Say No to Panic & Say Yes to Precaution
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| The Kanoo Group conducts mandatory temperature checks to all employees and guests when entering the office premises in Dubai, UAE |
Dubai, UAE: The Kanoo Group is instituting a
number of protocols in response to the coronavirus outbreak, including barring employees
from going to work when sick and mandating temperature checks through
contactless thermometer to all employees and guests when entering the office premises.
The company may decide
to restrict or deny entry to any person with symptoms of influenza and illness and
give them advice to undergo further screening by the Dubai Health Authority
when suspected to having the COVID-19.
Although The
Kanoo Group has so far zero cases for the novel coronavirus, the HR Department
headed by Ms. Maha Kanoo, General Manager – UAE & Oman
(HR & Marketing) has sent out circulars to all
employees outlining several measures to prevent outbreaks and has given detailed
information on the numbers to call
in case of emergency, including the steps for booking a COVID-19 Test provided
that a person meets the criteria set by world health
experts.
Earlier last
week, HR also instructed employees to fill up a Travel Declaration
Form for those who have travelled to infected countries within the last 28 days.
Those who have travelled in these areas were asked to go through
self-quarantine for a certain period, before re-joining.
The Kanoo Group
has also increased sanitary protocols such as installing sanitizers in all
workplace public areas and increased employee awareness on frequent hand
washing. It also has distributed a number of masks to each of the divisions.
To respond to any critical situation in the
future, The Kanoo Group has also formed a Quick Response Team to attend to any calls for guidance on
critical situation at any given time.
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| Employee uses hand sanitizer installed across The Kanoo Group premises |
Addressing the employees, Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager, Employee
Services & Emiratisation (UAE & Oman) said, “We would highly appreciate
your cooperation to keep our workspace as safe as possible. We also
encourage others to schedule their travel plans for a
later time.”
Mr. Mohammad Tariq, HR Manager (UAE & Oman) added, “We are
implementing as much as possible the most effective
measures to monitor, screen and protect the health of our employees. Everyone’s
safety and well-being are the highest priority of The Kanoo Group.”
The World Health Organization has advised the public on basic protective measures against the
new coronavirus including washing hands frequently with soap and water, or
using alcohol-based hand rub; maintaining social distancing (at least 1 metre
(3 feet) with people suffering from cough or fever; avoiding touching eyes,
nose and mouth; practicing respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose with
flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing) and avoiding physical contact
when greeting such as shaking hands.
Further, to those who have recently visited
infected areas, they are advised to stay at home if they begin to feel unwell,
even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until they recover.
If they develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they are advised to seek medical attention promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious
condition.
Tariq further
advised, “Follow our HR guidelines released from time to time,
and stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19.
Also follow advice given by our healthcare provider, our national and local
public health authority on how to protect yourself and others from the COVID-19. Don’t panic, don’t spread rumours as it may involve penal action by law.”
“Be polite towards colleagues who are showing flu
symptoms and practice self-isolation in case of sickness. Be supportive, careful,
alert, and kind.”
The Kanoo Group has also planned disinfection measures
across its premises which will be carried out the soonest.
