Alexis Gonzalez Law Blog

Businesses Combating the Coronavirus COVID-19

March 13, 2020
  1. Contingency planning
    • Coordinate an emergency plan with Human Resources, IT, Leadership and Counsel
    • Focus on services that are critical to the organization
    • Determine impact of high absenteeism and consider alternative work arrangements such as working from home/or in shifts, temporary workers, staffing agencies
    • Communicate with your vendors to assess how they are planning to address any challenges they may be facing as a result of an outbreak
    • Communicate with your vendors to assess how they are planning to address any challenges they may be facing as a result of an outbreak
    • Identify potential impact of multinational issues, including interruption in supply chain and manufacturing plants (some countries are better prepared than others to handle a Coronavirus outbreak)
    • Examine necessary or potentially needed contractual notices and disclosures
  2. Review, modify and/or implement leave, travel, health and safety policies
  3. Disinfect workplace, particularly common areas and personal workspaces
  4. Incorporate hygienic and preventive measures such as periodically washing hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, hand sanitizing; covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth; staying home if sick.  Refer employees to CDC’s helpful handouts and posters: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html   
  5. Determine individuals that have a high risk of exposure and create a plan to prevent exposure to other employees, contractors and customers
  6. Identify and monitor potential areas of harassment, discrimination and/or bullying due to Coronavirus effects
  7. Analyze Insurance Policies (Business Interruption, Property Loss, etc.) – policy wording will determine applicability of coverage. Keeping track of all documentation and support for losses is critical for any future claims.
  8. Disaster Assistance may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  The following website keeps businesses updated on the latest information regarding Coronavirus assistance: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

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