Back to work in Portugal: how to reduce the risk of infection

Portugal's deconfinement plan is underway, and with the easing of restrictions imposed by the authorities and the gradual reopening of the country, more and more people are leaving their homes, moving around in the streets, on public transport, in shops and also going back to their jobs. Teleworking remains compulsory (except in cases where it is impossible to carry out the task at a distance) until the end of May. After this date, whether an employee can continue working from home or has to return to the office is down to an agreement made between companies and workers. Either way, sooner rather than later, it'll be useful to know how to prepare for a safe return to work. Every small step of care taken makes a difference when it comes to leaving home and halting the spread of COVID-19. Let's have a look at some advice with the help of pulmonologist Raquel Duarte, published by the Portuguese newspaper, Jornal de Notícias. 

Maintaining physical distances

If possible, it is preferable that employees main their remote working regime and stay at home as long as possible. If teleworking is not possible, one option is to reduce the number of people per square metre in the office by creating shifts out of proportion and having physical distances of 1.5 to 2 metres between people. 

Reduction of the number of exposed people

Anyone is a possible COVID-19 patient and can therefore put their contacts at risk. In addition to using a mask indoors, it is important to reduce the number of potential people exposed. Teams should be reduced and fixed, and virtual meetings should continue where possible.

Reducing the risk of exposure

There must be established circuits in offices in a bid to avoid concentration of people.

Lifts

The use of lifts could be a problem. They cannot be used by many people at the same time, distance must be respected and this is without mentioning the problem of buttons being handled by many people every day. You always have the alternative of taking the stairs for some exercise or just being patient and waiting until the lift is empty, as well as cleaning your hands before and after use.

Architecture

The architecture of offices will and should also change, and the concept of 'open space' will disappear. We will now have our own desk and own space in the office, as well as finding geometric designs on the floor or paths that will remind us at every glance that we should keep our distance.

Cleaning

Each door in the office should have a disinfectant dispenser and hand washing will become as natural a habit as breathing.

Monitoring fever and symptoms

Monitoring if employees have a temperature or symptoms of the coronavirus will be vital in stopping the spread and with time, we'll all be much more aware of the possible signs of infection.

Article seen at: Como tornar os locais de trabalho mais seguros? (Jornal de notícias)