As you will no doubt be aware, the World Health Organisation’s has declared Coronavirus to be a pandemic, making it a public health emergency of international concern.
What is Coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a type of virus common across the world. COVID-19, the strain currently causing concern, is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.
Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Our Response
Due to the rapidly evolving situation of the outbreak of COVID-19, HCL are monitoring carefully all healthcare and medical staff provided by our agency prior to any supply at our clients.
Based on the World Health Organisation’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers for England have raised the risk to the public to high.
Due to our candidates’ placements being supplied into a health and social care setting, we are committed to ensuring the safety of both patients and staff and as such, we are providing our workforce with the advice taken from Public Health England, and Gov.uk website, who provide daily updates. The websites can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public.
If in the last 14 days you have travelled to the UK from abroad, it is important you let us know. Please speak to your Recruitment Consultant directly to let them know or contact us on 020 7451 1451
Infection Control Protocols
The government is advising to follow general principles to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment
- Stay at home for 7 days if you have either a high temperature or a new continuous cough. This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious.
- If you feel unwell with these symptoms, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. The NHS will not be testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms. Find out more about the Stay At Home guidance here.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 acute respiratory disease. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Keep up to date
You can see the latest updates on COVID-19 on the Government’s website – click here to find out more.
