As safety is our first priority at FoodCloud, FoodCloud are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and have taken all relevant precautionary measures in line with government guidelines (WHO, Department of Health, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the HPSC and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).

FoodCloud are also closely monitoring the impact of the situation on our charity partners. During this time we call on our food industry partners to continue donations as normal to ensure continuity of service to those communities that are often forgotten in times of uncertainty.  At this time, Ireland is in a containment phase, but in order to stop the spread of coronavirus, it is important that we each do our part.

FoodCloud is taking the additional following precautionary measures:

Including employees, anyone who has travelled to affected areas, has any related symptoms, or has been in contact with an active case during the past 14 days are asked to reschedule their visit to FoodCloud. Signs have been posted at all entry points and emails have been sent.

Increased number of informational signs:

1. Proper handwashing technique as it is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection.
2. Covid-19 prevention advice including knowing the symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Respiratory Symptoms
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath

3. Respiratory hygiene:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Put the used tissue in the bin and wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipe if handwashing facilities are not available, and wash your hands as soon as you can).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wiping down and spraying frequently used surfaces, like canteen tables, door handles, and lightswitches with disinfectant spray.

To ensure we can do this at least twice daily, we have two Hygiene Champions to assist us with this.

If staff are otherwise concerned and need to work from home while the virus is circulating, please speak with your manager so arrangements can be made. We ask that everyone bring their laptops home with them daily.

A committee has been put in place to review the unfolding situation daily in the morning

Volunteers:

• Those volunteering on a one-time basis are being notified via email if they have travelled to affected areas, have any symptoms, or have been around an active case during the past 14 days, their volunteering day will be rescheduled.
• Regularly scheduled volunteers will receive this reminder email weekly.
• All volunteers are instructed to wash their hands regularly.

Drivers/Warehouse Operatives:

• As these employees interact with external organizations (charities, community groups, and food suppliers), we have introduced daily check-ins and extra precautions to reiterate the importance of washing their hands frequently and using disinfectant wipes when handwashing facilities are not available.

What you can do:

We all have a duty to ourselves, our co-workers, and all of our business partners to make sure we are taking personal responsibility to protect each other through the following preventative measures:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow the link for the most effective handwashing procedure.
2. Follow respiratory hygiene:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Put the used tissue in the bin and wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipe if handwashing facilities are not available, and wash your hands as soon as you can).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use disinfectant wipes or gel-based hand sanitizer when handwashing facilities are not available and wash your hands as soon as you are able.

3. If you use the canteen, please make sure that you put your dishes in the dishwasher or wash them thoroughly with soap and hot water.

4. In order to keep the kitchen tidy and hygienic at all times, we will be assigning teams to clean the kitchen after lunch and at the end of the day.

If you experience any Covid-19 symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath), please do not come to work.  Contact the HSE to arrange testing: 1850 24 1850, https://www.hse.ie/eng/hselive/  Do not present at your GP or A&E without first calling.  Discuss with your manager or HR and we will arrange sick leave or working from home, whichever is appropriate.

If you have travelled to an affected area (listed below), or if you have come into contact with someone who is experiencing an active case of Covid-19, please immediately alert your manager and HR.  We will arrange working from home or sick leave so that you can self-isolate.

Affected areas are:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Iran
• Japan
• The following regions in Italy: Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, or Piedmont  

The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against non-essential travel to the above listed regions in Italy. If you are traveling anywhere in the near future, you can visit the DFA’s website for Travel Advice.

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