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.
Read a message from Mike Robinson, Chief Executive
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).
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.
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
Information:
Scotland: call your GP surgery or call 111 if your surgery is not open
Wales: call 111
Northern Ireland: call 111
General employee and employer advice
For employers and employees, Acas has put together some advice.
National Travel Health Network and Centre / National Health Pro
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
India
UAE
UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention
Qatar
Nigeria
Safety Management Magazine
You can also keep up to date on the latest news around coronavirus via our online Safety Management magazine:
Lone working: has Covid-19 changed the rules?
Long Covid: can work lift the burden?
Preparing for a Covid-19 winter
Five ways to harness home working to improve wellbeing
New tech for combating risks and Covid-19 in workplaces
Home ergonomics: how to stay healthy while working from home