The tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound effect on the lives of millions of people around the world. The threat of the disease and increasing casualties are destabilising our communities and forces us to quickly adopt different ways of connecting with each other and working.
During this crisis, security personnel are not only expected to continue their usual levels of service to the public, but are also expected to assist in community and government efforts combating the virus.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) “there is a clear correlation between exposure to disease, and physical proximity to others across all occupations.”
In the circumstances, there is no surprise that the data published by the ONS in May 2020 stated that men working as security guards had one of the highest COVID death rates.
Although chances of being infected can be reduced by taking some simple precautions, the very nature of the role of security officers makes this job one of the occupations more exposed to the risk of Coronavirus.
3 things security personnel should know about Coronavirus:
1. Maintaining social distance does prevent direct infection
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from other persons will protect yourself from direct exposure.
However, working as a Door Supervisor or Security Guard will mean that you will meet and come across many different people and the 6 feet distance is not doable. You may also encounter conflict and this may make social distancing even more difficult.
2. Practicing proper hand hygiene and NOT touching your face with unwashed hands does prevent indirect infection
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you. It is therefore important to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub, to kill viruses that may land on your hands from contaminated surfaces.
3. Wearing a face mask does not prevent infection
While wearing a face mask in public can help limit the spread of the coronavirus, the virus can infect a person through the eyes.
In conclusion, it is more vital than ever before that security professionals are equipped with the skills and aware of the Coronavirus, the signs to look out for and how to prevent infection.
