ICC, WHO to give coronavirus updates for businesses

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to work closely to ensure that the latest and reliable information and tailored guidance reach the global business community in a coordinated effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and societal emergency that requires effective immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses," a joint ICC-WHO statement said.

"All businesses have a key role to play in minimising the likelihood of transmission and impact on society. Early, bold and effective action will reduce short-term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy," it added.

To aid this collective effort, ICC will regularly send updated advice to its network of over 45 million businesses, so that businesses everywhere can take informed and effective action to protect their workers, customers and local communities and contribute to the production and distribution of essential supplies.

ICC will also contribute to enhancing information flows on the coronavirus outbreak by surveying its global private sector network to map the global response of businesses.

This will both encourage firms to adopt appropriate precautionary approaches and generate new data and insight to support national and international government efforts. As an immediate priority, businesses should be developing or updating, readying or implementing business continuity plans, the statement added.

"Business continuity plans should aim to reduce transmission, including: promoting understanding of the disease, its symptoms and appropriate behavior among employees; setting up a reporting system for any cases and contacts; preparing essentials; limiting travel and physical connectivity; and planning for measures such as teleworking when necessary," it said.