CORONAVIRUS OVERVIEW

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT IT?

Coronavirus spread can be prevented by following proper personal hygiene, maintaining distance from infected persons and disinfecting surfaces regularly.  

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

There are many sources of Coronavirus, including rumors and myths. It is important to refer to authority sources to keep yourself updated on correct information. We recommend web-sites of World Health Organization and Ministry of Health, India. 

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

IS THERE A CURE FOR COVID-19?

As per World Health Organization, there is no cure or medicine for COVID-19 as of April 2020. 

HOW DOES IT AFFECT SERVICE INDUSTRY?

Service industries such as beauty and wellness, food and beverages work through very close contact between service providers and customers. The risk of Coronavirus transmission is higher in these industries due to high levels of personal contact involved. 

HOW DOES IT AFFECT SERVICE PROVIDERS?

Service providers such as therapists, beauticians and masseurs are in constant with customers while providing services, touching face and body, increasing risk of spreading infection or increasing the potential to be infected themselves. It is important that business owners in these industries understand full risks of COVID-19 and ensure both their staff, customers and themselves are fully protected at all times. 

HOW SHOULD SERVICE PROVIDERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Post lockdown measures implemented by the government, it becomes the responsibility of business owners and staff to put full protections in place. Primary ways of protection is prevention through social distancing, contact minimization, customer communication, staff education and workplace disinfection measures.

HOW CAN I MINIMIZE BUSINESS RISK?

Please read our article on workplace protection and risk management by clicking on the link here.