Coronavirus (COVID-19) policy template

This policy includes the measures we are actively taking to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. You are expected to follow all these rules diligently, to maintain a healthy and safe workplace It's important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to the measures in this document.

This coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy is susceptible to changes with the introduction of additional governmental guidelines. If so, we will update you as soon as possible by email.

Scope

This policy applies to all of our employees who physically work in our office(s) and remote employees. This will ensure that we collectively respond to this challenge and support each other.

General Principles

COVID-secure

1. We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work here

2. We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance

3. We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home

4. We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace

5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk

Managing COVID risk

Here, we outline the required actions employees should take to protect themselves and their co-workers from a potential coronavirus infection.

Sick leave arrangements

• If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feel poorly, you should stay at home.

• If you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you can return to the office only after you've fully recovered[, with a doctor's note confirming your recovery].

Work from home requests

• If you are feeling ill, but you are able to work, you can request to work from home.

• If you have recently returned from areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases, we'll ask you to work from home for 10 calendar days, and return to the office only if you are fully asymptomatic. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

• If you've been in close contact with someone infected by COVID-19, with high chances of being infected yourself, request work from home. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

• If you're a parent and you have to stay at home with your children, request work from home. Follow up with your manager or departmental leader to make arrangements and set expectations.

• If you need to provide care to a family member infected by COVID-19, request work from home. You'll only be permitted to return to the office 14 calendar days after your family member has fully recovered, provided that you're asymptomatic or you have a doctor's note confirming you don't have the virus. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

Visitors

• Only essential visitors are allowed to access site at this time (that is to perform essential maintenance).

Traveling/commuting measures

• All work trips and events - both domestic and international - will be cancelled/postponed until further notice.

• In-person meetings should be done virtually where possible, especially with non-company parties (e.g. candidate interviews and partners).

• If you normally commute to the office by public transportation and do not have other alternatives, you can request to work from home as a precaution.

• If you are planning to travel voluntarily to a high-risk country with increased COVID-19 cases, we'll ask you to work from home for 10 calendar days. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

General hygiene rules

• Wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule). You can also use the sanitisers you'll find around the office.

• Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.

• Open the windows regularly to ensure open ventilation.

• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.

• If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your coworkers and take extra precautionary measures (such as taking sick leave).