Many companies fear an impending pandemic. But how can German companies prepare for an emergency? You can find information here.
- The corona virus is spreading all over the world.
- Many companies fear the economic consequences of an impending pandemic.
- German companies should also prepare for emergencies.
The spread of the corona virus forces companies worldwide to act. Many German companies have also been worried since the virus has now reached several federal states. Numerous new cases have been confirmed in the past few days - a further spread is likely to affect the work of many companies. But how can the economy prepare for an emergency? How are business trips regulated by law? And how should employers deal with sick employees? Here's what you need to know about the Coronavirus * .
Coronavirus epidemic: emergency plan
Experts believe that more and more people worldwide will become infected with the virus and that some of them will become seriously ill. Companies should now draw up an emergency plan at the latest to be sufficiently prepared. Establishments that already have a pandemic plan should update it. How companies should behave before, during and after a pandemic * is summarized in the "Manual for company pandemic planning" of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. We have listed the most important points for you:
- Hygienic behavior at the workplace: Companies should sensitize their employees and point out hygienic behavior. Protective equipment, disinfectants and medicines * should also be procured in good time.
- Observe health protection information: In addition to the procurement of medical and hygiene articles, companies should always observe current information on health protection. All important information can be found on the website of the Robert Koch Institute, the World Health Organization (WHO), and at the Federal Foreign Office.
- Inform employees about the pandemic plan : All employees should be informed about preventive measures so that the core business can continue to run even in an emergency.
- Define core functions, contact persons and personnel deployment: In addition to areas whose functions cannot be discontinued in the event of a crisis, companies should also name contact persons in the event of a crisis. Provision for employees abroad should also be ensured.
- Operational and personnel planning : After the central functions of the company have been determined, it should be clarified which employees can take on important tasks. If many employees fail at the same time, the company must continue to be secured. In addition, companies should determine the supply in consultation with business customers and suppliers.
Read more: Coronavirus in Germany: what everyone can do .
Effects of a corona virus wave on operations
During a pandemic, the Federal Office advises that minimal operations be maintained. If, according to the Federal Ministry of Labor, an infection protection company * is closed, wages must continue to be paid - while the business is at a standstill. In some cases, however, the employer can arrange home office . So far, there is no right to this in Germany. Fear of infection is no reason to stay away from work. This is only possible if you are actually sick.
If an employee becomes infected with the corona virus, this has serious consequences: If a quarantine is ordered, he must not leave the house or receive visits during this time. The health department can also order examinations, such as measuring the temperature daily or taking smears.
In the video: First Corona case at BMW in Munich
Coronavirus: business trips and travel law
For China, a partial travel warning applies to the province of Hubei, in which Wuhan is also located. In the meantime, the Federal Foreign Office for all of China has published a security advisory: " Unnecessary trips to the rest of the country of the People's Republic of China with the exception of the special administrative zones Hong Kong and Macao are discouraged until further notice ." Employees who work for German companies in China can also have ramifications, which can range from home offices to repatriations.
Also interesting: This is the only way hand washing protects against viruses: one in two does it wrong.
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* Merkur.de is part of the Ippen-Digital editors network.