Managing an outbreak in your business setting

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important it is to manage hygiene, health and safety and business continuity in our business settings.

Top tips for employers:

Keep up-to-date business risk assessments that include risks from infectious disease. Preventative measures will include
- asking staff to diligently look out for symptoms.
- encourage eligible staff to get fully vaccinated to protect themselves and other staff members.
- good levels of ventilation
- good standards of hand hygiene
- regular touch-point cleaning
Inform staff to stay at home if they are unwell so as not to spread disease. Make provision for staff to work from home, if possible.
Update business continuity plans
Monitor levels of illness / absence in your business.
Seek help from the local outbreak management hub if you are concerned about a severe disruption to your business operation indicated by:
- A higher than previously experienced and/or rapidly increasing number of staff absences due infection / symptoms.
- Evidence of severe disease, for example if a staff member is admitted to hospital.

Resources

For business outbreak management advice not addressed by the linked guidance please email your completed outbreak management recording from to:

Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.