Domestic workers urged to take all precautions against COVID-19 infection for health and safety of families

TDT | Manama

Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) has urged domestic workers to practice social distancing and maintain their personal hygiene as they are not only at risk of infecting themselves, but also the families they are working for.

“Everybody is busy with their businesses or personal life, yet seeking a comfortable home where all house chores are managed by their domestic workers,” said BHRWS general secretary Faisal Fulad. There are about 80,000 domestic workers in Bahrain and their duties vary, he said.

“They are responsible to manage all household activities with duties ranging from cleaning bedrooms and opening and closing shutters, to dusting, polishing and cleaning work. “Moreover, domestic workers have regular physical contact with their employers or they take care of their employee's children, the elderly or those with illnesses or special needs.

They are all vulnerable to this pandemic.” As concern over COVID-19 continues to increase, precautions are being stressed for everyone’s health and safety at home. BHRWS Foreign Workers Rights Committee director Esalyn Le Altarejos said that there are many things domestic workers can do to help ensure that those under their care, including young children, practice good hygiene.

These include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap, especially before handling food or eating, and after going to the toilet;

• Covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and immediately disposing of these tissues;

• Avoiding sharing food/ drinks, utensils, toothbrushes or towels with others; and

• Wearing a face mask and seeing a doctor immediately If one is feeling unwell or develops symptoms like cough or shortness of breath. “Everyone is vulnerable if they don’t follow the hygiene procedures,” added Altarejos.

“We encourage employers and domestic workers to discuss additional precautions to be taken such as monitoring the health of those under her care closely and highlighting immediately any symptoms, while conducting regular temperature screening for those under their care.

“Moreover, experts agree that the COVID-19 outbreak cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed through the implementation of social distancing measures, limiting human contact; with reduced transmission rates, the slower infection rates will be.”

Fulad also stressed the need for cooperation from employers to encourage their domestic workers to not gather in public areas should they be out, and to maintain open communication with each other.