The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently declared the Coronavirus outbreak as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’. Coronavirus is highly contagious and specialist measures are being implemented to deal with any known cases and to prevent the spread of the disease.
But what does this mean for medical insurance policy holders. What if they should contract the virus?
It seems that the UK’s private hospitals are currently not properly set up for patient isolation. That being the case, any patients diagnosed with Coronavirus – whether or not they hold a private health insurance policy – will be sent and treated at NHS run isolation units.
In the meantime, what steps should responsible employers take to prevent the further spread of the disease? The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has come up with a number of sensible suggestions:
- Follow public health agency advice on efficient ways to contain the virus
- Keep up to date with government advice and adapt business plans to reflect changes
- Actively communicate these plans with your employees, customers and suppliers
- Look at options for people to work remotely to prevent the spread of infection
- For customer service organisations, minimise face-to-face interaction through customer self-serve options, telephone and online services
- Review your policies and procedures on health reporting, office and personal protective equipment, social distancing and working hours
- Consider providing additional training to people working in critical areas
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Source 1: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Source 2: Aviva newsletter, 5 February 2020
