset to property managers and a calming presence to residents.

Line Bjorhovd