Get Back to Work Safely by Using These Coronavirus Tips

As industries open, what we knew about work is changing. Though many are still working from home, you might find yourself back at your desk with a pile of abandoned memos and dried-up office plants. There’s a lot that’s different about this new normal, especially when it comes to best practices for keeping yourself and your coworkers safe. Get some safety tips from Dr. James Merlino, chief clinical transformation officer at the Cleveland Clinic.

Wear a mask. Wearing a mask reduces transmission of the virus, especially in combination with other precautions. “Well, we’re in a new normal, right? So for us to be successful, both our employees and our companies have to protect [themselves],” says Merlino. Though masks should be worn as much as possible, he notes that it’s okay to take it off to eat lunch or pull it down to sip your morning coffee. Just wash your hands before and after touching your face.

Clean shared surfaces. You don’t need to disinfect your computer or phone after every use. The most important surfaces to clean are ones that everyone touches. “If [you’re] sharing, cleaning every time the user is changing is probably a good idea. For instance, I’m the only one that uses my computer, everyday,” Merlino says. “But shared surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons, it is recommended that those get cleaned frequently.”

Save the handshake. Workplace protocols are changing our social norms. A firm handshake or friendly hug probably isn’t in your near future. “Any physical contact that isn’t necessary is not recommended. Hand shaking, touching, a slap on the back, elbow bumping — there’s just no good reason to do that,” Merlino says.

Remain self-aware. Stay vigilant about workplace safety practices, not only for yourself, but for others. It’s important not to slip back into old habits. “We’re all in this together,” Merlino says. “We can get back to work again if we’re thoughtful. Part of the challenge is that when we execute these practices to keep people safe, they get very comfortable, and over time, our performance can slip.”