The outbreak of COVID-19 in China and spread to more than 100 countries has led to an unprecedented crisis. Apart from the health dangers, which has led to an obvious change in behavioural patterns, the development also has significant economic implications.
Nigerian has confirmed 35 cases as at 23 March 2020 and the Federal and State Governments are battling to contain the spread. We are in challenging times and in order to stand a chance to contain the spread, taking personal responsibility is key.
For a social enterprise like MAX, we have not left any stone unturned in our approach in dealing with this crisis by living up to our core values: Transparency, Integrity, Initiative and Partnership. How have we demonstrated these values? Firstly, we have as always maintained clear and honest communication with our riders (Champions), customers and staff to ensure that they are equipped with adequate information and tools to protect themselves.
Secondly, with the aid of our technology, we are able to monitor the number of trips undertaken by our Champions and determine when to replenish their sanitary supplies. More importantly, we have taken the initiative to ramp up our periodic training sessions to accommodate modules that ensure that our Champions are adequately equipped with the right information that guarantees that they take the preventive steps to keep themselves safe.
As a company that is committed to social impact, we clearly understand the impact of our operations and have therefore extended hands of partnerships to various governments and government agencies and have supported the government’s social distancing directives by ramping up our delivery operations to support individuals especially the elderly who require support.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. COVID -19 are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person when in close contact through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. The common symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever and difficulty breathing (severe cases)
Experts have identified the following effective preventive measures of containing the spread of the virus:
- Effective hand washing
Regularly and thorough washing of hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds - Social distancing
Maintaining a safe distance from people - Hygienic environment
Continuous cleaning of the immediate environment with disinfectants especially items that are regularly handled such as doorknobs, phones, surfaces, handles, light switches among other items.
As a brand that prioritises the well being of riders, staff and customers, MAX has taken the following steps:
Riders and Customers
- Our Champions receive daily in-app nudges and SMS on personal hygiene and reminders on handwashing
- Champions and customers are sensitised periodically on effective handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Customers are encouraged to go cashless.
- Champions are reminded to always provide the passengers with a disposable hairnet before conveying a customer and customers are encouraged to insist on this
- Provision of portable hand sanitizers for Champions across all locations.
- We have deployed more drivers to provide delivery services to encourage people to stay indoors.
City Offices
- Surfaces and objects such as phones and computers, door handles and railings are wiped with alcohol-based sanitizers at intervals.
- We have adequate handwashing facilities across our locations
- Visitors and staff must wash their hands properly and apply the alcohol-based sanitizer before they are allowed entry to any of our premises
- Every visitor/employee’s temperature must be checked before entry
Employees
- We have created adequate awareness using internal media channels
- All planned events which will host more than 10 persons have been suspended
- Employees who do not feel well are encouraged not to come to work and utilise their medical insurance to receive medical attention
- Workstations are sanitised at intervals
- No “high fives” and handshakes within the office premises
- Hand sanitizers have been placed strategically across office premises.
- Frontline customer interface teams have been provided with face masks, eye protection, and gloves.
- All international travels have been suspended
- Staff meetings are held virtually to minimize group contact.
- Remote work policy has been activated for all non-operational staff
Find out more about COVID-19 from the World Health Organisation and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Together we can defeat this. Please be safe.
