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AIM​
  • To provide guidance on how best to facilitate the safe and gradual return of employees to work and have adequate measures in place to protect their health by reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission as much as practicable when they join.
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COMPLIANCE  OFFICER
  • Appoint a designated employee to act as a Compliance Officer to ensure implementation and monitoring of all guidance, including social distancing and infection prevention and control.

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COVID-19 RISK  ASSESSMENT  AND RESPONSE  PLAN
  • ​Develop and update a COVID-19 response plan to deal with suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the workplace and specify what is to be done if an employee displays symptoms during working hours.
  • Conduct a risk assessment on health and safety before any return to the workplace and put in place relevant measures to ensure the health and safety of employees in line with MOPH guidance. The assessment should cover risks posed by facilities, services, working conditions, and the composition of the workforce.
  • Based on the conducted risk assessment, develop a plan for resumption of services, and staff return to work in line with the phases.
  • A log of all participants in any group activity or service that require multiple staff is kept facilitating contact tracing if needed.
  • Consider completing a return to work form for all employees before resuming duties.​
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PHYSICAL  DISTANCING
  • 1.5 meters of minimum distance between staff during their work, or 9 meters square per person is recommended. In cases where distance cannot be maintained, physical barriers must be used to separate employees.
  • Meetings during phase 3 should not have more than 10  people in the same room. ​
  • Use floor and furniture markings to maintain appropriate social distancing.
  • Avoid hot desking (i.e., use of the same desk by multiple employees).
  • Remind employees of distancing requirements using clear and visible signage.
  • Avoid using elevators, and where not possible, limit the number of people using the elevator​
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INFECTION  PREVENTION  AND CONTROL
  • All employees must undergo regular testing as per MOPH guidance.
  • Hand sanitizer to be provided for employee use at several locations within the facilities.
  • Frequent hand washing/sanitizing should be promoted.
  • Face masks to be worn by employees at all times.
  • Wearing disposable gloves is  not  routinely  recommended as per MOPH protocol.
  • Avoid handshakes and all forms of physical greetings that requires touching or coming close.
  • All regularly  touched  surfaces  should  be  cleaned  and disinfected frequently using standard disinfection products.
  • Toilets are cleaned and disinfected periodically and after each use.
  • Promote hygiene when coughing or sneezing using a clean tissue, or elbow, and safely discard of used tissue in a bin
  • Maintain good ventilation in all workplace areas, either through natural methods, or air conditioning.  Air conditioning filters to be cleaned and replaced regularly to optimize effectiveness.
  • Encourage staff to notify management if they feel any COVID-19 symptoms, or are caring for a COVID positive relative
  • Limit paperwork as much as possible, including internal circulars and exchange of files.
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REGULATING  ENTRY AND EXIT​
  • Regulate entry to ensure premises does not become overcrowded.
  • Thermal screening of employees and visitors (entry prohibited for those with body temperature of 38 degrees or higher).
  • Ehteraz App to be downloaded by all employees, and visitors, and check that the status is green to allow  entry.​
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WORKING  HOURS AND  REMOTE  WORKING
  • Work remotely, where applicable. Maintain a maximum of 80% of employees on-site.​
  • Consider working in split teams, alternating shifts, or alternating days to comply with capacity and physical  distancing  guidance.
  • Employees holding non-physical contact jobs (admin staff, secretaries, knowledge jobs, etc.) should be advised to continue to work remotely in phase 2, if possible.
  • Allow flexible working hours for vulnerable employees or those who are concerned about being present in office locations for health reasons.
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VULNERABLE  GROUPS
  • Employees over the age of 60 should be advised to work from home and delay return to work locations until phase 4, if possible.
  • Employees who are pregnant, those with chronic conditions, or those with increased health risks should be advised to work from home and delay return to work locations until phase 4, if possible.
  • Consider requiring the completion of a return to Work Form for vulnerable employees​
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MENTAL HEALTH  AWARENESS
  • Advise employees who may be experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19 to contact the mental health hotline 16000.
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EDUCATION &  AWARENESS
  • Communicate clearly and early with managers and employees on plans to reopen and any new guidance or policies that will be introduced.
  • Keep employees updated on COVID-19 safety and prevention information and guidelines.
  • The emphasis that protecting public health is paramount.
  • Use MOPH health messages and materials. Let employees know what steps you are taking to keep them safe.
  • It is important remind employees that wearing face masks does not preclude the need to keep physical distance of at least 1.5 meters from each other.​
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MONEY  HANDLING
  • ​Minimize any cash transactions and encourage the use of bank cards.
  • Wipe down credit card readers and other payment methods after each use.​

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COVID-19 Services Assistant خدمة المساعدة الخاصة بكوفيد-19
COVID-19 Services Assistant خدمة المساعدة الخاصة بكوفيد-19