Information for Businesses
For most workplaces it is business as usual and staff should stay home only if they have 'flu-like' symptons of if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having the 'swine flu' public health staff will assess them and decide if they should be isolated and started on Tamiflu. The Ministry of Health has the power to force isolation if they think it will limit the spread of the disease. The impact on your business will be less if you are prepared. Large staff absences due to illness will affect your continued operations. Aim to plan and prevent - so you can keep your business in business.
All staff should be practicing safe personal hygiene. Read our Guide on how to protect yourself and others in the workplace. Also available is our handy Poster to put up in your workplace to help prevent or minimise the risk of infection.
Provide your staff with liquid hand soap, hand sanitizers, disposable towels, tissues, masks and gloves to keep your staff well and limit the spread of the virus though your workplace.
Use our checklist which may help you decide what to order - either at the online shop or in your nearest Radius Pharmacy store. Browse our SHOP here.
We offer special discounts for businesses. For orders over $500 please email info@radiuspharmacy.co.nz or call 0800 22 88 22 to discuss a Business or Corporate discount.
Workplace Questions and Answers:
I have a staff member who has swine flu and has been placed into quarantine. When can they return to work?
Cases identified by a doctor will usually be asked to go into quarantine for 3 days from the start of antiviral medication like Tamiflu, otherwise they may be asked to remain in quarantine for 7 days or 24 hours after the last signs of symptoms whichever is longer.
What do I do if someone at my school/workplace is unwell?
As with all influenza viruses, personal hygiene remains vital in protecting yourself against the swine flu virus. Some hygiene procedures which can greatly reduce the chances of getting influenza or passing it on to others include:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in a plastic lined rubbish bin after you use it.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before meals. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• If you have the flu, you should avoid public places and close contact with others, especially children.
How will the pandemic level affect how I manage my workplace?
Now is the right time for you to be reviewing your businesses continuity plan. Some businesses may be able to allow their staff to do some work from home. You should ensure your staff have access to personal protection supplies such as hand sanitizers, liquid soap, tissues, masks and disposable gloves. Use the checklist to help decide what you need.
SHOP NOW
Visit our SHOP to get workplace supplies.We offer special discounts for businesses. For orders over $500 please email info@radiuspharmacy.co.nz or call 0800 22 88 22 to discuss a Business or Corporate discount.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as laptops and door handles)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and land on any surface. The virus will then be spread when someone touches a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
What cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
It is important to keep surfaces (especially desks, keypads, kitchen counters and other areas your staff are likely to come into contact with) clean by wiping them down with a normal household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
