While some workplaces continue to work at home as part of the fight against Covid-19, some companies are slowly returning to the office. Reminding that precautions must be kept strict against the possible second wave, experts say that the rules on masks, physical distance and hand hygiene must be fulfilled for those who return to the office.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Songül Özer drew attention to the measures to be taken in the office in the new period.
The danger still persists
Noting that the danger of an outbreak is still ongoing and the number of cases has increased, Dr. Songül Özer said, "Whatever warnings we made at the beginning of the pandemic process, these warnings are still valid. Maybe this may continue in the fall. We will definitely wash our hands under all circumstances. We will definitely pay attention to maintaining a distance of 1.5 - 2 meters and we will definitely wear a surgical mask. We will definitely change surgical masks every 3-4 hours."
Pay attention to the distance between desks!
Noting that tables should be separated instead of sitting together in an open office at work, Dr. Songül Özer said, "There should be a seating arrangement with a distance of about 2 meters between each table. If this is not possible, front and back separators should be placed on the tables and the employee should work in this area."
How should the dining hall be organized?
Dr. Songül Özer reminded that especially meal times are important and that the staff come together during lunch hours and said, "The arrangement in the dining halls is very important. We recommend reducing the number of tables and opening the distance between the existing tables. Even in the open area of the cafeteria, the number of chairs should be reduced and the distance between the tables should be widened. If different people need to use the same table, there should be partitions or diagonal seating systems should be developed. In addition, food should be served by dining hall staff instead of open buffet."
Change your mask as it gets damp
Stating that it becomes difficult to use masks in the summer months, Dr. Songül Özer reminded that masks that become moist due to heat and heat should be changed frequently and said, "It is necessary to change the mask as soon as you feel that it is moist. Because as soon as it is moisturized, its structure has deteriorated," she warned.
How should the air conditioners in the office be used?
Stating that we should be careful in the use of air conditioners these days when we are in the middle of the summer months, Dr. Songül Özer said, "The use of air conditioners is inevitable due to the season. However, there are some rules for using air conditioners in terms of infection. These must be followed. There are many other bacteria, especially Legionella, which can be transmitted by air conditioning. Especially air conditioners that have not been used for a long time must be maintained annually before their first use. In other words, we strongly recommend that the bacteria that are nested in it, which are likely to be nested, be removed."
Dr. Songül Özer said, "If an air conditioner that has not been used for a long time is to be used for the first time, ventilation should be done by opening the windows and doors in the first 10-15 minutes after it is turned on. After this process, the air conditioner should be operated by closing the window and door."
