Background on the COVID-19 Illness & Symptoms Nearly 100,000 cases & 3,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported across 79 countries and territories. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” COVID-19 illnesses range from mild to severe, and symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath and may occur 2-14 days after exposure. A report out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of COVID-19 cases. Severely Affected Countries The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cautioned against unnecessary travel in the following countries: China, Iran – where there is widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission and restrictions on travel to the United States. Italy, South Korea – where there is widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission. Japan – where there is sustained (ongoing) community transmission. Is coronavirus a pandemic and what does that mean for my company? Yes, C.D.C. officials have warned that a coronavirus pandemic is “inevitable” and that the United States should prepare for outbreaks in the U.S. Companies should prepare to implement “social distancing measures,” including remote conferencing & work, as well as limit business travel Companies may need to implement emergency evacuation policies for employees abroad & quarantine employees upon […]