Useful information for employers and employees about the Coronavirus
At the start of the pandemic - we put together a list of useful information from trusted sources to support employers and employees.
NHS Overview- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Read in full on the NHS website
Main symptoms of coronavirus
- a new cough
- a high temperature
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
How coronavirus is spread
Coronavirus spreads from person to person through small droplets, tiny airborne particles known as aerosols and through direct contact.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Remember, hands, face, space
- Hands: wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- Face: wear a face-covering in indoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- Space: stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)
What to do if you think you might have coronavirus
If you think you might have coronavirus or you've been in close contact with someone who has it: stay at home and avoid close contact with other people
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness. You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
UK
The UK is currently in national lockdown.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, instead use the NHS 111 (UK only) online coronavirus service to find out what to do next. The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help. Use the 111 coronavirus service
Information:
Scotland: call your GP surgery or call 111 if your surgery is not open
Wales: call 111
Northern Ireland: call 111
General employee and employer advice
For employers and employees, Acas has put together some advice.
National Travel Health Network and Centre / National Health Pro
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
India
UAE
UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention
Qatar
Nigeria
Safety Management Magazine
You can also keep up to date on the latest news around coronavirus via our online Safety Management magazine:
Lone working: has Covid-19 changed the rules?
Long Covid: can work lift the burden?
Preparing for a Covid-19 winter
Five ways to harness home working to improve wellbeing
New tech for combating risks and Covid-19 in workplaces
Home ergonomics: how to stay healthy while working from home