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Millions of Americans, including people in Massachusetts, faced a major change in the way they work and go to school this year after COVID-19 surfaced. After months of closures in order to contain the virus and begin to flatten the curve, businesses in Massachusetts, including Middlesex County, are beginning the process of reopening. Going back to work after working in the safety of your own home, or not working at all, is a scary thing. There are plenty of steps you can take to help protect yourself in the workplace following CDC and World Health Organization recommendations.
Social Distancing
Social distancing has become commonplace in your day-to-day life, but may require some alteration when it comes to the workplace. Desks and workstations should be separated by at least six feet. If the six-foot distance is not possible due to space constraints, then dividers should be used to limit the contact between employees and different workstations. Break rooms, lunch rooms, meeting rooms, and other areas that hold multiple employees in close quarters should not be used upon the reopening of your facility..
Personal Hygiene
Maintaining your personal hygiene is critical to lowering your risk of getting COVID-19. Make sure you are washing your hands frequently throughout the day with soap and hot water for at least 30 seconds, using hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable, and wearing PPE including masks and gloves when needed. Masks are highly encouraged in the workplace to continue following CDC guidelines and reduce potential spread of the virus.
Maintaining a Clean Workspace
Keeping a clean workspace prevents the spread of COVID-19 through infected surfaces. Avoid clutter on your desk including piles of papers and decorations. Sanitize your desk, phone, keyboard, and any other regularly touched surface multiple times per day with disinfectant and electronics-safe cleaning wipes. You should never share work supplies with your coworkers unless they are sanitized before and after each use.
COVID-19 Screening and Testing
COVID-19 screening can be used to detect both active and past infections with the novel coronavirus. In addition to scheduling screenings with AFC Urgent Care Malden prior to reopening your facility, temperature checks should be done each day before entering the building. Employees should also be asked if they’ve been around anyone or visited any businesses that have been exposed to COVID-19. Before you return to work, ask your employer about their COVID-19 screening procedures.
COVID-19 Diagnostic & Antibody Testing in Malden, MA
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to a known case of COVID-19, get tested right away. Diagnostic swab testing and antibody testing are both available at AFC Urgent Care Malden by appointment only seven days a week. To schedule an appointment or telemedicine visit, please call 781-322-7300.
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