Outbreak at work...

[BirminghamNews]

I manage a team of around 12, in the building there are around 90 staff members. One colleague tested positive last week and since 4 others have tested positive. We have been doing every thing we could to prevent spread, I.e social distancing, wiping surfaces etc. I have 3 members of my team refusing to come in to work because they don't feel safe. Has anyone been tough similar?

@BirminghamNews sorry to hear you’re in this situation. Sounds scarily familiar - but I work in FE. We’re all in although very many of us could work from home equally as well, and safely. But we’re like lambs to the slaughter.

@Freddiefox This page has useful information about ventilation and animations to show the difference it makes.
english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html

My office has no windows but it’s veru large and there are only two of us, however others have to walk through to get to the photocopier/kitchen.

I see their point..think I would refuse too.

Unless there is a howling gale blowing constantly through your office, of course you are not safe. Most transmission is airborne.

[quote Freddiefox]@Siddalee

Can I ask where you read this, I run a nursery and I’m keen to find out more about ventilation.[/quote]
@Freddiefox
It was in the last update to schools- came out around 23rd October. Ive pasted the direct quote below

8. Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated Once the school is in operation, it is important to ensure it is well ventilated and a comfortable teaching environment is maintained. This can be achieved by a variety of measures including: • mechanical ventilation systems – these should be adjusted to increase the ventilation rate wherever possible, and checked to confirm that normal operation meets current guidance (if possible, systems should be adjusted to full fresh air or, if not, then systems should be operated as normal as long as they are within a single room and supplemented by an outdoor air supply) • natural ventilation – opening windows (in cooler weather windows should be opened just enough to provide constant background ventilation, and opened more fully during breaks to purge the air in the space). Opening internal doors can also assist with creating a throughput of air • natural ventilation – if necessary external opening doors may also be used (as long as they are not fire doors and where safe to do so) Further advice on this can be found in Health and Safety Executive guidance on air conditioning and ventilation during the coronavirus outbreak and CIBSE coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. To balance the need for increased ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature, the following measures should also be used as appropriate: • opening high level windows in preference to low level to reduce draughts • increasing the ventilation while spaces are unoccupied (e.g. between classes, during break and lunch, when a room is unused) • providing flexibility to allow additional, suitable indoor clothing. For more information see School uniform • rearranging furniture where possible to avoid direct drafts Heating should be used as necessary to ensure comfort levels are maintained particularly in occupied spaces.

@Siddalee fab, thanks