As the coronavirus continues to affect business travel, we want to provide corporate travel managers with helpful tools, resources, and information to best support their travelers. For the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
CDC Travel Guidelines
The following warning and alert classifications have been outlined by the CDC. We encourage travel managers to review the warnings and make informed decisions to protect their travelers.
Warning Level 3
Nonessential travel to these highest-risk locations should be avoided. This currently includes China and South Korea.
Alert Level 2
Due to sustained community transmission of the virus in Iran, Italy, and Japan, the CDC recommends that older adults and those suffering from chronic medical conditions postpone travel to these areas. Corporate travel managers could also consider adding an additional level of approval for these business trips by having senior leaders review them on a case-by-case basis.
Watch Level 1
The CDC has not recommended canceling or postponing travel to locations in this tier at this time. While there is a risk of community spread in Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, the extent is not sustained or widespread to warrant a travel health notice. The CDC will continue to update its recommendations on their website. Companies with employees traveling to these areas may want to consider implementing additional health and security protocols to ensure traveler safety.
Personal Travel
While personal travel does fall outside the realms of a corporate travel manager’s purview, companies may want to encourage employees to travel with caution and remain aware of this ongoing situation. If an employee has personal plans to visit or has visited one of the warning level areas, you could consider having them self-quarantine for 14 days. If an employee participates in any travel, regardless of the area, and shows signs of being sick, you could also ask them to follow the same 14-day self-quarantine.
Reminder to Only Book Within Approved Corporate Tools
Travel managers should reiterate the importance of booking business travel within the organization’s approved corporate booking tools and enforce these policies. Booking within policy ensures you always know where your travelers are so that you can best support them and communicate critical information in a timely manner.
Review Your Risk Management Policy and Update if Needed
Be sure you have included a protocol for an infectious disease outbreak like this in your risk management plan. Events that could trigger action include travelers becoming infected or being stranded in an infected area. Do you have a plan in place to quickly and appropriately support your travelers?
Remind Travelers to Follow These Best Practices While Traveling
Ask business travelers to follow these actions recommended by the World Health Organization when traveling.
- Wash hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
- Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider
Additional Resources
For more resources to help you plan and respond to this situation, visit the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019.
BCD Travel also has a current list of airline updates and advisories by country.
The information presented here is up-to-date as of Feb. 27 and is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Christopherson does not give recommendations on the prudence of travel to affected areas. Our aim is to provide helpful information that allows companies and travelers to make informed decisions. As the situation continues to unfold, companies can access real-time information through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization website.
Continue Reading: Source Link