Private security guard companies typically protect property. Protecting buildings also makes it safer for the people who work in them. Imperial Security has built a trusted reputation over more than 25 years for protecting the health, safety and security of people and property in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
The new pandemic
On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) named COVID-19, a respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019, as a pandemic. While an epidemic affects one community, a pandemic spreads worldwide.
WHO last declared a pandemic in 2009 with the emergence of H1N1. SARS, caused by a coronavirus like COVID-19, did not earn the pandemic title following its appearance in 2003, despite infecting 8,000 people in 26 countries. COVID had infected 118,000 on March 11, and WHO expected numbers to rise.
Similar to an epidemic, a pandemic requires strong control measures. “This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector,” said the director-general of WHO on March 11. “So every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight.”
What Imperial is doing
Imperial Security has joined other organizations in strengthening its health and safety protocols. The goal is to protect both its clients and their staff, but also the security guards who are on the front lines.
First and foremost, staff who feel sick or exhibit flu symptoms are being allowed to work from home if possible, or given time off.
Second, staff who do report for work are being asked to wash their hands regularly. Antimicrobial hand sanitizer is also available. Coughing or sneezing into the arm is recommended as a standard practice.
Third, all mobile units are equipped with sanitation kits that include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes for hard surfaces and protective gloves.
Staying vigilant
Finally, guards assigned to provide access control are being asked to observe site visitors for signs of illness. Where attendance limits have been set, Imperial Security guards will closely monitor event capacity to minimize the risk to attendees. Smaller gatherings mean fewer opportunities for the virus to spread, protecting the larger population.
Imperial Security is committed to the health and safety of its clients. As a trusted part of their crisis response plans, we are working with companies and the community to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
