Coronavirus (COVID-19) online shop policy

 Online stores in South Africa are experiencing increased sales as consumers avoid physical stores due to the Coronavirus.

Online shopping is a perfect solution during a time when physical interaction should be limited.  We have implemented the following policy to ensure that our product and online customer are as safe as possible.

Policy purpose

This company policy includes the measures actively taken to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. All staff and visitors are to follow these rules diligently, to sustain a healthy and safe environment. The Company will ensure where possible that all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions.

Workplace Plan & Policy

The company commits where possible to protect staff and clients from a potential coronavirus infection:

• If cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feeling poorly, request sick leave or to work from home;
• The company will Identify employees with pre-medical conditions, pregnant staff and staff who are over 60 years of age who are at high risk and ensure that their safety is addressed;
• If a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, staff can only return to the workplace after they have fully recovered, with a doctor’s note confirming recovery;
• Anybody returning from a high risk Covid-19 area, staff and or visitors are not allowed on the premises for 14 calendar days;
• All work trips and events – both domestic and international – are cancelled/postponed until further notice;
• Anybody who is planning voluntarily travel to a high-risk COVID-19 area, must self-quarantine for 14 calendar days before returning to the workplace;
• In-person meetings (company and non-company) will be done virtually where possible;
• Staff who commute by public transportation and do not have other alternatives will be supplied with the required PPE and must ensure that all necessary precautions are taken;
• Parents who have to stay at home with children, may request to work from home if possible;
• Staff who has to provide care to any person who is infected by COVID-19 must stay home. Such employee will only be permitted to return to the premises 14 calendar days after the patient has fully recovered, if they are asymptomatic or has a doctor’s note confirming that they don’t have the virus;
• Staff who have been in close contact with someone infected by COVID-19, with high chances of being infected must self-quarantine for 14 calendar days; and
• All visitors or staff members who show any coronavirus symptoms during screening will not be allowed to enter the premises.

Access to the Premises

• Nobody may enter the premises without wearing a clean mask;
• Nobody may enter the premises without sanitizing their hands at the entrance;
• Nobody may enter the premises without completing the screening questionnaire;
• Nobody may enter the premises with a temperature screen higher than 38 degrees;
• Social distancing must be at least 1 (one) meter where possible;
• Workstations and equipment must be disinfected pre & post all shifts;
• All door handles and common areas must be sanitized at least 3 times per day;
• Staff using the common areas must be staggered to prevent crowding;
• Staff are not allowed to leave their place of work without a good reason once they are inside the premises (prevent movement and must be screened every time they enter); and
• Isolate and refer anybody with Covid-19 symptoms to a screening center.

General hygiene rules

• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected;
• Frequently wash hands (after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing/sneezing);
• Handwash should follow the 20-second hand-washing rule;
• Use sanitizers frequently while moving around the premises;
• Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, a tissue, or preferably into your elbow (If a tissue was used, discard it properly and clean/sanitize hands immediately);
• Open the windows regularly and ensure open ventilation;
• If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact anybody and take extra precautionary measures to use PPE; and
• Should anybody experience Covid-19 systems, sanitize and seek medical attention immediately.

 

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is a crucial way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep staff and visitors safe.

• Supply all staff with 2 fabric facemasks (no charge to the employee);
• Ensure spare facemasks at the screening station when entering the premises for visitors;
• Ensure at least to 4 PPE kits for isolation (Contents = goggles, gloves, FFP2/N95 high filtration disposable mask, 100ml hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol);
• Ensure gloves, goggles, face shields, gowns, aprons, coats, overalls, hair and shoe covers are provided where appropriate and specific to the job;
• Set up sanitation stations throughout the workplace which is accessible to all and ensure that the containers are frequently replenished with hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol.

The Product

• All staff handling raw materials or finished goods are screened, wear PPE and sanitize regularly;
• Should we suspect that a staff member may be infected they will be sent home for self-quarantine and to seek medical attention;
• Should we suspect that the coronavirus may have entered our premises we will close the business, clean the entire workplace and screen all staff prior to opening the business for trade;
• All packages leaving the factory will be sanitized prior to being dispatched; and
• All returned packages will be sanitized prior to being place back into stock.

 Safe Delivery Tips for customers.
When receiving an order, we encourage customers to comply with the following:

• Sanitize your hands or wash with soap and water for 20 seconds after receiving and opening your parcel;
• Wear a face mask when dealing with the delivery person;
• Practice a safe social distance;
• Unbox goods and safely discard of the packaging; and
• Disinfect your goods.

 Due to the coronavirus and the new challenges all business face, you may experience a delay in delivery of your purchases. However we will do everything in our power to limit any inconvenience.

 It is the responsibility of all South African’s (employees, employers and visitors) to pro-actively ensure control measures in the workplace and on the premises are adhere to, to combat the coronavirus and secure the safety of all.