As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread and disrupt business operations around the world, we are encouraging our clients to carefully review the strategies, policies, and procedures of their business to protect employees, customers and operations.
All business operations in China are under pressure as the Chinese government works to reduce the spread of the virus, including closing factories and curtailing domestic and overseas travel.
The financial impact on Marlborough’s exports including tourism, forestry and seafood is obvious, but supply disruptions from China is also hurting importers reliant on raw materials, parts, packaging and products.
Other industries such as manufacturing, food production and construction are likely to experience some delay or shortage in materials, and international freight prices have tripled due to reduced demand.
While Government, businesses, communities and individuals must do everything we can to prevent an outbreak in New Zealand, business owners also need to prepare for a pandemic.
The Ministry of Health has put together a Pandemic Planning and Response Guide, with areas to plan for, which include:
- How you can protect your workers and reduce the risk of spread of the pandemic influenza virus in your workplace;
- How you will maintain your essential services or activities with high numbers of staff absence over an extended period;
- What essential goods and services you rely on and how you will manage any disruptions to supply;
- How you can implement alternative work practices in your workplace (for example, social distancing measures, remote working capability); and
- What services will need additional support to meet a surge in demand (for example, IT support services).
Click here for information specific to COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health.
WorkSafe has also published useful information on preparing your workplace for COVID-19.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has launched an information page on its website to help exporters affected by the outbreak.
If you would like to discuss the impact on your business or would like help in reviewing your emergency plans and procedures, please get in touch with us.