Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as:
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
It’s important to note that these viruses are found worldwide in humans and animals.
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. This is what has recently been identified in Wuhan, China and is now referred to as COVID-19.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The most common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Other less common symptoms of COVID-19 can include muscle aches, headache, nausea and diarrhoea.
HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?
Authorities advised that transmission is possibly through the following ways:
Human to human contact. Usually from a person who has the virus and in in close contact with others. This occurs when a person has contact with droplets that are expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
From animals to humans. It is thought that the virus is transmitted from animal sources to humans. The initial source is actually thought to be a seafood market.
WHAT TO DO TO PREVENT SPREAD AND KEEP SAFE?
Social distancing
Keep as much distance as you can from people who are obviously sick. In other circumstances, it’s important to socially distance yourself from others. It is recommended that you keep 2 meters between yourself and others.
Maintain good personal hygiene:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
Use hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your face.
Don’t shake hands and avoid kissing people or other personal contact.
PREPARE
Build a clear understanding of the situation and the associated potential risks
Ensure Key staff members are aware of the emergence of the situation
Build un understanding that there is uncertainty and a need for flexibility
MONITOR
Identify key information providers
Set up mechanisms to follow/receive updates on the situation
Identify ‘responders’ and ‘key stakeholders’
ACT (INITIAL)
Build awareness across our businesses of the most up-to-date and accurate information about the virus, to support informed management decisions
Promote a consistent approach by ensuring all key parties have the same information
Collect regular feedback on how well the businesses and their people are coping with the situation & communications thus far
Encourage behaviours and attitudes that will contribute positively to reducing the spread of virus and minimise the psychological, social and economic impacts
ACTION
- TARGETED
Follow Government directives in all jurisdictions in which we operate
Update operational processes / procedures as required /appropriate
Monitor and report on the situation across our businesses
Share regular updates
Ensure information flow is consistent and two-way flowing
Ensure individuals, clients and specific stakeholders understand the reasons why interventions might be implemented and model the impacts these may have
Ensure appropriate PPE is available for employees with a legitimate need
monitor ability to deliver services to clients, consider additional needs
Enact our Business Continuity Plans on an as needed basis across the group
RETURN TO
BAU
Support transition to business as usual services
Shape expectations of services such as: the possibility of reduced performance for a period of time
Client requested travel
The New Zealand Government has implemented a Level 4 travel status. As such CMG asks that our Clients consider other options (such as remote solutions) to ensure the health and safety of our workers.
We do not support international travel at this time.
Domestic Air Travel
Air travel is only for essential workers in New Zealand.
Client meetings - remote communications preferred
Our people will continue to meet with clients by alternative means such as:
Telephone
WebEx
Skype
Rather than face-to-face, unless this is unavoidable. In the case of in person meetings, these may only occur if Government recommendations (such as quarantine, essential services, social distancing etc) have been taken into account.
Steps we will take in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19
In the case of one of our workers:
Immediate instruction to self-quarantine from the workplace / site until COVID-19 test results are available
Where COVID-19 virus is confirmed, we will communicate with all direct contacts / clients of the individual
We will communicate any other steps or actions considered appropriate in relation to the confirmed case
In the case of an employee with ‘confirmed case contact’ (e.g. family member):
Immediate instruction to self-quarantine from the work place for a minimum of 14 days,
Require a medical clearance prior to returning to the workplace /work site.?
What we will not do
We will not provide personal details of any individual that may test positive for COVID-19
We will not communicate details of cases where an employee is a ‘contact’ of a confirmed case, unless the employee later presents as a confirmed case
We will not force an individual to attend the workplace / a worksite if they feel it is not safe for them to do so (e.g. Individuals with lower immunity)
INFORMATION LINKS TO NEW ZEALAND HEALTH AUTHORITIES
The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to monitor the situation globally.
