COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Latest Advice for Agency Staff

/ Nursing Services of South Africa/
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Dear Agency Worker,

This letter adds to the advice sent on 2nd March 2020. The key changes are to expand the case definition to include those presenting with certain symptoms, regardless of travel history.

To improve case detection in those with no geographic link, if you present symptoms as indicated below and you are not sure if you have been exposed, please contact the NICD 011 386 6400 for further advice:

  • Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia or

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome

  • Influenza-like illness

  • Shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever)

  • OR fever with no other symptoms

Individuals who may have been in contact with those with a confirmed case

You are reminded of your duty to immediately inform us of any Coronavirus exposure that you might have had and if you do develop symptoms, you should use NICD (if you have no internet access, you should call 011 386 6400).

If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact your consultant or email oh@a24group.com 

Additional Infection Control Precautions

We would recommend that all staff do not travel in their uniform, rather to wear civilian/plain clothing and once you arrive at the client/service user premises to change into uniform after sanitising in accordance to general infection control protocol. Please ensure your uniforms are regularly laundered, certainly for each and every shift. As usual please adhere to all client requests.

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Catch It. Bin It. Kill It. Help Reduce Infections

  • Catch It: Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues, to catch your cough or sneeze

  • Bin It: Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue safely, ASAP

  • Kill It: Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands frequently

Experts provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning:

Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stuffiness or tightness, etc. it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection.

Everyone should ensure that their mouth and throat are moist, never dry. Take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. The water will help wash the germs into your stomach, where your stomach acid will kill the virus - instead of it spreading into your lungs.

A24 Group Agency Staff Enquiries and Assistance

Should you have any queries related to timesheets, payslips, or any other enquiry, kindly refrain from visiting the agency in person. Instead, please use the free Live Chat service on www.staffshift.com, email us on info@a24group.com or call us on 087 357 0644 and we will promptly assist you.

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Yours sincerely,
The A24 Group Compliance Team