In short: On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Organizations should activate crisis management, protect employees, assess supply chain risks and review business continuity plans.
What should organizations do now?
- Activate the crisis management team.
- Protect employees and follow public health guidance.
- Identify critical activities and minimum staffing.
- Assess supplier and logistics risks.
- Enable remote working securely.
- Communicate clearly with staff, customers and suppliers.
How can management systems help?
ISO 22301 for business continuity and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety provide structured approaches for responding to prolonged disruption.
Key takeaways
- COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020.
- Put people first and protect critical activities.
- Use continuity and OH&S management systems to structure the response.
Frequently asked questions
What is a crisis management team?
A designated group with authority to make decisions during a major disruption.
Should audits continue?
Where safe and possible, remote techniques can be used; otherwise audits may be postponed under accreditation guidance.
Which standard covers business continuity?
ISO 22301.