Back to Work!

After two weeks of “COVID-19 hibernation”, the Spanish Government has decided that non-essential workers may return to their jobs. In the Balearics, the re-activation will take place as of Tuesday, 14 April, 2020, the new rules including the sectors of construction, trade, security, refuse collection, cleaning and transportation.

The following rules have been issued to minimize the risk of contagion.

When to Stay Home #

If you have any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19, e.g. cough, fever and/or breathing problems, or if you were in contact with a person tested positive for the coronavirus, stay home. If you think you might have corona, call 902 07 90 70 or 971 43 70 79.

How to Get to Work and Back #

On your way to/from work, please keep a minimum distance of two metres from other people. Preferably use private means of transport. Going on a motorbike, bike, scooter and walking is not only allowed but recommended; or use your own car, making sure to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Whether you go by car, taxi or public means of transport, please note that only person is allowed per each row of seats.

When using public transport, the government recommends the use of face masks. The government promised these would be distributed at bus stops, but in case there is a shortage of supply we recommend you make your own. Click here for easy-to-follow instructions>>How to Make Sanitary Masks

Keep Your Distance #

When at work, wherever you are or go, please keep a safety distance of two metres. This rule must also be observed when entering or leaving the building. Employers are advised to put in place flexible schedules and stagger the start and end of shifts in a way that no crowds will form at entrance doors or in hallways. Attendance recording systems requiring fingerprint identification may not be used until further notice.

Disinfection is Key #

Employers must supply protection materials like face masks and gloves to any workers with customer contact. It is recommended for every employee to have his or her own private box to store these materials. All of these items should be regularly disinfected, especially where the medical professions, cleaning services and sales staff are concerned. As a means of payment, credit/debit cards should be preferred over cash.

The Basic Hygiene Rules #

Of course, the basic hygiene rules should be observed: no hugging, no shaking of hands and frequent washing of hands. Gel for hand disinfection should be supplied by your employer. Also, please, keep your workplace neat and tidy to allow cleaning staff to easily wipe-off all surfaces. For shift workers, the work place must be cleaned in between shifts., and the people who do the cleaning must wear a mask and gloves.

Clothes worn to work should be washed at a temperature of 60 to 90°C

Indoor workspaces should be thoroughly cross-ventilated at least once a day by opening all windows for 5 to 10 minutes. Room temperatures should be between 23 and 26°C. Air filters of air conditioning systems should be replaced or cleaned.

Take care. Stay safe.

Sources #

• Spanish Government
• Balearic Government
• Mallorca Zeitung