John Lyne kills viruses for a living. In these times of heightened anxiety around germs, the cleaning supervisor is a reassuring presence in the hallways of the Port Macquarie Community Health Campus.
John is one of many thousands of cleaners on the frontlines across NSW helping to limit the spread of COVID-19. He put down his bottle of disinfectant spray momentarily for a quick chat. Find out what he had to say.
I am the acting supervisor for cleaning services at Port Macquarie Community Health Campus. My colleagues and I mop, wash, scrub, wipe and generally work with the campus’ community and clinic nurses, allied health and admin staff on their cleaning needs.
12 years all up – going on three years here, and nine years previously at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
We’re wiping down surfaces a lot more these days. And it’s certainly made us all more aware of where people have been putting their hands!
People also seem to notice us cleaners a lot more too – members of the public on campus seem to approach me more often now for a chat, as everyone’s more aware of the importance of hygiene and cleanliness.
As a family we’re pretty clued up, and I always say to everyone that following the advice that is given on things like handwashing and social distancing is the best thing you can do.
I tell my team to maintain the standards that we’ve been trained in and to be even more vigilant in what we do now.
It’s a reminder that everyone has a part to play in helping control the spread of the virus. What we do in the cleaning services team means other staff can do their work in a safe, clean environment.
If everyone plays their part, we’re helping keep each other and our community safe.
Riding my Harley and kicking around with mates – but not at this time! I also work on my property south of Port Macquarie – there’s always something to do.
Do you have a story to share about how you are involved with the COVID-19 response? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@health.nsw.gov.au.
