According to the HSE, the risk of catching coronavirus in Ireland is still low.
Employers are being encouraged to conduct a risk assessment and put business continuity plans in place due to Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Business continuity planning is important when faced with unforeseen circumstances / unplanned event such as adverse weather conditions, and or public transport disputes which make it difficult for employees to attend for work. The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) is one such example where companies must review their business contingency plan and make a course of action during such crisis.
The COVID-19 Business Continuity Checklist can be found here
dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Business-Continuity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html
HSE recommendations to prevent infection spread.
Wash hands properly and regularly
- After coughing or sneezing
- after toilet use
- before eating
- if in contact with a sick person, especially those with respiratory symptoms
Cover mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues
- if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve (not hand)
- put used tissues into a sealed bin
- wash your hands
Public health advice posters for COVID-19 are available on Gov.ie for download and display in public offices. And here is a leaflet with Guidance on COVID-19 for workers dealing with the general public
Advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre www.hpsc.ie can be found here
The FAQs document on the HPSC website also details instructions for employers in this situation
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
Please consult here for travel advice. All non-essential travel to mainland China and other affected areas should be avoided.