The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is top on the list of trending topics since it was first detected in Wuhan, China late last year. As the outbreak rapidly evolves, affecting countries, people, and businesses, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 a global public health emergency.
In Nigeria, an Italian man was confirmed to be the country’s first Coronavirus case after arriving from Milan, travelling through Lagos and visiting another state. The case has prompted a commendable response by the Nigerian authorities who have tried to trace everyone who were on the same flight as the patient and determine the places he visited before his diagnosis.
With 98,051 cases and 3,356 recorded deaths worldwide (at the time of writing this article), the repercussions of Coronavirus are being felt in 87 countries, threatening not only the health and lives of the world’s population, but also the global economy. This is why we thought it appropriate to break down Coronavirus’s potential impact on businesses.
Many international organizations like Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have banned business-related travels and are forcing employees who might have been exposed to the virus to stay home for 14 days. The global economy is being jolted by the virus with stock markets sliding and industry events being canceled. For instance, events like Facebook’s F8, Google I/O, the Geneva Motor Show, and Mobile World Congress have been called off due to the outbreak.
It’s far too early to determine whether these efforts will contain the virus soon. What is certain, however, is that the Coronavirus outbreak continues to impact businesses and workplaces. Consequently, the virus has necessitated an increase in remote working as many employers are allowing—even forcing their employees to work from home.
Given the massive scale of this outbreak and the impact it is having on businesses worldwide, it’s an important time for organizations to adhere to WHO’s COVID-19 advice for the public.
- Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
- Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider: Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.