How to keep your workplace coronavirus-free

That's according to the World Health Organisation who says business owners can play a significant role in stopping the spread of this disease.

With now seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa, local businesses are urged to create and clean environment. 

To date, there are more than 110,000 people infected, while over 4,000 people have died from the virus.

Africa yesterday, confirmed its first death in Egypt.

READ: First coronavirus death recorded in Canada, death toll climbs to 4 000

WHO says employees should be well prepared, even if COVID-19 has not arrived in the communities where they operate.

Here are some recommendation from WHO:

. Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic

. Surfaces (e.g. desks and tables) and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly. Contamination on surfaces touched by employees and customers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads.

. Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.

. Before embarking on a business trip,employees should consult national travel advice.

. Anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. 

. While travelling, employees should wash their hands regularly and stay at least one meter away

from people who are coughing or sneezing. 

. Employees who have returned from an area where COVID-19 is spreading should monitor

themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.