Michigan Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Toolkit
It is important for all employers to monitor the Coronavirus outbreak and implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. For the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus in Michigan, please visit the State of Michigan’s Coronavirus website.
Useful Links
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly.
Following are links to a variety of resources provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help educate employers and employees on how to prepare for and address the impacts of the Coronavirus.
- Guidance For Employers To Plan and Respond To Coronavirus
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
- Corporate Aid Tracker - How businesses are helping nationwide
- Survey on Business Impact - Results from the American Chamber of Commerce in China
- Resilience in a Box - A toolbox to help businesses put a plan in place (created by the US Chamber Foundation in partnership with the UPS Foundation)
- More Resources - Including consolidated, business-specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Interim Recommendations for Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC – 3/12/20)
- Key EPA Resources on the Coronavirus Disease
- State of Michigan Guidance/Resources for Employers and Workers
- U.S. Chamber/CDC Webinar
- An Employer Q&A, Barnes & Thornberg, LLP
Additional Resources
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has launched a COVID-19 Hotline. Public health and other experts will answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents and providers to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments.
The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136.
Visit the following links for the most current information from DHHS:
- Testing for COVID-19
- Symptoms & Testing
- Protect your home
- If You Are Sick
- Caring for Someone Who Is Sick
- Cases & Latest Updates
- Protect Your Family
- How to Prepare
For Health Care Providers: Health Alert Network: Interim guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Helpful Tips in Planning Ahead
Review human resource policies. Consider flexible work options. This can mean telecommuting, different worksites or flexible schedules. Remind employees if they're sick, they should stay home.
Create an employee communications plan. Share accurate information with employees as situations develop. Basic information, like what the virus is, how it spreads, and how to take care of one's self, can go a long way to prevent rumors and misinformation. Think ahead about how you will communicate in case one of your employees becomes sick.
Plan ahead for how you will handle absenteeism. Michigan schools have been cancelled, which will force many employees to stay home to care for children.
Coordinate with state and local public health officials as needed.
Make a business continuity plan. Be prepared to execute a new strategy, if necessary. Think of alternative suppliers, critical customers or how to continue operations.
Review travel policies and plans. The latest guidance from the CDC can be found on the CDC website.
Stay Healthy
A little planning can ensure smooth business operations and protect public health at the same time. All individuals should continue to take the following basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid handshakes;
- Avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and
- Stay home when you are sick.
Recognize the Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
*Source: Michigan.gov