Sanitary and Epidemiological Compliance Guidelines Presented for Organizations in Artsakh

The Information Headquarters of Artsakh has disseminated information regarding the maintenance of sanitary and epidemiological rules in organizations, the potential dangers of violations, and the organization of related activities.

"The right to have a healthy and safe working environment is a constitutional right of every worker, and the obligation to ensure this rests with the employer. In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and to ensure safe and health-friendly conditions for employees, the following measures should be implemented for the organization of workplace safety:

• Ensure the availability of regular and thorough handwashing facilities (sinks) and drying stations.
• Provide water and soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, three-layer masks, and gloves in the workplace.
• Ensure that employees who have direct contact with customers wear masks.
• Ensure at least one faucet for every 10 employees.
• Provide covered trash bins for disposing of used masks.
• Measure each employee's temperature at least twice a day (using remote or individually assigned thermometers), including one measurement upon arrival at work, and make corresponding notes in the logbook.
• Disinfect surfaces at least twice a day, specifically door handles, tables, frequently touched surfaces (equipment surfaces, light switches, handles on devices, remote control panels, commonly used phones, computers, keyboards, and mice, as well as pens used by customers or others in banks and organizations), restrooms, and surfaces used for hand contact.
• Use chlorine-based or 60-80% alcohol disinfectants in accordance with the attached methodological guide for disinfection.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters between workplaces (according to WHO guidelines).
• Provide changing rooms for personal (outdoor and home) and working attire for sanitary clothing.
• As much as possible, limit incoming and exclude outgoing business trips.
• Consider the absence of employees exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute respiratory infections (mild cough, fever) as justified, excluding their entry to the workplace. If symptoms arise during work, promptly notify the Artsakh Ministry of Health and ensure the employee is isolated.
• In the event of receiving information about an infected employee, promptly identify individuals who have been in contact with the infected person and inform the Artsakh Ministry of Health.
• If an employee is suspected of infection, call the Ministry of Health hotline, and, if possible, immediately disinfect the area where the employee worked, as well as any other area and surface that may have been accessed by that employee.
• If needed, provide remote work opportunities for isolated individuals.

Work Organization

• Ensure flexible working conditions aimed at reducing the number of people simultaneously present in the workplace for single mothers, pregnant women, individuals aged 60 and above, those with diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases or other chronic illnesses, and employees caring for the sick and children.
• In case of suspected illness in the workplace, and in the presence of non-characteristic symptoms of the infection, instruct the employee to promptly transition to a remote work mode, or if not possible, instruct the employee to leave the workplace.
• Implement necessary mechanisms for organizing work from home, ensuring compliance with the labor legislation of Artsakh regarding remuneration for work.
• Inform employees about safe behavior practices, in particular: avoiding close contact with others through handshaking, kissing, hugging; covering mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow (not hand) when coughing or sneezing; immediately discarding used tissues in a closed trash bin; frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based sanitizers when washing is not possible; wearing masks and gloves when in direct contact with customers, preferably also wearing an outer garment (sanitary clothing); avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth; and maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters from individuals with respiratory infection symptoms.
• At the beginning and end of the workday, disinfect the table, computer, and other frequently used items.
• Clarify to employees about their individual responsibility for disinfecting the usage area.

Employee Awareness Information Leaflet

What is the virus? Coronaviruses can cause both mild (acute respiratory infection, cold) and severe diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The virus is termed “New” as it has recently been discovered. It is likely that the virus has an animal origin, and there is now evidence that it can be transmitted from human to human.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

How is the virus spread? The virus spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected individual, via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with these droplets (e.g., doorknobs or tables) and then touching one’s mouth or face.

How long can a person be infectious to others? The Ministry of Health currently suggests 14 days of isolation for travelers returning from COVID-19 at-risk countries and for those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases.

Who is in a high-risk group for severe disease development? Some infected individuals may show no symptoms, some may exhibit very mild cases and recover easily, while others may experience severe and rapid illness. High-risk groups for severe disease include individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients), adults aged 70 and above, individuals with chronic diseases, and young children and infants.