COVID-19 Resources for Business

The World Health Organization has announced that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has become a global pandemic. The current risk to British Columbians remains low, however we can practice physical distancing measures while in public while still being productive.

While the situation is concerning, we can all play a role in protecting our families, colleagues, friends and our communities. As the number of cases in BC and Vancouver Island increases – an expected trend as the public health authority works aggressively to test and limit the spread – so will the number of people impacted, including those in self-isolation at home. It is important during times like these that we look out for and support our neighbours and community.

As business owners, employers, employees, and citizens, we recognize that this rapidly changing situation is causing worry and concern. To support you through this uncertainty we are sharing some resources below.

COVID-19 Guidance and Resources 
MONITOR 
Stay up to date on the rapidly evolving situation, and on the nature of the virus itself, by frequently checking provincial, national and international websites. 
 
Resources: 

• Website: BC Centre for Disease Control  
• Website: Government of Canada: COVID-19 Outbreak update
• Website: World Health Organization: COVID-19 Updates

PREVENT
Use best practices to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, at home and at work. 

• Actively encourage anyone who is feeling ill to stay home and away from others. 
• Use and encourage good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding touch. 
• Consider additional social distancing measures, such as working remotely. 

Resources: 

• Posters: Handwashing, Work Station Cleaning, Vehicle Cleaning 
• Guidelines: CDC: Keeping your workplace, school, and home safe
• Guidelines: Health Canada decision-making guidelines for mass gatherings during COVID-19 

 
PREPARE
Ensure your business is prepared to handle a potential case of business disruption, including accessing available government resources to mitigate potential financial impacts to your employees and your business. 

• Review or create a Business Continuity Plan for your organization, ensuring it contains: 
  • Process to follow if an employee becomes ill;
  • Policies around travel;
  • Policies around sick leave;
  • How to mitigate risk so essential business functions can continue; and
  • Internal and external communications plans. 

Resources: 

• News Release: Government of Canada $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund
• Website: Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness for Business
• Website: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees

​RESPOND 
Follow all public health guidelines if you, or a member of your team, is experiencing symptoms, in order to ensure the safety of your workforce and your workspace.
 
ASSIST 
Consider how you can support your immediate community through the outbreak

• Offer and provide support to employees and coworkers who are at home.
• Consider whether your organization can provide goods or services to assist those in self-isolation (ie: grocery delivery, online or telephone counselling, internet services).