Measures to protect yourselves from coronavirus at your workplace

The coronavirus outbreak in China and its spread to other countries across the globe has kept all of us alarmed and utmost precautions should be taken to combat the epidemic.

Cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat and trouble in breathing are some of the coronavirus symptoms when taken in a broader spectrum.

"It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties," the World Health Organisation (WHO) said citing CNN.

"More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus," WHO added.

"It is important that companies encourage sick employees to stay home," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The CDC suggested that sick employees should not return to work until their temperature has stayed below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) for at least 24 hours, without the help of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicine.

It said surfaces in the workplace should be routinely cleaned up and workstations, countertops and doorknobs should be kept squeaky clean.

"Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces can be wiped down by employees before each use. Cover your face with a tissue or your upper sleeve while coughing and sneezing," the CDC said.

It advocated people to practice proper sneezing and coughing etiquette and washing hands properly at least 20 seconds.