The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak presents a significant challenge to businesses around the globe.

The UK government, including the health and social care systems, have planned extensively over the years for an event like this, and the UK is therefore well prepared to respond in a way that offers substantial protection.

Businesses in the UK who have been affected, or feel they are likely to be affected by Coronavirus, are urged to seek advice and the government has supplied a series of resources to inform employers on the latest developments and advise on protecting themselves and their employees.

In most cases, Covid-19 is mild, but everyone should remain vigilant and carry on with good personal hygiene measures, which include:

• Giving your hands a good wash with soap and water is the most effective action you can take (but hand gels can be a good substitute).
• Maintaining personal hygiene when coughing or sneezing is also important – use a tissue rather than your hands and then throw it away.
• Using cleaning wipes to give your keyboard, desk, phone etc. the once-over on a regular basis.

If someone is feeling unwell and has the symptoms set out on the public health website they should not go to their doctor or a hospital. They should ring 111 to get further advice. Keep up to date with advice via the NHS coronavirus web pages.

Find Guidance for Employers & Businesses – Click Here

The government and health services are currently working to a phased approach. To find out more about this phased approach please click here.

The Worcestershire Growth Hub team are keeping up to date with developments, please keep an eye on our website.  If you feel your business has been affected by Coronavirus we would urge you to get in touch by completing on our online form here. The details you provide will assist us in informing government on the challenges faced in the area.