What happens if we have a suspected case of Coronavirus in the workplace

​

Any employee who expects that they may have contracted Coronavirus (Covid-19) should let their manger know as soon as possible by email or phone call.  

​

If the person is still in the workplace, they should immediately find an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.  If possible, a room should be made available, such as a meeting room. 

• If the employee is well enough to return home, they should make their own way home (avoiding public travel).  If they are too unwell to travel independently, the local emergency services should be contacted to help them.

• If you have face masks, the employee should wear one to travel home.

• Advise their next of kin what is happening
   

Further information on staying at home is available on https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

​

After the employee has left, ask employees to go home for the rest of the day (either to work from home) or they will receive paid leave.

​

Organise a deep clean of the premises by a third party provider and keep employees advised of the situation. 

If a decision is taken to close the premises, you should make alternative arrangements for employees to work from home.  If this is not possible then I would recommend you continue to pay them in the short-term.  The CIPD, the HR professional body, is certainly recommending that, where possible, businesses are as generous with their sick pay and leave policies as possible, however, this does have to be balanced with ability to pay.  If an employee is self-isolating for medical reasons then they would be eligible for statutory sick pay/company sick pay as appropriate.

​

If the workplace remains open you may have employees who wish to stay at home because they are worried they may have contracted the virus or will still contract it. Even if this is not substantiated, you should listen carefully to their concerns and if possible, allow them to work from home.  Alternatively they could take holiday or unpaid leave.

​