A firm which specialises in providing hygenic workplaces for laboratories and hospitals has issued a list of tips in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.

JBH Refurbishments, based in Staplehurst, says since the first case was confirmed in the county earlier this week, it has "never been so important for businesses to be vigilant and optimise hygiene in the workplace".

The firm's Jason Hubbard explained: "These are just some simple steps that businesses can follow to prevent spreading illnesses of all types.

“We encourage businesses to share these tips with their staff to improve hygiene in the workplace at such a critical time.”

Its recommendations include:

1. Wash cups between every use. It may take more time to wash up cups between use, but it could prevent cross contamination between employees.

2. Use antibacterial spray on all surfaces before and after eating. Clean desks, keyboards, your mouse, iPads and phones. If you share a company vehicle, clean the steering wheel, handles and gear stick.

3. Have your ventilation and air conditioning system professionally cleaned. The build-up of dust and particles in the filters are the ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Having your system regularly cleaned with commercial anti-bacterial cleaners helps to purify the interior air quality.

4. Naturally ventilate your office. Open windows for 20 minutes per day in areas where there is good outdoor air quality to naturally ventilate your office.

5. Provide free hand sanitiser to employees and encourage handwashing.

6. Wash hard floors into the corners. Corners and edges are often missed, but in areas fitted with cap and cove flooring, this should be straightforward.

7. Wipe washroom walls and areas where hygiene is of utmost importance. Hygienic clad walls make cleaning walls surfaces easy, leaving no excuses.

8. Up your cleaning hours. If you have a cleaner in once a week, try to increase their visits to carry out a thorough clean.

9. Empty bins daily to remove used tissues, food waste and wrappers.

10. Clean payment card keypads between use with antibacterial spray or wipes. This also applies to other items that come into regular contact with multiple people, such as door handles.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent.