Image from Ani Kolleshi @anikolleshi
Increased security measures have been adopted, in the U.S. and around the globe, as new cases of the Coronavirus continue to be detected.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 12, here is a Coronavirus update:
A Diamond Princess cruise ship, quarantined at a dock in Japan, has 65 new Coronavirus cases, according to NPR on Tuesday night: "With the latest cases, a total of 135 people from the ship have been confirmed to have the respiratory virus. Those newly diagnosed include 45 Japanese and 11 Americans, as well as smaller numbers of people from Australia, Canada, England, the Philippines and Ukraine, according to Princess Cruises."
In the U.S., there are now five states where the disease has been detected: Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington and Wisconsin, with 12 positive cases and 68 pending, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
TSA issued new guidelines about a week ago that, according to Wisconsin's ABC 27 WKOW, "require all airlines to ask passengers booked on flights outside the country if they've been to mainland China in the last two weeks. Chinese nationals coming from China and connecting through foreign airports will not be allowed to travel. U.S. citizens who have been to China in the last two weeks will have to be re-booked through seven gateway airports, including JFK, LAX, and Chicago O'Hare."
Now this part seems like it's right out of movie -- there is also the concern that the disease can be spread through building pipes, as Livescience reports, "Two residents of a Hong Kong apartment building have fallen ill with the new coronavirus even though they live on different floors from each other, prompting concerns that the virus may spread through building pipes, according to news reports."
As far as the disease's origin, there are conflicting reports -- did it come from bats at a market in Wuhan, China, or Pangolins, a cat-sized creature that resembles an anteater, or a Chinese lab?
As security professionals, remember to keep these tips in mind as you go about your duties, courtesy of Allied Universal:
What are the Symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for confirmed Coronavirus infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of Coronavirus may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.
Allied Universal offers the following preventative measures to help safeguard your health:
Avoid potential exposure. Practice good hygiene and safe food practices.
Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not readily available. Avoid touching your face.
Avoid direct contact with animals (alive or dead) in their environment.
Keep your distance from people who are obviously sick.
Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.
Do not travel if you are sick. Please note: Some locations have implemented screening, and travelers may face quarantine and testing.
For Businesses/Employees:
Communicate with your employees, especially if they are in impacted areas.
Put in place measures to prevent the spread of the virus (hand sanitizer, different cleaning materials, extra cleaners on-site, different cleaning routines etc.)
Place posters advising staff about behaviors to prevent illness.
Ensure you have a strategy and plan to deal with staffing levels if your employees are put into a quarantine situation.
Have regular touch points with management teams
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International Foundation for Protection Officers Mission Statement
Mission Statement Part I.
The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.
Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.
Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.
Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.
Vision Statement
Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.
Mission Statement Part II.
“The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advocacy, promoting training standards, and providing accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.”
