Guideline purpose
{This template is to serve as a guideline to your company's response and recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak.}
{Company’s name} is committed to the safety of our employees, and we are monitoring the spread of the COVID-2019 coronavirus outbreak. The best practice in these situations is not to panic but to have a plan ready should it be necessary, and to take precautions.
We are implementing this response plan as a precaution to protect everyone and maintain business continuity as the situation evolves. If you have any questions, please reach out to { your manager/HR team/Security team/Admin team}.
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
What is it?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to a more critical disease like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). In December 2019, a newly discovered Coronavirus broke out in Wuhan, China. This disease is named COVID-19.
Here are the latest facts about the COVID-19 outbreak according to the World Health Organization (as of March 30):
- Across the world, there are more than 693,224 confirmed cases with 33,106 deaths
- The global mortality rate is about 5%
- The outbreak has been contained in China and the majority of East Asian countries
- The majority of new cases are from Africa, Middle East, Europe, and the US
How does Covid-19 spread?
The Covid-19 virus spreads via droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected person. People may also contract the virus by touching objects or surfaces contaminated by these droplets.
What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
The most frequently reported symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, difficulty in breathing and dry cough. However, an infected person also suffers from diarrhea, aches and pains, nasal congestion, or sore throat.
Basic prevention measures
Health
- Ensure you wash your hands regularly. Make sure to do it with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Do not cough or sneeze into your hand. Use your elbow instead
- It is advisable you self-isolate and stay at home if you feel unwell. We have expanded our WFH policy to be more flexible. We understand not everyone can work from home; if that is true for you, please speak to your manager and HR
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention
We have also increased the cleaning of our office surroundings, doorknobs, handles, and other frequently touched places.
Travel
- We are canceling all non-essential business travel until further notice
- If you have an essential work-related trip, you are advised to work from home for 14 days post-travel
- If you travel, take proper health precautions
- If you are uncomfortable traveling for a work-related trip speak to your manager and HR so alternate plans can be made
- If you are planning any personal travel, please let your manager and HR know
If you are required to travel for work and are not allowed to return home for some reason, the company will support you for as much as {number of days}
Meetings/ Events
- Avoid large events and mass gatherings
- Meetings that require traveling may be postponed or done via video conferencing
- Avoid meeting with people who have just returned from high-risk countries
