Coronavirus health and hygiene for nannies

It’s practically impossible at the moment to switch on the news, pick up a newspaper, or listen to the radio without hearing or seeing the words coronavirus or COVID-2019.

At myTamarin, the health and wellbeing of our nannies, maternity nurses and parents is of paramount importance. That’s why we want to make sure you’re as fully armed with facts about the coronavirus and the precautionary measures we are taking at myTamarin to minimise the spread of the virus.

This FAQ has been written for nannies and maternity nurses and is meant as a guide only. You will need to be totally comfortable with any steps you take. We have also published a version for parents.

WHAT STEPS IS MYTAMARIN TAKING TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS?

First and foremost, we’re making sure all our nannies, maternity nurses and parents are familiar with the preventative steps that should be taken to help avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.

We are continuing to place nannies with families but we are taking additional precautionary measures and asking nannies, maternity nurses and parents to self-declare if they have travelled abroad, have been otherwise exposed to the virus, or are displaying any of the key symptoms.

In addition, we have created a short, practical (and free!) course for nannies with tips and guidelines to help prepare them for different situations. If you are a nanny, sign up to receive the course details here. If you are a parent, sign up here.

CORONAVIRUS: THE BASICS

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

The coronavirus symptoms and severity of symptoms can vary greatly. The main symptoms to look out for are a high temperature (or fever), a cough, and a shortness of breath. These symptoms can also apply to much more common illnesses such as a cold or the flu. So, if you are displaying these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the coronavirus.

How do I avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus?

These four preventative measures will reduce the chances of you catching the coronavirus or spreading it:

Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water to kill viruses that may be on your hands. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice! Hand sanitiser is also a good way to keep hands clean when out and about, but washing your hands is always better.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. That’s why you’re advised to wash your hands often. If your hands are contaminated, they can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth and from there the virus can enter your body.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately. Covering your nose or mouth with your hand isn’t enough of a barrier.

Maintain social distance

It may not always be possible but try to maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they will spray small liquid droplets form their nose which may contain the virus. And if you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets and catch the virus.

Will wearing a face mask protect me from catching the coronavirus?

Wearing a mask does not guarantee protecting you completely from the virus, but does protect others if you have tested positive, or are carrying the virus but are asymptomatic. Wearing a mask is mandatory if you are in shops or on public transport, so make sure you have one on you at all times.

PRACTICAL ADVICE IN THE HOME

Are there any specific guidelines around germs in the home and cleaning?

To help prevent the spread of coronavirus in your home:

· use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible

· don’t share towels and wash all towels at 60C (140F) immediately after use

· wash sheets, etc., at 60C (140F) – once a week for adults and every two days for children

· don’t leave dirty laundry in the washing machine as any remaining germs can multiply rapidly

· don’t share plates, glasses or utensils and wash well immediately after use

· for toys that can’t be put in the washing machine, wash them with soapy water, rinse with clear water and wipe dry with disposable paper towels. It’s also advisable to disinfect them with a chlorine bleach solution of one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water

Is there any advice on preparing meals for children?

· wash your hands before and after you have finished preparing food for the children

· if you are tasting the food before you give it to the children, use different utensils

· don't blow on the children's food to cool it down

DURING THE NANNY SEARCH OR PLACEMENT

What should I do if I have a temperature, cough or difficulty breathing?

If you are feeling unwell and think you are experiencing any of the coronavirus symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate and book a coronavirus test. If your test comes back negative, you can go back to work, but if you are positive, you must stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days. You must also provide the details of those you have been in contact with to track and trace.

For more information, please refer to the most up-to-date guidelines provided on the government website, and remember to check regularly for the latest update.

Should I continue going to interviews and trials?

If you are not experiencing any of symptoms and have not been exposed to someone with the coronavirus then it is okay to go to face-to-face interviews and trials. You should not go to an interview if you are self isolating.

What should I do during an interview of trial?

Please make sure you are aware of the steps you can take to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus and more specifically:

take your shoes off
ask for the bathroom to wash your hands
don't shake hands, hug or kiss - when you come in, or when you leave
ask for permission to hold / play with the children
if you do cough or sneeze, use a paper tissue, or the crook of your elbow, then go wash your hands again

One of the main reasons you’re doing a trial is to see how you get on with and interact with the children. Remember to wash your hands at regular interviews and if you cough or sneeze try to move away from the children and cover your nose and mouth.

Should I still go to work if they start shutting schools and businesses and the parents are working from home?

If it comes to schools and businesses closing, this is to avoid the spread of the virus from keeping too many people together in an enclosed space. So, if places are closing just for prevention and not in order to put people in isolation, then yes you should go to work as usual. The same applies if your employers are working from home for preventative reasons. After all, they will still be working so will need you to be there to look after the children and keep them entertained.

What happens if a member of the family gets the virus?

If a member of the family gets the coronavirus they will need to self-isolate for 14 days and this means you will need to as well. This can be done at the family’s home (if you are a live-in nanny) or your home. Please refer to the most up-to-date guidance provided on the government website.

THE STATS

Most of the cases of coronavirus are mild and won’t result in death. As with many other viruses, certain age groups, especially the elderly will be more susceptible. And in general, relatively few cases are seen among children.

Worldometer has published figures on the probability of dying based on age group:

People aged 80+ years old have the highest probability of dying as a result of the coronavirus @ 14.8%

People aged 50-59 years old are @ 1.3%

People aged 40-49 years old are @ 0.4%

People aged 30-39 years old are @ 0.2%

People aged 20-29 years old are @ 0.2%

0 – 9 years old – are extremely unlikely to die from the coronavirus

In a similar way, the probability of dying from coronavirus is also increased in cases where patients suffer from pre-existing medical conditions. Find out more here.

Take our online Coronavirus safety and hygiene course here.

Tamarins are monkeys who parent in family groups – like a village – helping each other while children are small.

Are you ready to join our village?

Parents sign up here to begin your nanny search.

Nannies sign up here to find your next family. Alternatively, you can send your CV to hello@mytamarin.com and we will be in touch!

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