S2 - Social Distancing

What is social distancing?

The practice of social distancing means less contact between your employees and other people, minimising the risk of infection and limiting the spread of germs. Social distancing should be practised in the workplace during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as in public and when using public transport where possible.

What if an employee is sick?

If you have an employee who presents as sick, the most important thing you can do is send them home to stay away from others. If employees have cold or flu symptoms, regardless of whether it relates to coronavirus or not, they should not come to work. Managers can ask unwell team members to go home if they appear unwell in the workplace.

How do we practice social distancing if employees are well and in the workplace?

• Attempt to keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between you and other people where possible, including in meeting rooms.
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, kissing or touching other people.
• Organise meetings to be held via video or phone conference where possible.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (20 seconds or more) with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Avoid eating lunch in common areas – eat at your desk and clean up after yourself, or eat outside where possible.
• Wipe down surfaces and devices (mobile phone, keyboard, mouse, etc).
• Limit food handling and the sharing of food where possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. You should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or barrier, or cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Used tissues should be placed in a bin, and hands immediately washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face.
• You should continue to practice social distancing measures outside of the workplace.

Further information on social distancing can be found on the NSW Health Website