COVID-19
Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In December 2019, China reported cases of a viral pneumonia caused by a previously known pathogen that emerged in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people in central China. The initial cases were linked to exposures in a seafood market in Wuhan where a large range of live animal and animal products were sold. The pathogen was identified as a novel (new) coronavirus (recently named Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)), which is closely related genetically to the virus that caused the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS-CoV-2 causes the illness now known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, there is no specific treatment (no vaccine and no antiviral) against the virus. – Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Novel Coronavirus (Covid -19) has now reached pandemic levels. This pandemic label has the virus recognised as a worldwide spread of a new disease. According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 has now 153,649 confirmed cases world-wide.
The level of impact that COVID-19 has on Australians will depend on a number of factors, primarily the transmission of the disease and the health sector’s ability to cope with the demand for specialist services.
The Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Health, has released the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan. The plan will help to outline a coordinated effort with state/territory governments, along with the Australian government and health sector parties. This will help minimise and monitor current outbreak levels.
Whilst this plan will help Australians understand the response plan to the disease, what can businesses do to help minimise their exposure?
Plan, Prepare and Implement
A Business Interruption insurance policy is integral for a business to have in place in the event it cannot operate due to a recognised peril and there is loss of income.
Typically, business interruption policies will exclude cover for any diseases that have been declared as a quarantinable disease. COVID-19 is a listed human disease under section 42 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, therefore the policy exclusion applies to business interruption losses. This can place more emphasis on risk mitigation and planning.
Tailor a response plan for your organisation, take into consideration the Australian government and other health care specialist advice
Communicate within your business to all staff and employees the response plan
Integrate the response plan within your existing Risk Management framework
Monitor the changing environment and evolve where necessary
Organisations should always look to promote and encourage thorough cleanliness and hygiene measures within your business environment. Be prepared and help minimise your risk!