Covid-19 Policy Statement:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and recommendations

Coronavirus are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illness including the common cold, seasonal flu, SARS and MERS. COVID-19 is a new strain.

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The coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.

1. Directly, for example coughing & sneezing directly on foods.
2. Indirectly, for example contact with an infected surface.

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The symptoms:

The incubation period is 1-14 days, commonly 5 days. Signs of infection include high fever with one or more respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties).
Severe symptoms include pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and kidney failure.

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Recommendations
- Rigorous hygiene is the best method to avoid the spread of viruses.

- Handwashing is a priority. Ensure consistent & adequate hand washing. Food workers must wash hands including forearms often:

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• Before starting work

• Before handling cooked or ready to eat foods

• After handling or preparing raw food

• After handling waste

• After cleaning duties

• After using the toilet

• After blowing nose, sneezing or coughing

• After eating, drinking or smoking

• After handling money

 

- Sanitizer can be used following hand washing.

- Avoid handshaking with customers or others.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth & nose.

- Management must be notified of staff illnesses including symptoms of respiratory illness.

- Ensure all staff members are supervised and trained in food hygiene practices.

- Staff members must use appropriate toilet facilities assigned to staff members only.

- Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in a bin

- Clean & disinfect objects & surfaces using sanitizer for the recommended contact time.

- Clean & disinfect menu’s frequently using sanitizer/fresh menu’s to be printed regularly.

- Ensure all staff members are aware of the correct contact time & dilution period for all chemicals.

- Staff members feeling unwell are encouraged to stay at home.

- Staff must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear clean protective clothing.

- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

- Any staff member who has respiratory symptoms & in the last 14 days has been in contact with a person who has COVID-19 or travelled to country/region with a spread of coronavirus must phone their GP immediately and must alert management immediately.

- Ensure staff members are aware of the coronavirus recommendations.

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If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of the coronavirus or have travelled from an infected area, you should:
Notify management immediately.

Isolate yourself from other people immediately.

Phone your GP, or emergency department on 112, 99 or HSE on 1850 241850.

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Travelling abroad:
- Management should be notified of travel outside of Ireland.

- Guidance indicates that people returning from affected areas should self-quarantine for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms.

In advance of returning to work, you should provide a return to work certificate.