Employers are being encouraged to develop

regular cleaning schedules for all work areas in an effort to prevent the

spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is

advising that the surfaces of desks and tables should be wiped clean with soap

and water and disinfected with commercial bleach wipes at the end of each day.

In addition, light switches, elevator

buttons, telephones and keyboards should be cleaned with a cotton ball

moistened with alcohol at concentration at 62 per cent and above.

Employers should also arrange to have

carpets steam-shampooed or vacuumed weekly, while tiled floors should be

cleaned daily using soap and water and disinfected with commercial bleach.

The ministry’s further advised that

businesses should service or clean air condition units (central and split-unit

models) and ensure that all filters are washed weekly.

Business owners are encouraged to follow

the updates issued by the Ministry, check the Ministry’s website at

www.moh.gov.jm or call 888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683) for more information.

The ministry continues to encourage persons

to adhere to the health precautions to avoid contracting the virus.

These include maintaining a distance of at

least one metre from persons who are coughing or sneezing; frequent and

thorough washing of hands using soap and water or hand sanitiser; covering the

mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing and then discarding it; and

resisting the urge to touch the face.