Given the ongoing Coronavirus updates, I wanted to share some key takeaways from a live webcast I attended this week called “Can your Organization Withstand a Pandemic?” hosted by HRPA, my HR professional association. This is more of an information share than my musings. Hope you find it helpful…
There was a comprehensive health update, tips on general virus spread prevention, and how businesses can plan for and deal with the various risks they face, health and otherwise.
Health update (as of February 12, 2020) led by Wendy Reed, Director of Occupational Health & Infection Control at St Joseph’s Health Care in London, ON:
- The WHO (World Health Organization, not the band!) has declared Novel Coronavirus a public health emergency of wide concern since Jan 30th. They have not yet declared it a pandemic, and it is still mostly contained to China.
- Coronavirus is a family of viruses, usually found in animals but can be transmitted to people, which can cause a range of illnesses from colds to more severe respiratory illnesses. Symptoms range from fever, cough, breathing concerns to more serious, the most severe being pneumonia.
- This virus is now called CoVid -19. The title purposefully excludes identification of any locations to try to avoid stigma (e.g., a previous strain had “ME” in the title referencing the Middle East where it was based).
- It can be spread from person who is symptomatic to another. It is still unclear if can be spread from a person who is asymptomatic. Spread is “droplet and contact”, including touching a contaminated surface then face, or by sneezing or coughing within 2 metres.
- There is no vaccine at this time for any coronavirus. The flu shot doesn’t apply (it’s not the influenza virus). However, if you become symptomatic, it is best to seek treatment early, and relieve symptoms by resting, sleeping, using a humidifier, drinking lots of fluids.
- There are resource sites on the internet to see current numbers. As of February 12, there were 40k cases – almost all in China. 909 deaths in China, only one outside. 7 cases in Canada (3 in ON, 4 in BC). 259 were tested in ON, 8 still under investigation.
- By comparison, there are currently around 29,000 confirmed cases of flu in Canada, 30 deaths, 29 ICU admissions. That is a bigger concern, but still worth monitoring CoVid -19.
- The Chief Medical Officer for Canada has said those returning from Hubei province must be quarantined. Those returning from other parts of mainland China without symptoms can self-monitor for 14 days. If you get symptoms, go for testing asap.
- Quarantine period is usually 14 days. Public heath gets involved. People returning from China seem to be getting checked. Risk level appears to remain low in Canada.
- Everyone is entitled to work in a safe environment. Employers can encourage self-quarantine if they have a concern. Sickness benefit under EI apparently applies to quarantine, which helps if the company offers no or limited paid short term disability coverage. Look at public heath sites, or call them, if concerned about yourself or co-worker.
- Recommended general hygiene practices for the workplace (applicable for any cold and flu season): encourage symptomatic people to stay home, send sick people home so not infecting others, post respiratory etiquette reminder signs (cover mouth & nose with tissue, have waste basket nearby, don’t keep used tissue in pocket, use elbow if tissue not available); wipes and gels should have >60% alcohol; disinfectant wipes should work. See public health sites for further guidance.
Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Planning – led byJodi Zigelstein-Yip, Founder of Enliven HR Consulting
- Communication mechanisms that can be usedto address concerns include: team meetings, town halls, emails, intranet etc. Try to inform and put people at ease, share what the organization is doing to protect employees, guidance what employees can/should do, provide a list of key resources.
- Business continuity plans: 50% of the 750+ participants said their organization has a business continuity plan; the rest said it was outdated, they weren’t sure or had no plan.
- It is important to ensure proper protocols and practices are in place to protect employees and the business itself. The goal is to be able to operate the business with minimal disruption, and to mitigate risk and exposure in the case of an emergency. (I can attest to this, having been involved in this process at several organizations.)
- Have a strong business continuity team and easy to follow plan that people under stress can easily follow. Have central access to information, a communication plan, essential policies and processes, customer access, workflows to assess situations.
- Work from home policies and practices can help in case of emergencies, and generally so staff are prepared. Have a framework for eligibility, expectations and processes.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to talk about any of these topics and how they affect your business. Happy Valentine’s Day, Family Day weekend, and be well!