Belize Institute of Management
Management and Training Institution

Coronavirus: How to Prepare for an Outbreak

Avoid Panic, Do Prepare + Do Prevent

Coronavirus (COVID-19), while the Health Experts advise on the do's and don'ts to guide the preparation and prevention of the spread of this virus, we encourage employers and businesses to establish their health management plan early.  Raineldo D. Guerrero, Chairman Belize Institute of Management.


In the Workplace

  • Have plans that focus on preparation and prevention, not panic.
  • So, this means employee communication is critical, therefore, stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest Office of Director of Health Services information.
  • In addition to this, stock up on needed office supplies and other products that might be affected by a global manufacturing slowdown.
  • Furthermore, establish work-from-home policies or flexible sick leave if there is significant spread of the coronavirus across the country.
  • Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
  • Furthermore, perform routine environmental cleaning:
    •  For instance, place hand sanitizers in multiple locations to encourage hand hygiene.
    • Also, provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (i.e., doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.
  • Place posters that encourage:
    • Staying home when sick,
    •  Cough and sneeze etiquette,
    •  Hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas 
  • Instruct employees to:
    • Clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol,
    • Wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Develop plans in case the virus becomes more widespread, potentially resulting in containment efforts that might include, limiting public transportation or canceling large gatherings.
  •  If your workplace has no protection plan yet, ask for one.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus:

  • Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority.
  • Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.
  • Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following : https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public