03 Jun 2020

Ghanzi primary hospital Infection prevention control Nurse, Ms Umwe Makafiri says COVID-19 hygiene protocols should be followed strictly to curb the possible spread of the novel virus.

Inducting the employees of Department of Information Services in Ghanzi on  COVID-19 precautionary  measures on Tuesday, Ms Makafiri said  cleaning should not only be frequent but should be improved during coronavirus era.

She emphasised segregation of cleaning equipment, adding that  cleaning tools used in toilets should not be used to clean offices.  She advised that colour coding of cleaning equipment was key.

Ms Makafiri explained that cleaning should be always started from the cleanest area to the dirtiest area and cleaners should always wear protective clothing to protect themselves from any splashes or spills.

After cleaning, she said protective clothing should be disposed or cleaned properly, noting that disposable protective gear should be disposed in ‘red bin or plastic’ designated for hazardous waste.

Ms Makafiri further said domestic gloves and self-squeezing mop bucket were ideal during this period.

She said after cleaning, one should safely remove the gloves and wash  hands with clean water and soap while the domestic gloves be immersed in the bleach for 2-3 minutes after use to kill germs ‘but should not be put for longer period because bleach will weaken the strength of the glove.’

Ms Makafiri also observed that due to coronavirus,  it was critical to trim fingernails to enable thorough hands wash with soap and water as longer nails may harbor germs and contribute to the possible spread of COVID-19.

Regarding mask use,  and care, she said appropriate steps must be taken before putting on and taking off masks, saying one should wash hands with soup and water or use hand sanitizer before using mask and after removing mask.

“Masks must cover nose and mouth and should be extended to the chin,” she explained and cautioned that ‘never touch the outside of the mask while wearing it because it may have trapped germs’.

She said surgical masks should be used once and should be disposed of properly and cloth masks should be kept clean as possible.

Ms Makafiri also cautioned that masks should not be put in pockets and handbags.   

She said when operating infrared thermometer one should maintain social distancing and the thermometer should not be in physical contact with the body whose temperatures was being detected.  ENDS