SAFE AND EFFECTIVE SANITATION IS KEY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY…

AS more businesses start to reopen under the government’s phasing strategy, a coordinated sanitation effort between businesses, employees and customers will be key to a successful return to economic activity.

Right now, businesses are leaving nothing to chance in their preparations: hand sanitizer, face masks, gloves, social distancing markings on floors, information signs, etc., These are all important requirements for the resumption of trading as it gives confidence to consumers knowing they are shopping in a place committed to implementing effective sanitation rules.

But there is also a requirement/responsibility on the consumer. Having a ‘one-way’ sanitation policy, so to speak, doesn’t work unless everyone buys into the concept for the safety of staff and fellow customers.

For example, consumers need to adopt effective hygiene habits in what is a totally different environment to that which existed pre-COVID-19. Carelessly coughing and sneezing in public is no longer acceptable. Hand hygiene is equally necessary when shopping and socialising.

Washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer – and not wearing gloves for multiple use – is the advice. In short: if you plan on shopping, please implement good hygiene habits, which will complement the effort already made by local businesses to make your shopping experience a safe one.

The ‘we’re in this together’ slogan was popular throughout the pandemic. But the same ‘we’re in it together’ approach is needed if we’re to kick start our local economy, industry and hospitality sectors. It’s incumbent on all of us that good, safe and effective hygiene habits become the norm.