The Interview: January - March 2020

THE

Story on Page 18

INSIDE THE ISSUE

HELP US STOP THE SPREAD.

•

IHC-TCI Hospital receives teaching hospital status to offer medical internships

•

New electronic medical records system implemented across TCI Hospital

•

TCI Boat Club donates $3000 to support community kidney screening program

•

First COVID-19 case detected in the Turks and Caicos Islands

•

TCI Hospital implements external pre-triage area to support COVID-19 screening

WASH YOUR HANDS. WEAR A MASK. WATCH YOUR DISTANCE.

NEWS

InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital receives teaching hospital status to offer Medical Internships InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has been granted a license to operate as a locally registered teaching hospital from the Higher Education Board within the TCI Government Ministry of Education. The license represents the second major accomplishment in the organisation’s pathway to launch of an accredited internship program.

The advancement of the internship program involves a partnership between InterHealth Canada and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

The hospital was granted accreditation status from the University of the West Indies Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (C.A.M.C) to offer medical internships in June 2019.

THE INTERVIEW

Change Enquiry Submission is the next step.

The application to acquire the

Medical graduates would be

teaching hospital status is the

required to successfully

second step. This process

complete a one-year rotation in

involved the development of a

the four major disciplines of

curriculum, orientation

Internal Medicine, General

program, submission of

Surgery, Obstetrics and

credentials of lecturers,

Gynecology and Pediatrics

presentation to the higher

under the program. These

education board, submission of

medical interns must commit

a strategic plan and the medical

three months to each discipline

intern evaluation and grading

to become eligible for full

process.

registration in their home state, and meet the clinical and

The acquisition of funds to

academic requirements for

recruit the medical interns is

registration in all CARICOM

the final step and this process

states.

requires the submission and

approval of a change enquiry to

Medical interns are physicians

the TCI Government. Once

who have successfully

funding is committed,

completed all of the

recruitment efforts can

requirements to receive

commence to secure 4 interns,

provisional registration and

5 registrar physicians and other

practice licenses. Medical

teaching resources.

interns receive training for a period of 4 to 5 years prior to

Despite these major milestones, efforts to submit a proposal for funding to TCI Government have been deferred due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is the country’s main priority.

graduating as doctors.

EMR

SYSTEM TCI Hospital introduced the first

He continued: "Deliverables were

component of a new hospital

identified for each department with

information system on New Year’s

completion dates.”

Day and continued with a complete crossover on March 1st, 2020 to

The Electronic Medical Records

offer improved features and

(EMR) system called Thrive produced

functionalities to health care

by Evident was introduced as a

practitioners and other system users.

solution to consolidate platforms across the health care facility into

Information, Management and

one single platform and to improve

Technology Manager at TCI Hospital,

the previous system’s capabilities.

Ryan Smith stated: "The implementation project officially

EMR’s are crucial to health care

started on 16th October 2019 where

delivery as patient care depends on a

we discussed the Implementation

complex ecosystem of codependent

plans, dates and methodologies

electronic workflows, checks and

associated with the install."

balances, specialized tasks and caregiver roles.

"The migration to Thrive has blessed the company with quite a few improvements although the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the installation process and timelines."

An ecosystem of codependent workflows.

A connected EMR system with the capabilities required in the modern-day health care environment, enables all providers caring for a patient to share information, which can help to improve the quality of care.

“Migrating from Medfolio to Thrive has blessed the company with quite a few improvements, a lot related to efficiency, removing a lot of data duplication as well as introducing data automation. These include automatic patient charging, patient portal interface capabilities and the removal of data duplication”, said Information, Management and Technology Manager, Ryan Smith.

InterHealth Canada was faced with a decision several years ago to continue with the then current EMR system introduced at the inception of the hospital, or procure a more modern system to align with today’s health care demands and clinical process needs.

After an assessment and selection process, a US-based software company called Evident was contracted. The company provides EHRs to many rural health care organizations around the United States and was most financially accessible and attractive among other bidders.

The TCI Boat Club has donated $3,000 towards the launch of a community kidney disease screening program spearheaded by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital.

The funding will be used to cover overheads associated with clinical testing supplies. A media session was held on Wednesday, February 5th 2020 at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre to officially handover the check donation to the health care management company and provide an overview of the first-time initiative.

Remarks were given by Albert Williams, President of TCI Boat Club, Johnson Stubbs, Vice President of TCI Boat Club and Soley Williams, Treasurer of TCI Boat Club. InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital representatives comprised of Eleanor Hall, Chief of Allied Services, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief of Medical Services, and Dr Vancelee Forbes, Nephrologist.

Chronic kidney disease is kidney damage that has been present for at least 3 months. The kidney function tends to deteriorate over months to years eventually leading to kidney failure. Once the kidneys fail, an individual requires dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive. In early chronic kidney disease there are usually no symptoms.

An individual can lose 70% -90% of their kidney function before they begin to experience symptoms.

Chronic kidney disease, if detected early, can be treated in order to delay or prevent the progression to kidney failure. However, at least 50% of patients diagnosed with kidney failure at TCI Hospital and started on dialysis were not previously aware that they had kidney disease. Chronic non-communicable diseases are also the number one contributor of rising health care costs worldwide.

A referral is generally required to access a Nephrologist, which is a specialist physician in kidney disease and management. However, the kidney disease screening clinic will provide free and open access to this service on a designated date during the month of March, with additional quarterly pop-up clinics across communities once funding permits.

Participants will receive a free Nephrologist consultation, which includes a urinalysis and on-thespot kidney function test. This allows persons within the community to bypass the hospital-based appointment booking system and receive fast-tracked service. No referral or NHIP coverage is required. The screening is expected to span 15 minutes per person depending on the clinical findings and dietary counselling will also be offered.

INWARD DONATION

TCI BOAT CLUB CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON KIDNEY DISEASE PREVENTION The TCI Boat Club has been in operation for nearly 6 years and has demonstrated good corporate responsibility since inception via donations to the local Kidney Foundation. President of the TCI Boat Club, Albert Williams stated: “It gives the TCI Boat Club great pleasure in being here. This is something we have always looked forward to doing, and putting our name and stamp on something so significant. It gives us great pleasure to partner with you to get the kidney screening process underway and we look forward to many more partnerships.”

Nephrologist, Dr Vancelee Forbes stated: “The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease are increasing within the Turks and Caicos Islands. For the size of our population, there is a significant number of persons reaching end stage renal failure and requiring dialysis in order to survive.

Kidney failure is a life changing diagnosis and if untreated, is a fatal condition. Therefore, it is important for us to detect kidney disease early and also to prevent kidney disease in the first place.

The purpose of the screening is to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease, the need for early detection and prevention to improve the health of our population overall.”

Chief of Medical Services, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant stated: “I wish to express gratitude to the TCI Boat Club for the monetary donation that has been given to us, and by extension the community. We are reminded that a healthy nation is a productive nation. We are also reminded of the fact that government does not have to fund everything. We as good corporate citizens can also participate and support, and we are so immensely grateful that the TCI Boat Club is supporting the community in this way.

There are several patients on dialysis whose treatment impacts their earning capacity and travel expenses, above their NHIP stipends. To have the TCI Boat Club donate to us and support the kidney foundation to assist patients is very commendable.”

Representatives at InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos

The topics covered among the senior students included

Islands Hospital continued to render support and served

water resource management, wind/solar energy and other

as returning judges during the Holy Family Academy

investigative

Science Fair held on February 7, 2020

conservation.

The hospital’s representatives were Quality Risk and

A range of visuals aids were used to enhance their

Patient Safety Manager - Isha Honore, Education and

presentations and their artistic abilities were even more

Training Manager - Jacqueline Moe-Cox, Pharmacy

amplified by the use of sophisticated images, tables and

Manager - Tony Wilton and Infection Prevention and

graphics.

subjects

related

to

environmental

Control Nurse, Surbrena Pedican.

The students and faculty at the school displayed a keen The fair was held on the school compound. Teams were

sense of commitment to the educational development of

divided based on their grade level and were paired with

science as an academic subject while allowing scope for

members of the TCI business community. The grade levels

innovation, experimentation and problem solving.

ranged from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade.

Most of the students also displayed sound analytical skills The calibre of the exhibits was an indication of the great deal of innovation and research involved in the projects.

and good oral and verbal presentation abilities.

Steps to Prevent Illness

COVID-19

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to Coronavirus.

The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person.

Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the eyes, mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Viral particles can also survive for a time on surfaces. The lifespan depends on factors such as temperature, humidity and the type of surface.

Clean your hands often Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Respiratory/ Cough Etiquette

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people. Some persons are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, remain at home and contact the TCI Ministry of Health emergency hotlines for guidance via +1-649-333-0911 or +1-649-232-9444.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

If you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your upper sleeve.

Turn away from others when coughing or sneezing.

Clean and disinfect hands and frequently touched surfaces daily.

Building

building healthy communities

HEALTHÂ BOOTHS

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

World Kidney Day is observed during the month of March every year as a global campaign to raise awareness of the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide and to strive for kidney health for everyone, everywhere. The 2020 campaign highlighted the importance of preventive interventions to avert the onset and progression of kidney disease.

TCI Hospital Nephrologist - Dr. Vancelee Forbes, ,Chief of Allied Services - Eleanor Hall and Dietician - Janet Green erected an information booth inside the hospital foyer on Thursday March 12th, 2020 to raise awareness of healthy food options and unhealthy food options that are high in sugar and sodium.

Patients and visitors at the hospital found the information very useful given the increase in local grocery shopping in subsequent days in response to shelter in place orders associated with national COVID-19 supression measures.

Preventive measures of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are becoming ever more important, with rising levels of cases worldwide. As CKD is associated with high costs, preventive measures addressing root causes, especially in the form of primary prevention, have significant value. Raising awareness and educating individuals on the most important risk factors and preventative measures for kidney disease is hence important so as to reduce the burden of kidney disease.

Building

08

12

16

22

Exercise is exceptionally important, both for controlling your weight and helping to prevent certain medical conditions. However, this may not be an easy accomplishment for everyone and for different reasons.

Move-a-thon is an annual event held during the first month of the year to raise funds for healthy eating programs in schools and is also an opportunity to help attendees to jumpstart their fitness new year resolutions.

28

The early morning run was held at the Lower Bight Kids Park on Saturday, January 11, 2020. InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital was a bronze sponsor.

Doctors and nurses from the organisation attend the event every year to volunteer their time and provide complimentary health screenings. The event is hosted by Nutrition In Demand, a non-profit entity.

BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES If the goal of education is to prepare students for the future, then nothing brings this reality home more than a career day at school to help guide students in their future choices.

Members of the TCI Hospital team participated in the Enid Capron Primary School event on Thursday, February 6th 2020 alongside other private companies and government departments.

Healthy Eating Awareness

The students were very interactive and the session also included an unexpected earthquake emergency drill operated by the Department of Disaster and Emergency.

Careers Day Display

The Clement Howell High School hosted a health fair on Friday January 17th, 2020 to raise awareness of healthy choices and other health related areas. The initiative was a feature of the school's cross-country marathon, which took place on the same day.

While scores of students challenged their athletic endurance in the sports segment, TCI Hospital Nutritionist and Dietitian, Janet Green were among the volunteers that participated in the health fair section to raise awareness of healthy eating, that is, eating smart and enjoying your food at the same time.

THE • INTERVIEW

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

COVID-19 The CDC defines social distancing as remaining out of congregrate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

Social distancing is a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming in close contact with healthy people in order to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. It can include large-scale measures such as the cancellation of group events or closure of public spaces, as well as individual decisions such as avoiding crowds.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

1

2

Maintain a distance from persons with signs of illness, including coughing, sneezing, or fever.

Avoid hugs, kisses, handshakes and sharing personal items.

3

Along with physical distance, proper hand-washing is important for protecting not only yourself, but others around you —because the virus can be spread even without symptoms.

4

Distancing yourself includes staying home from work or school when possible.

5

Coronavirus (Covid-19) is spread via person-to-person when droplets from an infected person gets into the eyes, nose or mouth of a healthy person.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

A resident contractor, Chris Haggie, recently provided probono services to TCI Hospital and constructed several special aerosol chambers to help protect health care workers on the frontline.

The aerosol box concept is a growingly popular simple innovation, used to prevent infectious cough dispersions or respiratory droplets in general, similar to the splash or sneeze shields erected in public spaces.

The hospital requested the construction of a prototype made from the appropriate transparent material to provide clinicians with another layer of protection during the airway management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

Five units were constructed for Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and three units were constructed for Cockburn Town Medical Centre at the onset of the local COVID-19 national response.

In addition to the use of personal protective equipment, the chamber/box helps to minimise staff exposure during aerosol generating procedures.

The contractor also donated 500 face shields and an estimated 4,200 shoe covers towards the hospital’s COVID19 preparedness and response.

What To Do If You Are Sick

COVID-19

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by the TCI Ministry of Health and monitor symptoms for any deterioration.

Before seeking medical care at local health care facilities, contact the TCI Ministry of Health Emergency hotlines for guidance via +1-649-333-0911 or +1-649-232-9444. and declare that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19.

Stay at home if you are sick

Separate yourself from other people within the home

Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting urgent medical care.

Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

Avoid public areas:Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.

Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, as per CDC recommendations.

Avoid sharing personal household items Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.

After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean and disinfect: Practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces.

THE INTERVIEW

INSIDE THE MEDIA Raising awareness about COVID-19 - an international threat: Chief of Medical Services, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant participated in the TCI Government first official press conference on Friday, January 31st 2020 at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex to address the country’s COVID-19 preparedness activities.

COVID-19 Press Conference The first official natonal COVID-19 press conference.

Other members of the public health team accompanied the Minister of Health, Honorable Edwin Astwood as he outlined the national measures implemented and plans to enhance surveillance at the country’s ports of entry as the virus continued to infiltrate borders and communities across the world.

Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant outlined the steps undertaken by the TCI Hospital at the time and the collaborative efforts underway. Since the virus was newly emerging, a general clinical overview was provided on the information available at the time. The Turks and Caicos Islands had no confirmed cases of the virus at the of the press conference.

THE INTERVIEW

COVID-19: The timeline of hospital-based activities related to COVID-19, to date.

PREPARATIONS TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY SERVICE ONLY MODE The coronavirus pandemic has created a public health crisis, economic upheaval and widespread uncertainty.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital announced the commencement of activities to reduce non-essential services on March 19th, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus (COVID19).

This process took place over several days and supported the need to divert resources to the national COVID-19 preparedness and response. Medical teams were required to conduct clinical risk assessments of patient lists and prioritise their care. Patients with affected appointments were contacted and advised of the next steps.

To facilitate continuity of care, team preparedness and response, several activities were underway. These included the utilisation of telemedicine applications to maintain communication with patients due to the eventual reduction of non-essential services.

PREPAREDNESS, SERVICE CONTINUITY AND RESPONSE ACTIVITIES The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital initiated several mitigation and preparedness activities since December 2019 in response to the emergence of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in Wuhan, China.

Below is an overview of some of the many key activities:

◙ Priority setting related to mitigation and preparedness;

◙ Monitoring of CDC, WHO and PAHO to track the disease progression, emerging and new best

◙ Refresher training of all health care workers

practices such as infection prevention and

and ancillary staff both within TCI Hospital,

control, environmental decontamination and

Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and

clinical management;

Human Services (MOHASH) and other key government agencies.

◙ Conducted a review and where indicated, updated our current Infection, Prevention and

The training is led by MOHASH Infection

Control, Emergency and Disaster plans;

Prevention and Control National Focal Point, Nurse Jackurlyn Sutton and instructed by TCI

◙ Daily tracking and monitoring of inventory

Hospital Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)

utilisation levels related to personal protective

Specialist Nurse Surbrena Pedican and TCI

equipment and other essential clinical supplies;

Hospital Clinical Nurse Educator, Lurline Barnett who have also conducted refresher training of

◙ Communications and planning activities

all hospital housekeeping and porter staff.

commenced with the Ministry of Health Agriculture Sports and Human Services;

In the absence of a vaccine, the country's best defense is infection prevention and control measures.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES IMPLEMENTED ◙ Review and updated IPC policies, guidelines and procedures where applicable; Frequent planning, preparedness and strategic response

◙ Infectious disease specialist was engaged for advice on our IPC programs, personal protective equipment and care pathways; ◙ Where predictable and permissible,

meetings;

based on activity within the emergency

◙ Development and testing of a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response

department, privacy screens were

Hospital plan, guidelines and standard operating procedures;

erected to be utilised within the

◙ Social media platforms were used to provide public information on respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, social distancing and COVID-19 screening questions and reference to the Ministry of Health’s hotline;

department to facilitate a protected patient pathway used only for persons suspected of COVID-19;

◙ Signage were erected to alert persons of the need for hand hygiene

◙ Telemedicine was utilised to support

before, during and after accessing the facility;

clinical care and minimise provider exposure consistent with best practices

◙ Increased environmental surveillance and control measures; ◙ Waiting room chairs were separated to promote social distancing between patients;

recommended by WHO and PAHO;

Essential health care workers were instructed to remain on island. TCI

◙ In-hospital television monitors continuously streamed information on

Hospital adopted a work from home

COVID-19 for patients and staff;

strategy along with the use of designated off-hospital work locations

◙ Public Health England was engaged and reviewed the hospital’s key policies, laboratory capacity and onsite inspections;

for some non-essential employees in anticipation of the advancing pandemic as a component of the hospital’s service continuity plan.

Health care workers participated in CME sessions on infection, prevention and control in response to the Coronavirus.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The hospital continued to monitor these visitation measures and make

VISITATION RESTRICTIONS IN THE WAKE OF REGIONAL COVID-19 SPREAD

adjustments as needed in the

Restrictions were enforced to protect the vulnerable patient groups within the hospital as a proactive and protectionary measure.

service units were enforced to

interest of patient safety. Following additional risk assessments, complete visitation restrictions to the general and maternity wards, dialysis units and other essential protect vulnerable patient groups. InterHealth Canada - Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital recognised the importance of psychosocial support and interactions with relatives and friends during the healing process. Hence, the utilisation of communication mediums such as phone calls, videoconferences on cell phones or other mobile devices were strongly encouraged.

Visitation restrictions to the

The morning visitation period

maternity and general wards were

(11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) was

enforced at Cheshire Hall Medical

suspended along with chaplaincy

Centre and Cockburn Town

services operated by religious

Medical Centre to reduce the risk

persons and groups.

and spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), effective 8:00 a.m.

The afternoon and evening

on March 16, 2020. These steps

visitation periods continued to be

were implemented a week before

made available, however only a

the country recorded the first

single visitor per patient, per

confirmed COVID-19 case.

visitation period is permitted daily and an immediate family member was required.

"We understand that this is a particularly stressful time in your life, especially in light of the pandemic. Please know that we remain wholly dedicated to supporting you and your family during this challenging time."

FROM PLANS TO ACTION

FIRST COVID-19 CASE RECORDED TCI Hospital suspends non-essential services in response to first confirmed case.

DESIGNATED ISOLATION ROOM

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The following emergency services

The main hospital entrance was

continued to operate with the

closed and only accessible to high

relevant safety measures and

risk groups such as dialysis,

precautions in effect:

antenatal and chemotherapy patients with pre-booked

· Dialysis

appointments.

· High risk and emergency surgeries

All other persons who require

· High risk antenatal clinics

services are required to be

· Emergency department

screened for COVID-19 in a

· Active chemotherapy treatment

designated pre-triage area near

· Inpatient services

the entrance to the emergency

· Urgent and emergency diagnostic

department.

imaging A demonstration of the steps taken to isolate and clinically screen suspected COVID-19 patients were captured in a special video with an actor patient to raise awareness of the virus and the hospital's internal protocols following the country's first COVID-19 case.

External Pre-Triage Area for COVID-19 Screening Process

The priority of the Emergency Department

The objective of the Emergency Department is also to provide immediate activation of the COVID-19 response team as needed, and a pre-identified space for isolation away from the department.

Members of the general public are required

is to ensure early detection of infectious patients who may be unknowingly transmitting COVID-19 and commence immediate source control prior to entering the facility thereby further reducing the risk of disease transmission within the department.

to contact the Ministry of Health Hotlines via 649-333-0911 or 649-232-9444 immediately for guidance on the next steps if he/she experienced any symptoms of

On March 24th 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital activated an expandable pre-triage area near the external entrance of each Emergency Department based on an Infection Prevention and Control risk assessment process. All patients accessing the Emergency Department at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre are required to report to the external pre-triage area for screening and sorting based on their presenting complaints prior to entering the emergency department.

COVID-19 such a coughing, fever or shortness of breath.

It is crucial to call ahead as special precautionary preparations are required for the controlled transport and receipt of patients with symptoms similar to COVID19 for both ambulance and hospital-based response teams.

Clinical Questions To Expect

COVID-19 Questions to expect during your outpatient or emergency room visit Coronavirus (Covid-19) and influenza share common symptoms. Therefore, patients with these symptoms may be asked several clinical questions at TCI Hospital. The information will be used to determine whether a patient meets the case definition of Covid-19.

If the case definition is met in consultation with primary health care, precautionary isolation protocols will be activated, the patient will be screened and classified as suspected. A sample will be taken and transferred to the TCI Government National Public Health Lab for further processing.

CLINICIANS ARE LIKELY TO ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

Do you have any of the following symptoms? Cough, Sore throat, Runny nose, Vomiting, Diarrhoea and/or Nausea Do you have a fever? An objective assessment will be conducted by the nurse. Fever of significance is >/= 38 degrees Celsius.

Do you have difficulty breathing? An objective assessment will be conducted to check oxygen saturation.

List the countries you have traveled to and through within the past 21 days. When did you arrive in TCI? (Applies in cases where local borders are open) Have you been in contact with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of Covid-19 within the past 14 days?

Have you visited any live animal markets in the 14 days prior to symptom onset?

WORKSTATION HYGIENE

COVID-19 Persons can contract COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Infected droplets may fall on nearby surfaces and objects. Reduce the risks of secondary transmission.

High touch surfaces such as phones, door handles, light switches, faucet handles and chairs frequently come in contact with hands.

Persons should play close attention to keeping high-touch surfaces clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of viruses. Even if the surface doesn't appear dirty, germs and viruses can easily hide on equipment.

DISINFECT REGULARLY

1

Frequently dust and wipe off pieces of equipment with disinfectant products or wipes.

These low-cost measures can help prevent the spread of infections in your workplace and protect your customers, contractors and employees.

2

4

DONT FORGET TO CLEAN Cell phones, chargers and headphones Personal Spectacles/Eye Glasses Personal equipment such as pens and dictaphones Computer mouse, key pad and mouse mat, memory sticks etc.

Access Passes Desk, drawer handles, chair arms, filing cabinet, cupboard handles etc.

Printer buttons

COUGH & SNEEZE ETIQUETTE

COVID-19 Proper cough and sneeze etiquette helps to prevent the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. It's simple, remember to cover your cough.

According to The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, cough etiquette is important for infection control measures in healthcare settings such as doctor’s offices and emergency departments, as well as clinics. It’s also important to practice proper etiquette at your workplace or anywhere where there are crowds of people.

3

Don’t have a tissue? Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

4

Remember to wash your hands with warm soap and water after coughing or sneezing.

5

It’s important to keep your hands clean as many viruses are spread by not washing your hands properly with soap and clean, running water.

6

If soap and water are unavailable, use an hand sanitiser containing at least 70% alcohol.

COVER YOUR COUGH

1

It is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.

2

Place your used tissue into the trash bin. Don’t leave used tissues around on chairs, desks or other shared areas.