Useful information for employers and employees about the Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a top priority for employers around the world. This pandemic event has put pressure on already stretched employers to do more to keep up to date and protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. As the UK continues to its efforts to regain control of the outbreak, we will keep you up to date with consolidated advice from reputable sources.

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Latest UK Government action plan:

What the health and social care system across the UK has done to tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and what it plans to do next.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan

Working safely: PHE advice

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

WHO advice and updates:

Latest updates and advice on COVID-19 from the World Health Organisation (WHO)

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Information on UK government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furloughing workers):

Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave ('furlough') because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Information on UK Government Self Employed Income Support Scheme:

Support available for the self-employed or members of a partnership in the UK who have lost income due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

RIDDOR reporting and coronavirus:

Making a report under RIDDOR during the coronavirus pandemic

https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/riddor/index.htm

International SOS – useful daily updates and information by region:

International SOS is monitoring the global COVID-19 situation closely and updating its website regularly as more information becomes available.

https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov

NHS Overview- Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Read in full on the NHS website

Main symptoms of coronavirus

a new cough
a high temperature
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

How coronavirus is spread

Coronavirus spreads from person to person through small droplets, tiny airborne particles known as aerosols and through direct contact.

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

Remember, hands, face, space

Hands: wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
Face: wear a face-covering in indoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
Space: stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

What to do if you think you might have coronavirus

If you think you might have coronavirus or you've been in close contact with someone who has it: stay at home and avoid close contact with other people

Treatment for coronavirus

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness. You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.

UK

The UK is currently in national lockdown.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, instead use the NHS 111 (UK only) online coronavirus service to find out what to do next. The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help. Use the 111 coronavirus service