What If Someone Exposed To Coronavirus Has Been In?

Whether it is a staff member or customer, what to do next is a big question.

With the incubation period being 2 weeks it is likely it’s already happened but different situations mean different actions. Here we address the most likely.

What if a staff member or member of the public becomes unwell in your venue and believes it is coronavirus?

Arguably the nightmare scenario, but there are firm guidelines for you to follow.

If the person has not been to a ‘hotspot’ country in the last 14 days and the symptoms are not advanced (if they are, they probably shouldn’t have come out anyway but still) then simply send the staff member home or ask the customer to leave and reinforce they should call NHS111 as soon as they get home (if not before).

If the person has been to China or any other hotspot in the last 14 days or is visibly in advanced stages then the person should be removed to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people. Ideally find a room or area where they can be isolated behind a closed door, such as a staff office. If possible open a window for ventilation.

The person should immediately call NHS 111 or 999 if it is an emergency (this should be reserved for those who are seriously ill) to get advice.

Whilst waiting they should, as much as possible, not touch anything with their hands and cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissues available use the crook of their elbow.

At all times during this period they should be kept at least 2 meters away from anyone else.

We would suggest that, despite this being a very unlikely situation, a protocol should be put in place and all staff members should be aware of the plan and which space is to be used.

What if someone with suspected coronavirus has recently been into the venue?

Don’t panic. In essence the advice is carry on as normal whilst the laboratory test results are pending.

Most possible cases turn out to be negative so there is no need to worry until something is confirmed.

How about if someone has been in recently has a confirmed case of coronavirus?

You may, or may not, be surprised to hear that the government do not recommend closing the venue.

You will be contacted by the PHE local Health Protection Team to evaluate the situation. They will discuss who has been in contact with them and advise on any actions or precautions that should be taken.

A risk assessment report will be undertaken by the Health Protection Team and they will advise on any ongoing measures. They will also want to speak to any staff member who:

  • Was in close face-to-face or touching contact, talking with or being coughed on whilst the person was symptomatic
  • Cleaned up any bodily fluid
  • Was living in shared housing with the person (if a fellow employee)

These staff members will be assessed and may have to go into self-isolation at home and will be monitored by the Health Protection Team.

This is not on any government advice forum but we would suggest cleaning and sanitising the fuck out of the place as well!

As is so often the case with coronavirus advice common sense is mainly what you need combined with a lack of panic.

This story is correct as of March 16th.

If you have any areas you would like BarLifeUK to look into regarding coronavirus that you don’t see covered in the coronavirus section please email simon@barlifeuk.com and we will try to find an expert to answer them and get back to you.