The Covid-19 virus belongs to the group of coronaviruses and causes flu-like symptoms and severe pneumonia.

It seems to be more easily transmitted than other dangerous coronaviruses such as those that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). It has an incubation period of between 2 to 14 days but there have been reports of patients being infectious before they begin showing symptoms.

Right now, all of us need to do all we can to contain the spread of this virus.

Proactive steps are needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which has shaken the earth and sent many people into a panic. This includes those of us in the F&B industry.

First of all, make it clear to employees who have traveled to high-risk areas (countries with known cases of Covid-19) or living with someone with Covid-19 to NOT come to work.

They should do a self-quarantine of at least 14 days and have themselves checked by a medical professional to ensure they are not infected. Remind them as well to avoid contact with others.

Check your employee’s temperatures before they begin work. The normal human body temperature range is typically stated as 36.5–37.5 °C.

Whether your employees are considered risky or not, remind them to shield their sneezes and coughs with a tissue or clothing sleeves, not hands. This will help prevent the spread of the virus which is transmitted through airborne droplets.

Being in the F&B industry, the washing of hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds should come as a no-brainer. As an added precaution, keep bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizers handy.

Avoid shaking hands, and any other physical contact, with customers for the time being. If you can find them, have your employees don masks while they are working.

Place educational posters in key areas around your premises and provide hand sanitizer, tissues, soap, and paper towels.

So what should you do if you find out one of your employees is infected with Covid-19?