In the movie, a team of undercover operatives managed to accomplish a dangerous and difficult mission that brought the villain’s nefarious activities to a stop.
As our heroes leave offenders defeated and wondering what bludgeoned them (figuratively speaking) to damnation, we then hear the iconic musical score of the film Mission Impossible.
I love listening to this popular spy flick theme music because, not only does it give a feeling of adventure, it reminds me that no matter how difficult the problem is, it can be solved with brainpower, talent, skill, speed and teamwork.
I especially admire how the Mission Impossible team managed to outwit the enemy without using violence (I’m referring to the original tv series, not the Tom Cruise film version).
Our COVID19 frontline workers and vaccine lab specialists personify that team of undercover heroes. Their work in defeating this pandemic also takes teamwork, skill, smarts and speed.
DTI7 FACES AN OUTBREAK
The swift breakout of the coronavirus in 2020 presented an alarming health crisis that the world continues to wrestle even in 2021.
In addition to the human impact, there is also a significant commercial impact currently being felt in the Philippines and globally.
In the center of it all are the frontliners including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel along with other key government agencies such as DOH, DOLE, LGUs etc., that are focusing on efforts to improve the compliance of business establishments to minimum health protocols. On top of this, the DTI also monitors supply and prices of basic necessities, raise consumer awareness, at the same time assist businesses establish their digital presence.
Even with the standard wearing of facemask, face shield, regular disinfection with alcohol and social distancing during field work, DTI frontliners are still susceptible to viral infection. Even if these employees turn out to be asymptomatic, the department sometimes has to close down a provincial office for disinfection.
Being in quarantine can be stressful not just to employees affected, but also to their families, as well as agency personnel left at the office.
So, in order to prevent a regular occurence from happening, DTI Region 7 has set its own health protocols. This is on top of the existing protocols set by COVID-19 Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Most of the DTI 7 health protocols focus on
preventing an employee from viral infection. It’s much easier to work towards preventing viruses than it is to fight them off once they’ve been acquired.
These DTI7 health protocols include the following:
- Washing of hands often with soap and water. DTI 7 prefers liquid soap with dispenser since this is much more convenient than a soap bar.
- Wearing of facemask within the office. Facemasks may be taken off if an employee is alone in a room.
- Using hand sanitizer regularly. Alcohol-based sanitizers are placed in conspicuous places within the office.
- Eating of meals in one’s own desk.
Some of employees practice eating one or two meals a day or what they call as intermittent fasting.
In my case, I eat brunch or a full meal once a day between 7:30 – 8:00 am during off-peak hours at the canteen. I graze throughout the rest of the day, usually after 5pm. Grazing means to eat small portions of food, as appetizers or the like, in place of a full-sized meal. I don’t need that much fuel at night since I sleep early.
Other than eating healthy food, I try to drink plenty of water to strengthen my immune system. When my body is strong, my immune system can do a better job of fighting off contaminants, including viruses and bacteria.
- Visiting the office canteen during off-peak hours only when there are less people. That time would be between 7:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
- Using office vehicles to transport employees to and from the office. This would lessen chances of contracting the virus from fellow passengers.
- Holding meetings and seminars via zoom or other digital conferencing apps. This apply not just to office but also personal meetings to connect with loved ones. Emails, texts, phone calls, and video chats are more important now than ever.
- Maintaining social distancing within the office. Employees usually sit one desk away from each other.
- Doing groceries during scheduled work-from-home days since employees would have time to take a bath after arriving home from the supermarket.
I try to buy only anti-inflammatory foods including fruits, vegetables, root crops; minimizing sugar, dairy and wheat based products.
- Assigning personnel as health and safety officers to look after the health needs of employees.
- Providing employees with facemasks and vitamins.
- Keeping mental and physical health of employees in check by video conferencing with a psychologist or medical doctor.
- Alternate scheduling of employees’ work-from-home to lessen number of employees reporting to the office.
- Using ultra-violet disinfectant for documents and packages, installing air purifiers in strategic areas of the office. Using temperature gun and QR codes to monitor health of employees.
- Vaccination of employees. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect employees by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.
THE TAKEAWAY
We’re living through a national and global health crisis that the world has not seen for a long time. It has entirely changed how businesses operate and how people go about their daily lives.
The pandemic isn’t over yet and the new normal hasn’t yet fully sunk in people’s consciousness.
Until COVID 19 is clearly under control, it’s important to take heed of health protocols and focus on taking care of ourselves, our co-workers, our loved ones, and our communities.
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