PAGESThe UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has issued the following information on the outbreak of
coronavirus (COVID-19), including how to prepare your business, with guidance on supply chains,
sales, factories and key workers.
EXECUTIVECoronavirus/COVID-19
Why? Whenever you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical atten-
tion promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Respiratory
symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and depending on your personal travel history and
circumstances, COVID-19 could be one of them.UKFT urges all companies to consider some of the issues they may face over the coming weeks and
months, and prepare for any disruption the outbreak may cause by developing contingency plans and
issuing the necessary communication with both their employees and clients.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The symptoms of Coronavirus/COVID-19 are similar to other illnesses, especially “the flu” but the
degree of severity will vary from one person to another. It is believed that most people who contract
COVID-19 will recover but older people or those with underlying health issues (such as diabetes or
asthma or those having suffered a heart attack) are at far greater risk.
The main symptoms are: Cough; Temperature; Sore throat; Shortness of breath. If you have
fever, cough and or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
Contact the 24x7 Novel Coronavirus Helpline (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi): +91-
11-23978046, if you have travelled in an area where COVID-19 has been reported, or if you have been
in close contact with someone with who has respiratory symptoms, if you have symptoms or suspect
you may have the disease. The recommended self-quarantine period is at least 14 days. Isolate
yourself. Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or a hospital unless instructed to do so by a
qualified healthcare professional.
Infection Control Guidelines (adapted from the WHO site):
The World Health Organisation’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure
to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and “respiratory” hy-
giene, and safe food practices:Contd. on next page
contact with patients with known or suspected cases of coronavirus infections. Both suggest the use of
clean, disposable, long-sleeved gowns.
DuPont Personal Protection provides a wide range of protective garments and accessories that address
a broad range of PPE needs.
DuPont™ Tyvek®, DuPont™ Tychem®, DuPont™ ProShield® and DuPont™ ProClean® garments are
available in disposable coverall, apron, and gown designs, as well as boot covers. Additionally, Tychem®
gloves offer hand protection that along with a hooded coverall and attached socks can provide full body
coverage. Refer to the table on the following pages for some of the DuPont apparel options that meet the
requirements of either North American or international standards for protection against viral and other
biohazards.
Tychem® 2000 and other Tychem® fabrics with taped seams have been tested and have passed the
requirements of ASTM Standards F16702 and ASTM F16713, the recognized blood and viral penetration
test methods in North America, respectively. ProShield® 80 also passes the requirements of both of
these ASTM test standards.
During high-contact patient activities, especially cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating, where ex-
posure to moderate to large volumes of bodily fluids is anticipated, a ProShield® 80 or taped seam
Tychem® 2000 garment may be appropriate to reduce the risk of bodily fluid contact.
Refer to DuPont™ SafeSPEC™ for a full list of garments that have been tested and have passed the
requirements of ASTM Standards F16702 and ASTM F16713. Although certain DuPont protective gar-
ments have passed the recognized ASTM blood and viral penetration test methods in North America,
they have not been tested against specific coronaviruses. Continue to consult the CDC for guidance on
suitable PPE for protection from coronaviruses.
NCM-MARCH 2020
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