We are aware that people are deeply concerned about the potential risks that COVID-19 poses at the moment, especially while attending events. We also share these concerns and are closely monitoring the government advice on this matter as the safety of our community is our number one priority.
We will regularly update this blog with the latest information that will impact In-house Recruitment.
UPDATE 17/03/2020
On Monday, 16th March, Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced significant new measures relating to the delay phase of COVID-19.
The new measures are as follows;
- Anyone with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. People who have to isolate themselves should ask others for help
- Everyone should stop non-essential contact with others. This is particularly important for people over 70, those with underlying health conditions and pregnant women
- People should work from home where they can
- People should avoid places like pubs, clubs and theatres. This applies especially to those in London which is “a few weeks ahead” of the rest of the UK
- People should stop all unnecessary travel
- By the weekend, those with the most serious health conditions should be largely shielded from social contact for 12 weeks
The initial effects these measures have on In-house Recruitment are as follows;
- All IHR staff will be working from home until at least 3rd April, where the decision will be reviewed
- All online events will continue as they are
- Any face-to-face events including but not limited to dinners, breakfasts, conferences and exhibitions will be either postponed or moved online to a virtual event
Previous advice also remains, everyone should regularly wash their hands and avoid contacting the NHS unless it’s essential.
UPDATE 12/03/2020
Following the emergency Cobra meeting on the 11th March, the government have advised that anyone experiencing continuous symptoms such as a cough or fever, to self-isolate at home for at least 14 days.
UPDATE 09/03/2020
It has been advised that returning travellers should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately if you’ve travelled to the UK from:
Hubei province in China in the last 14 days, even if you do not have symptoms
Iran since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms
Italy; Lombardy, Codogo, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano – Veneto: Vo’ Euganeo since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms
South Korea; Daegu, Cheongdo since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms
Other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
Other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
If you have travelled to any of the above countries you should complete a 14-day incubation period and contact 111 for further advice.
UPDATE 27/02/20
Everyone should note that the main message from Public Health England is on personal hygiene and we strongly urge our exhibitors and visitors to refer to the guidelines and protocols as suggested by the WHO (www.who.int) and the UK public health authorities regarding the virus.
Public Health England (PHE) recommends that the following general cold and flu precautions are taken to help prevent people from catching and spreading COVID-19:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. See hand washing guidance
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
