Coronavirus and Employers
by Karen A. Monsen and Dawn B. Finlayson
Today, the CDC advised US residents to prepare for the spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus, within the United States. The CDC warned that the spread of the virus could result in severe disruptions to society.
Prudent employers should be planning their response to the possible health crisis. The very first step is to locate the CDC web site and check it daily.
The next step is to prepare a pandemic plan. The pandemic plan will include such topics as:
An identification within the company of the employees charged with the responsibility of preparing and calmly communicating the pandemic plan.
Encouraging all employees to maintain their immunizations for the flu (a reduction in flu infections will allow medical resources to be diverted from flu patients to coronavirus patients.).
Preparing and training employees on workplace safety practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
Reaffirming to employees company policies on sick leave, and developing additional sick leave policies that may be necessary to protect and preserve employment in light of a widespread hit to the workplace.
Requiring employees exposed to the virus to report the exposure to public health authorities and the employer.
Preparing travel-related policies such as travel restrictions and the return home of stranded travelers.
Finally, if the business is in the direct path of the pandemic and not providing critical services, it may be required to shut down. That simple but dramatic act will require the business to call upon extensive resources to plan on the temporary cessation of operations and the re-opening of the business once the danger has passed. Businesses providing critical services must review their current emergency plan and ensure that it addresses the unique issues of a pandemic.
If we must confront a pandemic, many of our state and federal laws will be implicated in a challenging way. Please remember that we are here to assist you as you address these complex issues.