How to communicate to employees about coronavirus

While the risk of coronavirus is still low in Australia, it is a concern for many businesses, particularly those with employees who travel to Asia.

There are various degrees of risk, so we suggest tailoring communications specifically to your situation. Please see below a general communication that our team at Source HR has put together. It can be used by employers with no currently identified risk to keep their employees informed. 

ALL STAFF COMMUNICATION

CORONAVIRUS

Dear staff,

As you are aware, there is currently a health warning for the Coronavirus in many parts of the world, with some confirmed cases in Australia.

While the risk in Australia remains low, we want to give you some information about the situation and share how we can support you if you are affected.

ARE YOU OK?

Symptoms

Coronavirussymptoms can range from mild illness to severe illness including pneumonia, and include (but arenot limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. Please click here to read more detailed information and advice regarding symptoms for Coronavirus.

Guideline for self isolation

You must isolate yourself at home if:

• you have left Hubei Province less than 14 days ago (until 14 days after you left Hubei);
• you have been in close contact with a proven case of coronavirus (until 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case);
• you have left, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 (until 14 days after leaving China).

If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from anywhere in mainland China or within 14 days of contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, you should arrange to see your usual doctor for urgent assessment. For more information, click here to read the full fact sheet on Coronavirus from the Australian Government Department of Health.

Recommendations

The Department of Health is not recommending surgical masks for health members of the public. However, it recommends that everyone practises good hygiene to protect against infections. This includes:

• washing your hands often with soap and water;
• using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; and
• avoiding close contact with others, such as touching

HOW WE ARE RESPONDING

We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all of our employees. We are acting in accordance with the advice provided by the Australian Department of Health regarding this situation.

While the risk in Australia remains low, we aim to protect the health of all our team members and customers by taking extra precautions. You will find additional hand sanitiser in common areas, and you’ll begin to see information posters around the workplace.

Accessing personal/carer’s leave

In the event that you are required to be absent from the workplace as a result of possible exposure to the virus, please contact your manager immediately. You should also apply for personal/carer’s leave in accordance with our leave policy.

Questions or concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about the coronavirus, please contact <details of nominated employee>.

Thank you for your cooperation at this time.

Kind regards,

<name of signatory>