HCD Covid-19 Response
HCD Covid-19 Response Plan
Our focus at Holistic College Dublin, as always is to insure you have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience in every class throughout the training course. At this time particular attention must be given to the protocols and procedures around health and safety.
The HCD Covid-19 Response Plan incorporates government recommendations for measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the community issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). As the advice issued by NPHET continues to evolve, the measures and controls implemented by HCD may also be subject to change.
The measures stated below are based on current guidelines from the Government to return to Schools and Colleges safely in order to minimise the risk of introduction of infection and manage the risk of spread through:
Regular and good hand hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
Maintaining physical distancing in the classroom
HCD will keep you up to date with the latest measures introduced by the Irish Government and update our advice and protocols as necessary.
HCD Covid-19 induction training has been undertaken by all of our staff , tutors and therapists so that the infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place, taking into account public health advice around preventing the spread of COVID-19, is adhered to within our organisation.
Please read carefully the information below on procedures for combating the spread of Covid-19 at HCD
Cleaning and Hygiene
HCD has always implemented a strict cleaning and hygiene policy and we are now putting additional measures in place as part of our Covid-19 Response Plan. These have been developed with guidance from leading health and safety organisations.
In addition to existing cleaning protocols we have conducted a rigorous, deep-cleaning, disinfecting and sanitising process prior to re-opening and as often as is required to maintain these standards. All of these measures are analysed, monitored and managed by our Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) officer.
Several sanitising stations have been installed in our premises to facilitate ease of regular hand sanitising.
HCD will steam clean all classrooms before and after use. High touch areas including light switches, telephones, office equipment, taps, door handles, table tops will be regularly cleaned using industry recommended cleaning agents to quickly disinfect all common touch points, reducing the risk of cross infection.
Signage
We have health and hygiene posters throughout HCD to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to the health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Ventilation
Natural ventilation in all classrooms will be used to circulate fresh air around the building to minimise the spread of any virus.
Health Declaration Form
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at HCD, all HCD staff, tutors and students are required to complete and sign a COVID-19 Health Declaration Form before returning to HCD or engaging on a program of study. It is required that you fill out the pre-class screening form before your first class and a follow-up reconfirmation form within 24 hours of attending a practical class.
Data Protection
Data collected is stored securely in line with HCD data protection policies and in accordance with GDPR. The roll book will be used as a record of attendance and for contact tracing purposes.
P.P.E. – Personal Protective Equipment
Tutors and students are required to wear an appropriate face covering and/or face shield in class. Face coverings / shields must be worn when physical distancing is not possible in the classroom.
The wearing of gloves is not advised unless there is broken skin. Hands should be washed frequently and especially before and after practical sessions. Hands must be sanitised on arrival to class.
Temperature Checking
Each student will have their temperature checked with a contactless thermometer before class starts. Individuals must not arrive to class or enter a classroom if they are aware that their temperature exceeds 38°C.
Physical Distancing
Each student will be assigned a seat on the first day of class. You will keep this assigned place for the duration of your training. Upon arrival into class each day please go directly to your seat.
Students will be seated 1m apart and work in pods of 4 students.
Facility Procedures
- Please do not arrive for class any more than 10 minutes in advance of the start time.
- Students are required bring their own towels and pillows to class.
- Students will be provided with their own personal oil dispensing bottle. Please bring this with you to each practical class.
- Each student will be responsible for care and sanitation of their own oil bottle/products/laundry used in class.
What to expect when you arrive for class
When you arrive for class we will follow a strict protocol to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- We will greet you at the door and take your temperature with a no-touch thermal temperature reader to make sure you don't have a fever of 38C or above.
- We will ask if you have any symptoms of illness including a cough or temperature. If you have a fever or symptoms of illness we will send you home and call you later to consult
- We will ensure that you have a proper face mask and ask you to clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Should you not have a proper face mask, we will provide a disposable one.
- We will ask you to proceed directly to your classroom/seat and maintain 1 meter distance between yourself and others while in the classroom.
What should you do if you feel unwell?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms like fever and/or cough, you should immediately self-isolate regardless of travel or contact history.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned you have been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19, self-isolate and contact your Doctor by phone. Do not go to your GP surgery in person. Your GP will assess you and decide if a test for COVID-19 is necessary. You can also call HSE Live on 1850 24 1850 for further guidance.
If you have symptoms of COVID 19 and/ or have tested positive for the virus you must inform HCD immediately for contact tracing by emailing info@hcd.ie Please mark for the attention of Alison Kavanagh (IPC officer).
HCD will inform other students, staff and College facilitators (such as Griffith College for students that have attended this campus)
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND HCD OR ANY OF OUR TRAINING CENTRES IF YOU FEEL UNWELL OR HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS.
