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View allLast Updated March 12, 2020
Does your business have a plan for protecting employees against the coronavirus pandemic? As increasing numbers of cases are being reported it’s important to have a response in place. Here are some guidelines for containment and keeping your business’s staff safe.
Originating from a meat market in Wuhan, China, novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, starts with ordinary flu symptoms that can progress to a pneumonia-like condition and has already resulted in recorded deaths. Since the beginning of the year the virus has spread to other parts of China, and the world including South-east Asian countries (Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan), the United States and Australia, who are also recording a mounting number of confirmed cases.
Due to our trade relationships with China, and the popularity of Australia as a destination for Chinese tourists, Australian businesses are particularly at risk.
The coronavirus outbreak has received substantial media attention, alerts have been issued by both the World Health Organisation and DFAT / Smartraveller and many insurers in Australia are now treating this event as known and foreseen. This means, depending on when travel arrangements were made and the destination, that travel insurance policies may not cover employees impacted by the coronavirus. Travellers should check their policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed, as these can vary policy to policy. If concerned, employers holding corporate travel insurance are advised to contact their insurance broker.
Gallagher Benefit Services Corporate Wellbeing Specialist Dr Debra Villar strongly concurs with Department of Health advice that anyone experiencing fever, cough or sore throat should see their doctor immediately. Avoid people exhibiting these symptoms, as well as large groups.
The current health advice from Australian government departments are that the risk of infection is low and the immediate response by employers should be proportionate. At a corporate level, employers can be proactive by undertaking contingency planning to protect their business.
Remaining alert for updates and advice from authorities is essential to defining your strategy and determining when to introduce additional measures.
Authorities and public health organisations are taking steps to manage the spread of the disease, and the Department of Health has posted information on its website for people returning from China or who may have had contact with an infected person, as well as for medical professionals.
Public health departments in all states in Australia have the ability, facilities and clearly established protocols for placing people in quarantine to prevent communicable disease from spreading. Coronavirus is transmitted through droplets of saliva from a person who is sick with the illness coughing or sneezing or from their contaminated hands.
Also check your insurance cover to see if it can be applied to evacuation of staff or suspension of business activities, either voluntarily or under the direction of health authorities.
If you have any concerns or would like support in determining your organisation has the right processes in place to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of your employees and your business, our Work Health & Safety practice can provide tools and advice.
Australian Government Department of health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
Business-risks and insurance in the face of coronavirus
Protecting your people during COVID-19
Your COVID-19 and workers compensation insurance questions answered