IPHM Covid-19 Certificate Awareness Course with (NHS & Gov.uk Guidelines) 

By completing this IPHM Virus Awareness Certified Course using some of the NHS Guidelines, Gov.uk guidlines and including common sense you will demonstrate
to your co-workers and clients of your intention to deliver a
service that is safe and that you have their best interests at heart. 

This is a free awareness course and the certificate will show you have completed and understood how best to offer your clients a clean and safe envirnoment

Transmission of any infectious virus

An infected person may exhale the virus by coughing or sneezing which could then be transferring infected droplets by as much as 6ft. Therefore during a pandemic or epidemic of any kind it is advisable to keep a distance whenever possible so as not to help spread the virus. 

 

What are the risks of getting Covid-19

According to UK government scientist Chris Whitty Chief Medical Officer (11/5/2020) aprox 80% of people may never show symptoms or if they do they will be mild. 20% of high risk patients may get symptoms but will recover. 1% or less may get seriously ill or die from covid-19. Please note this information may vary in different countries. 

Surfaces

Cold viruses have been shown to survive on indoor surfaces for approximately seven days. Flu viruses, however, are active for only 24 hours.

All viruses have the potential to live on hard surfaces, such as metal and plastic, longer than on fabrics and other soft surfaces. In fact, infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues for only 15 mins.

Cleaning your Work Area or Station

The best defense against active viruses remains thorough hand washing. In addition, wiping down surfaces with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based cleaners will help kill viruses and decrease the chances of transmission. During in any outbreak it is important that you clean your area regularly and after each client. 

 

 

Person to Person Infection

Having direct contact by an infected person to a none infected person is known as the route of transmission

Symptoms of Covid-19 

Fever, Breathlessness, Exhaustion, Dry Cough, Muscle Pain and Loss of Sense of Smell. 

Pregnancy and coronavirus (NHS guidelines)

If you are pregnant you may be unsure how coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care. The information will also apply to any client who may be pregnant and the advise is the same.

It's important to let your midwife or maternity team know if you have symptoms of coronavirus, and to ask them for help with any other concerns as you usually would.

Coronavirus in pregnancy (NHS guidance)

There's no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus.

But pregnant women have been included in the list of people at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) as a precaution.

This is because pregnant women can sometimes be more at risk from viruses like flu.

It's not clear if this is the case with coronavirus. But as it's a new virus it's safer to include pregnant women in the moderate-risk group.

 

Those at Higher Risk 

• Over 65yr olds
• High blood pressure, heart disease
• Diabetes, clients on medication to suppress immune system
• Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, inflammatory disorders

Working with clients at the greatest risk

Consider setting hours to allow your clients at greater risk to come
in without risk of others. You could arrange a special time slot for clients with higher risk factors so that they feel they are in a safe environment

Social Distancing (Gov.uk) advise

Social distancing applies to all parts of a business, not just the place where people spend most of their time, but also entrances and exits, break rooms, canteens and similar settings. These are often the most challenging areas to maintain social distancing.

Social Distancing for beauty & health professionals

There is no way to provide a truly sterile service as you cannot always actually socially distance from your client. You can however, ease your clients concerns by discussing with them that you have taken a certification in infection control principles and you are prepared to mitigate any risks and make it as safe as can be.

Transmission of any infectious virus

An infected person may exhale the virus by coughing or sneezing which could then be transferring infected droplets by as much as 6ft. Therefore during a pandemic or epidemic of any kind it is advisable to keep a distance whenever possible so as not to help spread the virus. 

Surfaces

Cold viruses have been shown to survive on indoor surfaces for approximately seven days. Flu viruses, however, are active for only 24 hours.

All viruses have the potential to live on hard surfaces, such as metal and plastic, longer than on fabrics and other soft surfaces. In fact, infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues for only 15 mins

Cleaning your Work Area or Station

The best defense against active viruses remains thorough hand washing. In addition, wiping down surfaces with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based cleaners will help kill viruses and decrease the chances of transmission. During in any outbreak it is important that you clean your area regularly and after each client. 

Infection control

1. All non-porous implements cleaned and disinfected after single use.
2. High touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected frequently including door handles, shampoo bowls/handles and payment equipment.
3. Personal items should be handled as little as possible including your phone during service.
4. All single use items should be clearly new prior to the service and discarded afterwards.
5. Regular hand washing is important after and before seeing clients.

Correct use of Disinfectants

Have them on hand when your client enters your premises: wipes, immersion spray etc.

Demonstrate, Display and be proud of your commitment

1. Encourage dialogue with your clients about practising infection control measures in front of them.
2. Display your certified IPHM Covid-19 Certificate to demonstrate you have taken a course in safe services.
3. Discuss any signs of health concern with your clients and recommend medical care when appropriate.
4. Share the belief with your co-workers that taking the time to do infection
control is good for your customers and your business.

 

PPE (personal protective equipment)

Masks

There has been quite a lot of contradictory advice with regard to whether masks are helpful or not. Some scientists agree that they can help to stop the spread whilst others have stated it could make matters worse and by incorrectly wearing a mask could make you sick. Please use common sense and your own Countries rules or guidelines in this matter.

For therapists and beauty consultants this is maybe something you already wear at work. If you are a counsellor or offering a similar service then wearing a mask is not practical and could make your client uncomfortable and of course act as a barrier when communicating.

Wearing a mask at work the correct way

1.Worn to protect others from you. It can be seen as a sign of respect to your clients to wear a mask at this present time. Available masks should be disposable or freshly laundered. 
2. Masks should cover the bridge of your nose to below your chin and not hang loose at the sides. 
3. Disposable single use masks should be made available should your clients request one.

Gloves

1. If gloves are being worn then they should be for single use only and replaced prior to service each time.
2. Gloves must be thrown away after single use and never worn twice or for a long period of time.
3. Hands must be washed after removal of gloves.
4. Gloves of nitrile or vinyl should be chosen. If wearing latex gloves you must ensure that everyone in the establishment is asked if they have a latex allergy first. A latex allergy can be lethal for some people.

Gowns

1. If a gown is required this should be single use and must be put on immediately prior to service and discarded immediately after.

Tips and Advise on how to make your clients feel safer

1. Your clients expect good standards and this is important to adhere to especially during sensitive times like this. 
2. Consider sending a text or email to clients prior to their first appointment to let them know what you are doing to make your establishment safe.
3. Encourage them to ask questions to alleviate their concerns. This may be their first outing for a long time and they may understandably feeling nervous of going out in public.
4. Demonstrate your awareness of infection control, saying things like I am going to wash my hands and grab a clean towel. Offer them some hand gel or wipes also before starting your consultation or treatment.

Practical considerations to mitigate risks

1. Gatekeeper - use technology (text, email) or people to control how many people are in your establishment at any one time to enable to keep to social distancing rules.
2. Reduces number of people waiting.
3. Allows time to properly clean/disinfect between clients.
4. Contact information - You should have details of your clients name and contact number should you need to contact them with regard to a possible outbreak occurrence in your establishment, so they may take extra precautions.
5. Discontinue hand shaking, hugging. Why not use the Indian greeting symbol of Namaste which is a beautiful and respectful way to greet your clients.

The definition of Namaste (pronounced na, ma, stay) is both a physical gesture and a spoken spiritual salutation, which is the recognition of the divine spirit (or soul) in another by the divine spirit in you.

 

Disclaimer: IPHM have put together this guideline in good faith using currently recommended advise from various reliable sources including the NHS and Gov.Co.UK. This advise is subject to change and you should follow your own countries guidelines regarding going back to work and not rely on the information included here. Please note the information on here is not meant to take the place of health care or services you may need. Please see your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns.

By downloading your certificate you are agreeing that you have read and undertsood the course to the best of your ability.