From Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils re: coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are receiving requests for advice about Coronavirus, COVID -19. We have not received any advice specifically for this sector, so we would refer you to the government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public and encourage you to use that as your reference point, referring to it and checking for updates on a regular basis.
It is business as usual unless we are informed otherwise. So meetings continue and work continues as usual while taking reasonable and sensible hygiene precautions –
1. Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. NHS guidance on washing hands effectively
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean
Why? 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.
3. Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately in the bin.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
4. Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? 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.
