June 30, 2020 June 30, 2020/ Convergence

blue map.jpg — COVID-19 Info:

The COVID-19 information presented here is no longer being updated on a regular basis. We hope you found our COVID resource valuable in the management of your company’s initial mitigation efforts. If you require further monitoring of COVID-19 regulations and guidelines of countries worldwide then please contact us at COVID-19@cc-global.com.
Thank you,
*Cynthia Chiles, President, convergence consulting LLC*

June 22, 2020

ARGENTINA

June 22, 2020/ Convergence

The following information has been collected and collated by convergence consulting in collaboration with our in-country Global Alliance Partner. Please let us know if you have additional questions by emailing us at COVID-19@cc-global.com.

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Yes. Decree 367/20 states that all COVID-19 cases acquired at work must be recognized as an occupational disease: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/335000-339999/336262/norma.htm]

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Currently, there is no return to work process and no specific regulation for testing before returning to work. There is also no mention in the current established regulations about any testing required prior to returning to work.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

The state of "social isolation, preventive and mandatory” (Aislamiento Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio (ASPO) is still in effect until June 28.
They apply in their area, depending on the number of cases detected. The phases may change based on the appearance of new cases
In the last severalm days cases have increased remarkably in the AMBA (Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires) and in the CABA (Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires/Autonomous City of Buenos Aires), since there is an intense transit of people between the areas. This geographic area AMBA-CABA is always onsidered the main problem.
The poorest neighborhoods where social distancing becomes very difficult to fulfill is where the majority of cases have been found. Each province and each locality decides its phase in relation to the number of cases that appear. This applies throughout the country except AMBA-CABA.
In the rest of the province of Buenos Aires and in each province, the local authorities are the ones who decide the phase they apply in their area, depending on the number of cases detected. The phases may change based on the appearance of new cases.
It is not possible to summarize all the regulations, but focusing on COVID-19 preventive measures, permits and protocols, it can be said that most regulations cover the following:
Each activity that require to open,must present a preventive specific protocol - (covid infection prevention protocol) , that must be approved by the authorities.
The area of the city of Buenos Aires (3.000.000 inhabitants) and the Great Buenos Aires area (13.000.000) are defining toghether wich activities are allowed or not due the increase of cases in slums (1700 in the area) and the high flow of movement of people that exists in this area.
Personal hygiene measures are maintained and strengthened, social distancing in all activities, borders are still closed, educational institutions in all levels are still closed and public transport is only for restricted use.
The document with all the regulations, links and other information regarding COVID 19 issued up to June 19th, 2020 has been updated and is free to download at http://www.saij.gob.ar/docs-f/generales/digesto_emergencia_sanitaria_coronavirus.pdf
4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

Most of the regulations are being issued directly by the President through specific “Necessity and Urgency Decree” (DNU - Decreto de Necesidad y Urgencia). Some specific guidelines were issued by “Superintendent of Work Risk” (Superintendencia de riesgos del trabajo). All regulations and guidelines are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Yes. Regulatory authorities and the police monitor compliance with these rules. Anyone who violates the contact restrictions may face sanctions, including fines and possible jail time. Anyone who violates the measures adopted by the authorities to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 could be punished with jail from six months to two years. Anyone who resists or disobeys a public official could be punished with jail from fifteen days to one year.

Violation of any of the measures and guidelines mentioned above will be sanctioned according to the National Penal Code (art. 205, art. 239 and related. Specific information about the mitigation measures and potential penalties can be found at: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/15000-19999/16546/texact.htm

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

ART 2º.- SOCIAL, PREVENTIVE AND COMPULSORY DISTANCING: It establishes the measure of “social, preventive and compulsory distancing” for all persons residing or transiting in large urban areas of the Argentine provinces as long as can verify the following epidemiological and health parameters:

The health system must have enough and adequate capacity to respond to health demand.
The urban area, department or other must not be defined by the national health authority as those that have “community transmission” of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
That the doubling time of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is not less than FIFTEEN (15) days.
In urban areas, departments or other that do not meet these requirements, Article 10 and corresponding provisions of this decree will apply, which will also apply to the areas bordering on them.
The measure of "social, preventive and compulsory distancing" will be effective from June 8 to June 28, 2020, inclusive.

ART 4º.- The circulation of people outside the limit of the area where they live is prohibited, unless they possess the “Unique Certificate for Circulation - Emergency COVID-19”

In the event of detecting situations of risk of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Governors may order the preventive isolation of people who enter the province from other provinces for a maximum period of FOURTEEN (14) days. .
Provincial authorities may issue regulations that limit circulation by hours or by zones to minimize the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

ART 5º.- People must maintain a minimum distance of TWO (2) meters between them, use face masks in shared spaces, regularly clean their hands, cough in the elbow crease, disinfect surfaces, ventilate rooms and areas and strictly comply with the activity protocols and the recommendations and instructions of the provincial and national health authorities.

ART 6º.- Only economic, industrial, commercial or service activities may be carried out if they have an operating protocol approved by the provincial health authority, with the recommendations of the national authority.

The provincial authorities, according to epidemiological conditions, may regulate days and hours for carrying out activities and establish additional requirements.

ART 8º.- The face-to-face classes will remain suspended at all levels until further notice.

ART 9º.- The following activities are prohibited:

Holding events in public or private, social, cultural, recreational, religious and other spaces with more than TEN (10) people in attendance.
Practice of any sport where more than TEN (10) people participate or that does not allow maintaining the minimum distance of TWO (2) meters between the participants.
Cinemas, theaters, clubs, cultural centers.
Intercity, inter-jurisdictional and international passenger transport, except in authorized cases.
Tourism. Only with exceptions to be granted in the future. Exceptions must be authorized with the protocol.

ART 10.- Prorogued until June 28 including “social, preventive and compulsory isolation”,

ART 11.- Areas places reached by the social, preventive and mandatory isolation:

AMBA-CABA
San Fernando (Chaco)
Bariloche and General Roca (Province of Río Negro)
Rawson (Province of Chubut)
Córdoba (Province of Córdoba)

ART 12.- The workers of national agencies and all national public sector, who are not reached by the exceptions must not assist to their offices, but they will carry out their tasks from their personal places.

ART 13.- NEW EXCEPTIONS: The provincial authorities may request new exceptions from the national authorities to comply with “social, preventive and compulsory isolation” and to prohibit movement or allow activities. industrial, service, commercial, sports or recreational.

They must have the approval of the provincial health authority and indicate the protocol to be implemented.

Exceptions will only be authorized if the employer guarantees the transfer of workers without the use of the public transport service (BUSES, trains and subways)

ART 15.- The following activities are prohibited:

Face-to-face classes at all levels.
Public and private events: social, cultural, recreational, sports, religious.
Shopping centers, cinemas, theaters, cultural centers, libraries, museums, restaurants, bars, gyms, clubs and any public or private space that involves the attendance of people.
Intercity, inter-jurisdictional and international passenger transport, with the exceptions.
Tourism.

ART 17.- The provinces must carry out the monitoring of the epidemiological evolution and the sanitary conditions and send them to the NATIONAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH

ART 19.- The use of public transport will remain only for people who carry out essential activities

“ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION” AND OTHERS

These are administrative regulations of lesser scope than laws, decrees and resolutions.

These regulations are issued to establish permits or allow activities on a local scale in some regions of provinces or small towns or cities where no cases of COVID19 have been registered or are contained and therefore some industrial, commercial and service activities are authorized.

This is the list of these “administrative decisions” and their links if needed:

Decisión Administrativa 995/2020 - 08-jun-2020: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=338471
Decisión Administrativa 1018/2020 - 09-jun-2020: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=338489
Decisión Administrativa 1056/2020 - 16-jun-2020: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=338804
Decisión Administrativa 1061/2020 - 16-jun-2020: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=338805
Decisión Administrativa 1075/2020 - 19-jun-2020: http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=338954

The data presented here is not a complete analysis of all COVID-19 information; however, our in-country Partner will provide updates as and when considered appropriate and as relevant data becomes available. If you have any additional questions, or request for country information, please email us at COVID-19@cc-global.com with additional inquiries.

June 15, 2020

EGYPT

June 15, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Up to now NO in the workplaces (We have 48 Occupational Disease and COVID – 19 is not among them).

Among the Occupational Diseases in Egypt is: Infections Diseases in Fever Hospitals (So it is for Doctors, Nurses, and others working at Fever Hospitals). It could be added when the problem of COVID – 19 is over.

Just today a new decision issued from the Health Insurance Authority (Decision # 6 for the year 2020) that COVID-19 as workplace illness (Soon will be added to the Occupational Diseases)

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

The Labor law # 12 for the year 2003, which is the applicable law currently, requires that any worker has to be medically tested (as baseline Medical Test) before starting his job, then there is a periodical medical test depending on the nature of the job activities, on average annually. There is no specific return to work information related to COVID-19 at this time.

To return back to work (If already being medically tested) then only Temperature will be measured to insure that there is no fever (Also the rest of the safety measures should be followed: Hand Washing, Social Safe Distance, Disinfection of Surfaces, and Using the Mask (It is Mandatory)

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

Starting Sunday June 14, 2020:

Curfew will start from 8:00 pm till 4:00 am
Public Gardens, Beaches will continue be closed up to June 30, 2020
Studying the possibility of opening (Churches, Mosques) starting July 01, 2020 (In Governorates with less number of COVID 19 infections).
Tourists and Flights will be resumed from July 01, 2020 at the coastal governorates only.
The shops will be opened till 6:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm
Public transportation up to 8:00 pm

4. Which governmental authority issued COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

Ministry of Health and Population (Egypt)

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Violating the curfew might lead to fine of $4,250 or jail

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

At this time. no laws pertaining to COVID-19 have been adopted.

June 15, 2020

INDIA

June 15, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

The Ministry of Labour & Employment website has a page dedicated to Advisories on COVID-19 accessible at https://labour.gov.in/advisories-covid-19. This includes a letter issued to all public and private employers to support their employees and workers. There are, however, no specific guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

The Ministry of Home Affairs issues Guidelines for Containment for COVID-19 in India. The various Guidelines on Management of COVID-19 can be accessed on the dedicated website created by the Government of India https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

The national lockdown is extended in Containment Zones till 30 June 2020 and a phased reopening of activities since 01 June 2020 outside Containment Zones. The link to the Order from Home Secretary can be accessed at https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHADOLrDt_3052020.pdf

To facilitate the phased reopening Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has developed Guidelines on Preventative Measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 for the following sectors: Hotels, Offices, Religious Places, Shopping Malls, and Restaurants. These Guidelines can be accessed at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

A set of Guidelines on Containment of COVID-19 in India were issued on 17 May 2020 extending eth nationwide lockdown from 17 May 2020 to 31 May 2020. The Guidelines continue to prohibit the activities from the previous notification. The activities permitted except in the containment zones are listed. The National Directives on COVID-19 Management are specified in Annexure II. Additional directives for workplaces are included in this Annexure continuing from the previous Guideline dated 01 May 2020. The link to the guideline document is https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderextension_1752020.pdf

The earlier set of Guidelines issued on 01 May 2020 included measures to be taken for containment of COVID-19 during the period 04 May 2020 to 17 May 2020. These Guidelines define the method of identifying and classifying Containment Zones and the protocol to be followed in these zones. Annexure I of these Guidelines contains National Directives for COVID-19 Management for public places and workplaces. The link to the guideline document is https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20Order%20Dt.%201.5.2020%20to%20extend%20Lockdown%20period%20for%202%20weeks%20w.e.f.%204.5.2020%20with%20new%20guidelines.pdf

Consolidated Guidelines for Containment of COVID-19 were issued on 15 April 2020 permitting certain activities from 20 April 2020. The Guideline document provides Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for offices, workplaces, factories and establishments in Annexure II. These will be continued along with the additional guidelines issued in the later Orders. The SOP includes mandatory thermal scanning for all persons entering and exiting the workplace. Medical insurance has also been made mandatory for workers. The offices. Workplaces/ factories/ establishments are required to maintain a list of nearest hospitals/clinics that are authorized to treat COVID-19 patients. The link to the guideline document is https://static.mygov.in/rest/s3fs-public/mygov_158694130451307401.pdf

The applicable penalties for violation of the guidelines are provided in each fo the above three Orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.?

Refer response to question 2.

The website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ posts latest updates related to COVID-19.

To facilitate the phased reopening of activities since 01 June 2020, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has developed Guidelines on Preventative Measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 for the following sectors: Hotels, Offices, Religious Places, Shopping Malls, and Restaurants. These Guidelines can be accessed at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

An Updated Containment Plan for Large Outbreaks of COVID-19 dated 16 May 2020 has been prepared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and can be accessed at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/UpdatedContainmentPlanforLargeOutbreaksofCOVID19Version3.0.pdf

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The guidelines are issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and are mandatory.

The Guidelines on Preventative Measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These are mandatorily to be followed.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Violation of the lockdown will be considered an offence and penalties will be applicable under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Indian Penal Code 1960. For example, under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act 1960, whoever refuses to follow directions of the State or Central Government could be punished with imprisonment for one year, a fine or both.

The applicable penalties are provided in Annexure III of the Guideline document dated 15 April 2020 referenced in response to question #2.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

A number of Orders have been issued by Ministry of Home Affairs that can be accessed at: https://www.mha.gov.in/

The Orders, and Guidance Notes issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare can be accessed at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

Refer response to question #3 for details on items included on the website.

June 15, 2020

UNITED KINGDOM

June 15, 2020/ Convergence

The following information has been collected and collated by convergence consulting in collaboration with our in-country Global Alliance Partner. Please let us know if you have additional questions by emailing us at COVID-19@cc-global.com.

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Only make a report under The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR):

When an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to COVID-19. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.
When a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease.
If a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus.

Health & Safety executive link for reporting of incidents: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/riddor-reporting-coronavirus.htm

Link to legislation (England, Scotland, Wales): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1471/regulation/9/made

Link to legislation (Northern Ireland): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1997?title=reporting%20of%20

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

There is no guidance as yet on returning to work.

Current guidance states “Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) is not needed if you’re staying at home”:

If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of COVID-19, then you must stay at home for 7 days.
All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.
Should a household member develop symptoms late in the 14-day household-isolation period (for example, on day 13 or day 14) the isolation period does not need to be extended, but the person with the new symptoms has to stay at home for an additional 7 days.
By law, medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness. After 7 days, employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is staying at home.
Link to Public Health Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

Government guidance: COVID-19 guidance Working safely during COVID-19 in shops and branches updated 14th June 2020.

Updated to reflect industry feedback, updated guidance on managing product handling and returns, guidance on test and trace service, guidance on safer travel and to provide guidance on managing security risks. Information on these updates can be found at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5eb9703de90e07082fa57ce0/working-safely-during-covid-19-shops-branches-v2-140620.pdf

Government guidance “staying alert and safe (social distancing)” updated 12th June 2020.

Individuals may now form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household if you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children - in other words, you are in a household where there is only one adult..

Individuals are now able to visit more shops and additional outdoor attractions - drive-in cinemas and animal attractions like zoos, farms and safari parks.

Individuals must wear a face covering on public transport in England. Form ore information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing

Health and Safety Executive issues guidance on working safely dueringthe Covid-19 outbreak.

Risk assessment
Talk to workers and provide information
Work from home
Make your workplace ‘COVID secure’
Protect people at higher risk
Cleaning, hygiene and hand sanitiser
Where to get further help: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm

Currently in place with no scheduled end date:

From 8 June, there will be new rules in place for entering the UK because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules are for residents and visitors. When these rules are in place, you will:

need to provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK
not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating”
Exemptions apply to travelers from Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
You may be fined £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, £1,000 if you refuse to self-isolate.
From Monday 1st June people will be able to exercise with up to five others from different households, crucially so long as they remain 2 metres apart.
From Monday 1st June schools are set to open to more children. With cintrols measures including:
reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others
staggered break and lunch times, as well as drop offs and pickups
increasing the frequency of cleaning, reducing the used of shared items and utilising outdoor space
All children and staff, and their families, will also have access to testing if they display symptoms

HSE publish letter reminding business who receive deliveries that delivery drivers must have access to suitable toilet and handwashing facilities.

Government updated guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

HSE has guidance for employers who are providing hand sanitiser in their workplaces: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/choosing-hand-sanitiser-surface-disinfectant-coronavirus.htm

Government launches NHS Test and Trace service

New guidance means those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-nhs-test-and-trace-service?

Government sets out timetable for non-essential retail facilities to reopen from 15 June if governments’ 5 tests are met. Measures that shops should consider include:

placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures
storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas
frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals, for example

HSE guidance on the use of air-conditioning systems:

The risk of air conditioning spreading coronavirus is extremely low.
If you use a centralised ventilation system that removes and circulates air to different rooms, it is recommended that you turn off recirculation and use a fresh air supply.
You do not need to adjust other types of air conditioning systems.
If you’re unsure, speak to your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers or advisers.
Good ventilation is encouraged to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

Issued by UK Government (Parliament), and mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

There is a fixed penalty notice for £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days) for violation of measures (such as not maintain social distancing). If someone has already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £120 and double on each further repeat offence.

Legislation:

Scotland: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2020/103/contents/made
Wales: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2020/353/contents/made
England: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions (England) Regulations 2020: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/contents/made
Northern Ireland: The Health Protection (Coronavirus (Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2020/55/contents/made

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

Primary Legislation: Coronavirus Act 2020: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/contents/enacted/data.htm
Secondary Legislation: Scotland: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, see link above.
Wales: The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations, see link above.
England: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions (England) Regulations 2020, see link above.
Northern Ireland: The Health Protection (Coronavirus (Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, see link above.

For the United Kingdom, the website www.gov.uk/coronavirus is the best source of information. This link offers the ability to sign up for daily email bulletins.

June 15, 2020

COLOMBIA

June 15, 2020/ Convergence

1 Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Through Art. 13 of decree 538 of the April 12, 2020 COVID-19 cases are included within the table of occupational diseases. COVID-19 is listed as a direct occupational disease for health sector workers, including administrative, cleaning, surveillance and support personnel who provide services in the different activities of prevention, diagnosis and care of this disease. Ministry of health through decree 676 of May 19, 2020 includes the disease COVID-19 as an occupational illness within the table of occupational illnesses and this will be considered as an occupational illness directly for health sector workers, including the administrative, cleaning, surveillance and support staff who provide direct services in the different activities of prevention, diagnosis and care of this disease. The labor risk administrators are obliged to recognize all medical and healthcare benefits as well as contribute with the financing and / or with the delivery of the personal protection equipment of the affiliates to the health sector.

COVID-19 cases can be accepted as occupational disease for other sectors if workers can demonstrate that the disease was acquired at work where there was direct exposure.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

The national government through decree 749 of May 28, 2020 decides to extend the mandatory preventive isolation measure until July 1, 2020. In this decree, the national government extends the exceptions to the mandatory isolation measure for activities such as: Manufacturing, repair, maintenance and purchase and sale of spare parts and accessories for conventional and electric bicycles, public parking lots for vehicles, museums and libraries, practical and research laboratories of institutions of higher education and education for work and human development, professional and technical activities and general services and hairdressing services.

NOTE: It is important to note that mayors and governors may be stricter on the dates of entry of new activities and on the requirements for reactivation, in the case of Bogotá, the mayor decreed through decree 131 of May 31, 2020 that the new activities mentioned in decree 749 of May 28 2020 will only take effect on June 15, 2020.

Decree 768 of May 28, 2020: The provision of the public transport service and its infrastructure are reactivated. The reactivation of the taxi service is allowed, and the collection of tolls is activated throughout the national territory from June 1, 2020. Taxi drivers and transport service providers in general must follow the biosafety protocols established for the transport sector

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.?

Resolution 041 of June 2, 2020: The Ministry of Labor issues guidelines for work at home. This standard applies to all employers and workers in the private sector and to professional risk insurance companies.

Decree 770 of June 3, 2020:

Adopt the mechanism for the protection of the Unemployed
Employers are authorized to modify the workday to avoid exposure of employees on public transport, however, the business day cannot exceed 48 hours per week
Extends the payment date to pay the service extra-payment until December 20, 2020 by mutual agreement with the employee and
Establishes guidelines for employers to access the payment support program of the government to pay the service extra-payment.

The government has established that the construction and manufacturing sector can start activities from April 27, 2020 complying with specific biosafety protocols for its employees and activities. These protocols must be presented and approved by the health secretaries of the area where they operate. Resolution No. 682, April 24, 2020 and Resolution No. 675, April 24, 2020 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection contain the guidelines to establish biosafety protocols for the construction and manufacturing sector.

Employers must adopt administrative control measures to reduce exposure such as: flexibility of shifts and work schedules, as well as promoting remote work or work at home. To start activities, employers must follow the biosafety protocols established in Resolution No. 666 April 24, 2020 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

For the city of Bogotá, the mayor of the city issued:

Decree 121 of April 24, 2020, through which transitional measures are established to guarantee the provision of public transport service, mobility in the city of Bogotá DC and the compliance with biosafety protocols to adequately mitigate, control and manage the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic during the public calamity declared in the capital districtt.
Decree 126 of May 10, 2020 Through which transitional measures are established for the management of the risk derived from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic during the state of public calamity declared in the capital district. It establishes the obligatory use of the mask at all times when people are outside the home, social distancing and hygiene and distancing measures for the staff, clients and operation of the establishments and premises that are open to the public. Special care areas are established within the city which are placed in mandatory quarantine. Guidelines for the transportation and Registration in the platforms of the productive activities that are authorized to restart activities.
Biosafety protocols are established for the transport sector, coffee farmer, transport infrastructure, drinking water and basic sanitation and games of luck and chance.
There are guidelines for the public and for businesses. Currently, all the regulations in force can be found using http://www.suin-juriscol.gov.co/legislacion/covid.html and http://sisjur.bogotajuridica.gov.co/sisjur/index.jsp
Biosafety protocols are established for following sectors and activities:
Resolution 666 of April 24, 2020: General Biosafety Protocol to Mitigate, Control and Perform the Adequate Management of the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic.
Resolution 675 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for Risk Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Manufacturing Industry.
Resolution 677 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for Risk Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Transportation Sector.
Resolution 678 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the Management and Control of the Risk of Covid-19 disease in the Coffee Sector.
Resolution 679 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for Risk Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Transport Infrastructure Sector.
Resolution 680 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for Risk Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation Sector.
Resolution 681 of April 24, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the Management and Control of the Risk of Coronavirus COVID-19 in the Gambling activities.
Resolution 682 of April 27, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Building Construction Sector.
Resolution 714 of April 30th, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for Risk Management and Control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in Development of the apthose fever Vaccination Cycle.
Resolution 734 of May 08, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the prevention of virus transmission in the Municipalities without Covid-19 Coronavirus.
Resolution 735 of May 08, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the management and control of the risk of coronavirus COVID-19 in call centers, contact centers, technical support centers, data processing centers, shared service centers, including business process outsourcing, and home services, messaging and digital platforms.
Resolution 737 of May 09, 2020: It adopts the biosafety protocol for the prevention of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in the following business and support activities: maintenance and repair of computers and communications equipment; repair of furniture and accessories for homes, and washing and cleaning, including dry cleaning of fabrics and leather products (only for homes), divisions described with the International Standard Industrial Classification: CIIU 951, 9524 and 9601, respectively.
Resolution 738 of May 09, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the prevention of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in the manufacture of electronic components and boards (CIIU 2610); computers and peripheral equipment (CIIU 2620); communication equipment (CIIU 2630); manufacture of consumer electronic devices (CIIU 2640); optical instruments and photographic equipment (CIIU 2670), machinery and equipment n.c.p – CIIU Division 28; manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers; other types of transport equipment - CIIU Divisions 29 and 30; of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers; and manufacture of other types of transport equipment – CIIU divisions 29 and 30; of furniture, mattresses and bed bases – CIIU division 31 of the manufacturing industry.
Resolution 739 of May 09, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the prevention of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in the following activities in the commercial sector: maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, their parts, pieces, glass products, equipment and materials for plumbing and heating; wholesale of other domestic utensils N.C.P .; wholesale trade of household appliances and equipment; retail trade of hardware, paints and glass products in specialized stores; and retail trade of books, newspapers, materials and stationery and stationery in specialized establishments, identified with the codes CIIU 45, CIIU 4663, CIIU 4649, CIIU 4644, CIIU 4752, CIIU 4761, respectively.
Resolution 748 of may 13th, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol in order to mitigate, control, and adequately manage the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in the manufacturing industry authorized for the production of food products and beverage manufacturing, the petrochemical, chemical and related industries, manufacturing of other non-metallic mineral products and manufacture of basic metallurgical products.
Resolution 773 of may 14, 2020: Adopts the Biosafety Protocol for the prevention of the transmission of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in the livestock sector, particularly in poultry, pig, livestock, equine, aquaculture, fishing and farms producing small species, and importing, storage companies, conditioning and marketing of livestock inputs.
Resolution 796 of May 20th, 2020: Adopts the biosafety protocol for the prevention of the Coronavirus COVID 19 in the Agricultural Sector.
Resolution 797 of May 20th, 2020: It adopts the biosafety protocol for the management and control of the risk of the disease COVID 19 in the Mines and Energy sector.
Resolution 798 of May 20th, 2020: It adopts the biosafety protocol for the management and control of the risk of the Coronavirus COVID-19, in the different links of the logistical chain of the lodging service that is provided to health personnel, custody and surveillance of the population deprived of liberty , and of the Military Forces and Public Force.
Resolution 154 of May 21th, 2020: Adopt, adapt and implement the measures defined in the General Biosafety Protocol issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection through Resolution 666 of April 24, 2020, through the Technical Annex, within the Special Administrative Unit for Rehabilitation and Road Maintenance. that is part of this administrative act, aimed at minimizing the factors that may generate the transmission of the disease by Coronavirus COVID-19.

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The standards were issued by the President of the Republic and the different ministries, such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior, Justice, Transportation, and entities attached to these ministries.

Some of these regulations are mandatory and others are informative and / or protection for vulnerable populations, employment protection and aid for companies. Please contact us for more detail on those that are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Leaving home without justification, in accordance with the activities allowed in Article 3 of Decree 457 of March 22, 2020 can result in a fine of up to one million Colombian pesos (USD $246). In cases where it is proven that the person is positive with COVID -19 and exposes the general population, a jail sentence of 4 to 8 years could be imposed, in accordance with article 368 of the Colombian Penal Code.

Companies that do not comply with biosafety protocols are not allowed to carry out activities

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

The national government has issued new regulations focused on protecting citizens from the pandemic, improving the scope of diagnostic tests, health care. New laws have also been issued to protect vulnerable populations, jobs and to prevent companies from going bankrupt. Laws and regulations can be found at the link provided in question #3.

June 15, 2020

ECUADOR

June 15, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Yes, COVID-19 will be covered as an occupational disease for health care personnel and can be accepted as an occupational disease for other sectors, if the worker can demonstrate that he or she acquired the disease with “cause or occasion” of work.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Yes. The national committee operations for national emergencies - COE issued Resolution of April 28, 2020 approves the "Guide and General Plan for the progressive return to work activities” it establishes that the regional COEs must take the measures for the restart of activities based on a traffic light code according with the pandemic conditions in each Region, additionally the labor Ministry has issued Ministerial Agreements to provide guidelines to return to work:

Ministerial Agreement No. MDT-2020-093 of labor Ministry stablishes the guidelines for the economic reactivation through progressive return to work, protecting health of workers before the outbreak of COVID-19 disease for the private sector.

Ministerial Agreement No. MDT-2020-076 of labor Ministry enables and regulates teleworking during the COVID-19 emergency. Employers are obliged to register teleworking on the platform “Sistema Unico de Trabajo – SUT”

Ministerial Agreement No. MDT-2020-077 and MDT-2020-077 of labor Ministry approves changes in working hours.

The national committee operations for national emergencies – COE has issued the following resolutions:

Resolution of May 15, 2020 approves the “Biosafety Prevention Protocol for the Mining Sector in the Face of the COVID Pandemic - 19” presented by the Ministry of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources and approves the pilot projects and action plan of the companies corresponding to the sectors: automotive, lumber and textile, analyzed and presented by the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito.
Resolution of May 16, 2020 establishes as a mandatory requirement to any person who wishes to enter the Ecuadorian territory, as of Thursday May 21, 2020, to present upon arrival, to the health and migration authorities, the "negative" result of the COVID-19 test , which determines that the traveler is free of the disease, however, in addition to the previous provisions, all passengers arriving to Ecuador will comply with the Mandatory Preventive Isolation in the terms established in the Protocol of May 12, 2020 and special protocols for the operation of shopping centers were approved. In these establishments, the operation of the food areas is approved with the physical adjustments to ensure distance and in the application of biosanitary measures and in a maximum of 30% of the allowed capacity.
Resolution of May 17, 2020 modifies the curfew schedule according with the traffic light system as follows:
- In RED, the curfew is maintained from 14:00 to 05:00,
- In YELLOW, the curfew is reduced from 21:00 to 05:00
- In GREEN, the curfew is reduced from 00:00 to 05:00,
- Until a new evaluation of the National COE.

This measure will take effect from Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Resolution of May 18, 2020 modifies the start date of the requirement to have the negative test result of Covid-19 for entry into the country from June 1, 2020.

Resolution of May 20, 2020 authorizes the opening of commercial establishments and related factories to the construction sector (suppliers, logistics services and hardware stores) in order to maintain the supply and logistics chain of the construction plans authorized by the COE, in strict compliance to biosafety protocols.

Resolution of May 22, 2020 authorizes the restart of regular international and domestic commercial air operations at all airports in the country only with 30% of the frequencies authorized to airlines. This measure will start at 00:00 on Monday, June 1, 2020, for this purpose all airports and Airlines must comply with the "Guidelines for the Reactivation of International and Domestic Flights.

Approves the "Shopping Centers Protocol Against the Exposure of Covid-19" presented by the representatives of the country's shopping centers for its application in the cantons with the traffic light color in yellow and green.

Resolution of May 25, 2020 approves the following documents for the reactivation and operation of transportation led by the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works:

Sustainable Urban Mobility Guide;
Reactivation and Operation Protocol of the Interprovincial and intraprovincial Public Transport Service during the Traffic Light system;
Operation Protocol of the Light and Mixed Cargo Transportation Service during the Traffic Light system;
Protocol of Operation of the Conventional and Executive Taxi Transport Service during the Traffic Light system;
Operational Protocol of the School and Institutional Transport Service during the Traffic Light system; and,
Reactivation and Operation Protocol of the Tourist Land Transport Service during the Traffic Light.

Resolution of May 27, 2020 authorizes the restart of regular international and domestic commercial air operations at all airports in the country, except for the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in the city of Guayaquil, which will begin domestic operations from 00:00 on June 15, 2020. This measure will start at 0:00 on Monday, June 1, 2020 and the airlines have to operate with 30% of the frequencies authorized in their operating permit.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

Decree 593 April 24, 2020: The mandatory Preventive Isolation measure is extended, expanding the prohibition of movement of people and vehicles in the country, from April 27 to May 11. New exceptions were established which include: transport of necessary items, civil and health construction work, the hotel industry and the manufacturing and textile industry.

The President of the Republic of Ecuador issued constitutional decree 1017 on March 16, 2020, through which mandatory measures are established regarding non-compliance with the preventive measures as established by National Emergency Operations Committee (COE). Through this Decree the right to freedom of transit is suspended and a curfew was declared.

On March 15, 2020 a State of Emergency was declared in Ecuador, based on the Organization's declaration of pandemic of COVID-19 World Health.
This state of emergency will last 60 days, in force until May 15th, 2020.
- Exception applies for people who must provide a service that provides basic, health, security, and other necessary services, especially those that help combat the spread of COVID-19.
This decree denotes the start of a curfew from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning.
- Exception to this Decree is the province of Guayas, which starts earlier, at 4:00pm.
- The curfew imposes restrictions on the free movement of citizens, with the exception of some activities, which include workers of cleaning and hygiene supplies in factories.
The decree mentions that workers and suppliers of raw materials/services for these type of sites can transit normally, workers at these plants must carry documentation that proves their employment relationship with the factory, such as a Company ID or employment letter, signed by company representative and citizenship card.
All the business are shut down and most employees are working at home, except the people describe at Decree 1017 Article 5:
- Public employees of basic health, security, fire, airport, air, sea and river transportation services, and food providers.
- Members of the national police and armed forces.
- Accredited social communicators.
- Members of diplomatic missions.
- Medical staff.
- People who must keep medical appointments.
- One member per family to stock up on food, food, medicine and fuel.
- The social distance requirements and mask requirements are obligatory.
- Private motor vehicles can transit only one day a week, specifically for obtaining supplies, from 05:01 to 13:59, based on a calendar defined by the last number of the vehicle’s transit plate.

There are additional guidelines for the public and for businesses which are updated on a regular basis. These measures are issued by the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE), which offers links to a variety of resources and updated guidelines which can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/coe-nacional/

At this website, a daily statistical report on COVID-19 cases in the country, resolutions, protocols and manuals to prevent the spread of the virus can be found.

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory

Constitutional decree 1017 of March 16, 2020 was issued by the President of the Republic and the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE). These regulations are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Those who breach the vehicle transit restriction have committed a fourth-class violation. The sanction is a fine equivalent to USD $120 and six points on the driver's license. Additionally, the traffic authority will retain the vehicle and the owner/driver must pay the fees related with the car retention.

Currently there are very limited resources to outline consequences for not following guidelines. This article will be updated as additional information becomes available.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

The national government has issued new regulations through the National Committee for Emergency Operations. Each of the Decrees listed above have applicable laws and regulations listed on the National Service for Risk and Emergency Management website. For a full list and to access each visit: https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/coe-nacional/

June 08, 2020

CZECH REPUBLIC

June 08, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Based on the preliminary Statement of the Society of Occupational Medicine of the Czech Medical Association dated March 25, 2020, COVID-19 shall be recognized as a work-related illness if it occurred at work with demonstrable risk of infection. It would be classified based on Government Decree 290/1995 Coll. as a communicable and parasitic disease, relevant primarily to the health sector.

The Ministry of Health agreed with this Statement as declared at its web page on March 30, 2020: (https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/lze-uznat-onemocneni-covid-19-jako-nemoc-z-povolani/, in Czech only).

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

The Ministry of Health published criteria for discharge from the hospital or from isolation of COVID 19 cases at home (https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Krit%C3%A9ria-pro-propu%C5%A1t%C4%9Bn%C3%AD-pacienta-z-izolace.pdf). The patient will be isolated 14 days after first positive test or after release from hospital, and must be free of symptoms for at least 3 days and have two negative tests, with the first test performed no sooner than the 12th day of isolation and second after another next 48 hours.

In addition, a person, who was identified to be in a contact with a COVID-19 positive person has to be, regardless of whether tested or not, self-isolated at home for 14 days. Based on the decree of the Ministry of Health with the effective date, this person can return to work once is tested negative and has no clinical signs of COVID-19 after 14 days of quarantine. The test has to be performed at the earliest 14 days after the start of the isolation.

The isolation is formally terminated by practitioners. From the employment perspective the person at isolation is on a sick leave and is entitled to receive 60% of his average wage.

The Ministry of Health has launched a program called “clever quarantine” to support identification of contacts of COVID 19 positive persons. If agreed by the positive person, his cell phone data are used.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

General guidelines have been outlined for both the public and for businesses and include the following:

Based on the Government Order dated May 26, 2020, there is no obligation for persons moving outside the building and employees at work to wear face masks, when minimum distance of 2 meters from another person is kept. If the minimum distance of 2 meters cannot be ensured, persons should use face masks (their own reusable textile or disposable). The obligation to wear face mask is still pertaining for all interior spaces of buildings (except residence), in means of public transport and in all other places where there are at least two persons at a distance less than 2 meters, unless they are exclusively members of the household.

Based on the Decree of the Ministry of Health dated May 27, 2020 there are some restrictions on crossing the state border of the Czech Republic for foreigners who had no temporary residence (for more than 90 days in the Czech Republic as of 12 March 2020) or permanent residence in the Czech Republic. Specific conditions are set according to the length of the stay and the purpose of the stay of the foreigner. EU citizens and foreigners with the status of a long-term resident in EU Member State may enter the Czech Republic in order to perform economic activities, to visit relatives or to study at a university. Everyone has to prove themselves with a negative test for Covid-19 upon entry.

A measure of the Minister of Health, effective from June, 15, 2020, will ease the current regime for travels to and from abroad. The EU member states, and other states of the Schengen area are divided into three categories (according to the level of risk of COVID-19 disease). Czechs and foreigners with a long-term stay in the Czech Republic will be able to travel to countries of all categories after this date and will not have to prove themselves with a negative test for coronavirus after returning from countries with low and medium risk. Foreigners arriving from medium and high-risk countries will then have to prove themselves with a negative test upon arrival (in case of absence of a negative test, these foreigners will be submitted into quarantine).

List of countries:
Low risk: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Croatia, Iceland, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Germany, Norway, Poland, Austria, Romania, Greece, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland;
Medium risk: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain;
High risk: Sweden, United Kingdom.

Conditions and rules for entering the territory of the Czech Republic are available at the web page of the Ministry of the Interior also in English. (https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/coronavirus-information-of-moi.aspx). This web page is regularly updated.

Updates as well as Guidelines for travelers, and those requiring border crossing can be found at: https://www.vlada.cz/en/media-centrum/aktualne/measures-adopted-by-the-czech-government-against-coronavirus-180545/

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These are orders issued by the Government and the Ministry of Health that are binding. In addition, guidelines and recommendations are issued by Hygiene Authorities. All are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Fines for breaching ordered isolation can be up to 3,000,000 CZK (approx. 110,000 Euro).

Fines may also apply for not covering mouth and nose in public places. Such a fine can be up to 10,000 CZK (approx. 370 Euro).

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

A number of orders and regulation have been issued by the Government and the Ministry of Health.

Most of the guidelines and restrictions noted above have been adopted as laws. Regulations and restrictions specific to each are available at the Government web page, and are also available in English at: (https://www.vlada.cz/en/media-centrum/aktualne/measures-adopted-by-the-czech-government-against-coronavirus-180545/). This web page is regularly updated.

June 08, 2020

GERMANY

June 08, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

In Germany there are to date no specific guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness.

In general, a professionally acquired infection with the virus, may be recognized as an occupational disease. The responsible accident insurance institution (e.g. professional association/Berufsgenossenschaft BG) is the decider by individual case. Possible cases can be physicians in a hospital, ambulance/first aid staff transporting infected persons or staff working in laboratories analyzing for COVID-19. In many professional groups, however, it may be difficult to prove a professionally acquired infection.

As part of the pandemic prevention, the employer has to assess the risk of infection of the employees based on the hazard assessment and, if necessary, define and implement occupational safety measures. The update of the hazard assessment should to be based on the national pandemic plan of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI, link see below) and also include occupational health medical support. General distance and hygiene rules, which apply in the public sector, have to be transferred to workplace conditions as far as the work activity permits.

Based on the hazard assessment, the required inspections of work equipment may be postponed or extended if the safe use of these work equipment is still guaranteed. The reasons why the inspection cannot be conducted should be documented in the hazard assessment. If specific inspection intervals are defined in health and safety regulations, planned inspection deviations must be coordinated with the responsible authority.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

No COVID-19 specific requirements to date. As with any “away from work” disease, it is the treating doctor’s decision, when a diseased worker is fit to return to work.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

In Germany, there is a set of binding guidelines for public and private spaces issued by the Federal government. These are in placeuntil June 29, 2020.
A minimum distance of at least 1.5 meters must be kept in public from people other than their relatives.
Spending time in public space is only permitted on your own, with up to 10 persons os members of your own or one additional household.
In all federal States, a mask is mandatory in certain public areas - especially in public transport and when shopping.
Businesses have to develop and implement a hygiene concept based on their current risk assessment and company pandemic planning. It is important to avoid unnecessary contacts in the workforce and with customers, to comply with general hygiene measures and to minimize the risk of infection when contacts are required through special hygiene and protective measures. In addition, companies are encouraged to enable home office work wherever feasible.
In all federal States, a mask is mandatory in certain public areas - especially in local public transport and when shopping.
Businesses have to develop and implement a hygiene concept based on their current risk assessment and company pandemic planning. It is important to avoid unnecessary contacts in the workforce and with customers, to comply with general hygiene measures and to minimize the risk of infection when contacts are required through special hygiene and protective measures. In addition, companies are encouraged to enable home office work wherever feasible.
The re-opening (presence phase) of kindergardens, schools, libraries, archives and universities is regulated by the respective States. Hygiene and distance requirements must be met.
The journey to work, emergency care, shopping, doctor visits, required appointments and exams, help for other, individual sports and exercise in fresh air as well as other necessary activities are still possible.
Group celebrations in public places, in apartments and private facilities are regulated at the State level.. Regulatory authorities and the police monitor compliance with the rules. Anyone who violates the contact restrictions face sanctions (potential payment of several hundred Euros).
Large events remain prohibited until August 31, 2020.
The re-opening (presence phase) of kindergardens, schools, libraries, archives and universities is regulated by the respective States. Hygiene and distance requirements must be met.
All shops may re-open, however under increased hygiene requirements. Access should be controlled and lining up avoided.
Service providers and craftspeople can continue to work. All healthcare facilities remain open. However, you must observe the increased hygiene requirements.
Restaurants may gradually re-open. Details are regulated by the respective State. Delivery services also continue to deliver food.
In service companies in the field of personal care - such as cosmetic studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and the like – where physical closeness is inevitable, are closed. Medically necessary treatments remain possible.
Hairdressers have re-opened, subject to hygiene, control of access and avoiding lining up. Personal protective equipment must be used.
Zoos and Botanical Garden may re-open, details are regulated on State level. The same is true for sports and training facilities.
Museums, exhibitions and galleries as well as memorials can be reopened under hygiene control conditions. He same is true for religious events. Details are regulated on State level.
In summary and additionally, the following areas are regulated at State level:
- Lectures at universities
- Transition of childcare to restricted regular operation
- Adult education centers, music schools and other public and private educational institutions outside of school
- Bars, clubs and discos
- Tradeshows
- Driving schools
- Service companies in the field of personal care such as cosmetic studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and similar companies
- Sports facilities in all public and private indoor sports facilities, swimming pools and fun pools
- Gyms and similar establishments
- Operation of other sports and leisure facilities and the resumption of competitive and competitive sports
- Smaller public or private events or celebrations as well as non-festive events
- Amusement parks and leisure activity providers (indoor and outdoo)
- Amusement arcades, casinos, betting shops and similar establishments
Single Counties or even Municipalities can be beyond these rules and implement stricter requirements. Most States have their own set of regulations (also to be found under the link below):
Important notice regarding closing back down options: If the number of new infections remains low, the single States will independently decide on the further steps to normalize life in their region. If more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants occur in a district or an independent city within seven days, immediate regional restrictions must be implemented: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/corona-massnahmen-1734724 under “ Wo finde ich Informationen zu den Regelungen in meinem Bundesland?”
These regulations do not specifically apply for general workplaces. Here the general employer’s duty of care applies (workplace specific hazard assessment, documented instruction for all staff, supply of required PPE, restricted access to the workplace, etc.). Different Berufsgenossenschaften (BG) provide guidelines and sample documents (as one example, support documents by the construction BG can be found under https://www.bgbau.de/themen/sicherheit-und-gesundheit/coronavirus/#c17481)

3. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The Government scientific institute under the Ministry of Health in Germany is the Robert-Koch-Institut: https://www.rki.de/DE/Home/homepage_node.html They are researching and publishing data related to COVID-19 and is the main consulting body to the government.

See also additional details in #6 below.

4. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Yes, according to Article 75 subsection 1 number 1, subsection 3, 4 in conjunction with Articles 32 and 28 subsection 1 sentence 2 of the Federal Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz), a maximum sentence of up to five years may be imposed on anyone who willfully or negligently contravenes an enforceable order in accordance with Section 11 subsection 1 and holds a non-admissible event or gathering or a meeting or gathering that is not permitted under Section 12 (1) or takes part in such an event or gathering.

Additionally (for “smaller” non-compliances), this is mainly a State matter. There are fine catalogues in place in addition to the fines related to the Federal Infection Protection Act for most States. Fines for different non compliances related to COVID-19 rules range from a few 100 Euros to 25,000 Euros.

Infektionsschutzgesetz (not specific for COVID-19: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ifsg/

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

In Germany there are to date no specific general laws or regulations specifically related to COVID-19. Infections and epidemic occurrences in general are regulated under the Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz).

Infektionsschutzgesetz (not specific for COVID-19: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ifsg/

The Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz) has been last amended with regard to COVID-19 by the “ Second Act to Protect the Population in an Epidemic Situation of National Scope” (Zweites Gesetz zum Schutz der Bevölkerung bei einer epidemischen Lage von nationaler Tragweite) implemented by May 19, 2020. Several further amendments related to COVID-19 are under preparation. New regulations relate to additional testing requirements (e.g. that tests are to be paid by the public healthcare system and not by the individual. Further requirements are among others:

Laboratories will also have to report negative test results.
In addition, health authorities must report if someone is considered cured. In future, part of the reporting scheme will also be information on where someone has probably been infected. The data is transmitted anonymously to the Robert Koch Institute (the governmental pandemic authority).
Personnel working in the healthcare system (nurses etc.) will receive a bonus payment (between 676 and 1,000 EUROS, free of taxes) aid by the healthcare system.
If an employee is entitled to reimbursement of their loss of earnings due to a quarantine order, this may in future be granted for twelve instead of three months.

June 08, 2020

BRAZIL

June 08, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

If the origin of COVID-19 infection was at work, it will be considered as an occupational issue when there is evidence (art. 29). More information and specific information on how the evidence is linked can be found at the following website: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2020/Mpv/mpv927.htm

Provisional Measure N°927 issued 22 March 2020 by the President of Brazil determined occupational measures to deal with the public emergency as recognized by the Legislative Decree N°6/2020 and the public health emergency. This legal act established that, during this public emergency, the obligation of performing occupational medical exams (clinical and complementary) is suspended within the workplace (art. 15).

The exams will be carried out during 60 days after the closure of the state of public emergency. In the case of the occupational physician considers that the extension represents a health risk for the employee, the physician will recommend to the employer the need to performing exams (art. 15 § 1 and 2).

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

There is no formal process for “return to work” at the present time. Federal law N°13979 issued February 6, 2020, which established measures to deal with the public health emergency due to coronavirus, did not determine a deadline to withdraw the emergency measures. Art. 8 of this law stated that it will be in force while the state of health emergency lasts.

The Provisional Measure N°936 issued April 1, 2020 by the President of Brazil established the Emergency Program to maintain jobs and income during the public state of emergency. Measures include the reduction of 25%, 50% and up to 70% of the working time and salary during three months (90 days) by agreement between workers and employers. For specific program guidelines visit: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2020/mpv/mpv936.ht

Additionally, Message N°93 (Brazilian Republic Presidency) of March 18, 2020, related to the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic, recognized that the public emergency - will likely be in effect until December 31, 2020.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

The regulation for the flexibilization of Coronavirus lockdown in Rio de Janeiro State was promulgated June 05, 2020 through Decree N°47112 by the State Governor. According to this, from June 06, 2020, the partial reopening of restaurants, shopping center, touristic points, some sport activities, etc. has been approved. The sanitary restricted measures to reopening any of these places are still mandatory, such as, use of face protection masks, providing alcohol 70% and the limit of 50% of their capacity. Some commercial and industrial activities can be reopening in specific work schedule, according to Annexes I to IV in order to avoid agglomerations.

Article 5 determined the suspension of activities like public events (on-site classes, parties, sport events, shows, etc.) until June 21, 2020.

Information can be accessed at:

https://coronavirus.rj.gov.br/decreto-flexibiliza-reabertura-gradual-da-economia-fluminense/

https://www.contabeis.com.br/legislacao/5902320/decreto-47112-2020/

Ordinance N°188 was issued on February 3, 2020 by the Ministry of Health. This Ordinance established - under the responsibility of Health Surveillance Secretary (art. 2) - the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COE) as a national mechanism of coordinated management of the emergencies. The COE must plan, organize, coordinate and control the Ministry of Health measures; including being in contact with the health system of states and municipalities and, disseminate coronavirus related information to the general population, among others (art. 3).

Law N°13979 issued February 6, 2020 determines that to deal with the public health emergency due to coronavirus, the authorities can organize and ensure, among others, the following measures:

Isolation;
Quarantine;
Compulsory medical exams and testing;
Corpse handling;
Epidemiological investigation; and
Temporal restrictions in ports, airports and highways recommended by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (art.3).

According to this law, the conditions and deadline of these measures will be determined by the Ministry of Health. The list of guidelines and updated deadlines can be found at:

http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2020/lei/L13979.htm

Ordinance N°356 issued March 11, 2020 established Law N°13979 regarding the isolation and quarantine measures, including associated conditions and responsibilities. Specific information about isolation, quarantine and related roles and responsibilities can be found at: http://www.in.gov.br/web/dou/-/portaria-n-356-de-11-de-marco-de-2020-247538346

Ordinance N°454 issued March 20, 2020 by the Ministry of Health, deals with the community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It presents measures for transmissibility containment, such as the following:

14 days home isolation for a person with respiratory symptoms and also persons who live together even if they are asymptomatic (art.2); and
Persons older than 60 years old must comply with the social distancing and reduce activities, avoiding public transportation, sporting and other events (art.4).

Specific information about social distancing and older adults can be found at: http://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/portaria-n-454-de-20-de-marco-de-2020-249091587

Circular Office SEI N°1088/2020 issued March 27, 2020 by the Ministry of Economy provides general guidance to workers and employers in order to prevent/reduce the COVID-19 contagion and maintain job and economic activity. Hygiene and other good behaviour practices are recommended, including:

Protocols for identifying workers suspected of being contaminated with COVID-19;
Prevention measures of hand washing and/or the use of alcohol (70%) hand sanitizers;
Maintaining a safe distance between workers;
Avoiding crowds at work;
Cleaning and disinfecting of workplaces and common areas;
Promoting teleworking and videoconferences, mainly for workers older than 60 years of age.

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These guidelines were issued by the Presidency of Brazil, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy and they are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

According to the Law N°13979 issued February 6, 2020 mentioned above, non-compliance will result in accountability, under the terms foreseen in the law.

The attribution to implement and inspecting COVID-19 prevention measures is a legal responsibility of each State and also the Municipalities, based on Ministry of Health guidelines. Most of them have been enacted recently in few states/municipalities. Some of them are as follows:

São Paulo State Decree N°64959 issued May 4, 2020 established the general and obligated use of facial protective masks regarding the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Penalties are determined according to State Sanitary Code (State Law N°10083/1998); some of the penalties are fines from R$276 to R$276,000 (equivalent approx. to US$46 to US$4,600).

Federal District (Brasilia) Law N°6559 issued April 23, 2020 established the mandatory use of masks in public installations. This Law takes effect within 72 hours after its publication. Penalties can be around R$2,000 (approx. US$343).

Some of the municipalities in Espiritu Santo State such as, Mimoso do Sul and Presidente Kennedy defined penalties for not following the mandatory use of facial masks. Fines can be around R$100 (approx. US$17).

Ordinance N°356 issued March 11, 2020 determined that the non-compliance of isolation and quarantine measures will result in accountability, under the terms foreseen in the law (art. 5).

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

Besides the regulations mentioned above, the Ministry of Woman, Family and Human Rights has several guidelines such as the following:

Women and COVID-1
How to speak with children and teenagers regarding coronavirus.
Persons with disabilities and rare diseases and COVID-19.
Recommendations for professionals that attend these persons (e.g. carers).
Orientation to help immigrants on coronavirus, in three languages.
Human Rights of Brazilians abroad in the context of pandemic.

The Ministry of Woman, Family and Human Rights has also issued the Technical Note N°5/2020/CGRIS/DEPEDH/SNPG/MMFDH with general guidelines for the emergency attendance to the homeless population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for attending to homeless citizens can be found at: http://www.cfess.org.br/arquivos/mdh-notatecnica2020.pdf

There is an extensive list of Ordinances published by the Ministry of Health related to COVID-19, last updated April 30, 2020. Many different topics such as; resources, services, pharmaceuticals importation, hospital availability, respirators, PPE, etc. are covered on the following website: https://portalarquivos.saude.gov.br/images/pdf/2020/April/30/30.04.2020_Portarias%20publicadas%20sobre%20COVID_com%20edicao.pdf

June 03, 2020

DENMARK

June 03, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

COVID-19 can, after a specific assessment, be recognized as a work injury - either as a work accident or an occupational disease. For specific information refer to: https://www.aes.dk/da/Presse-og-nyheder/Nyhedsarkiv/2020/4_marts_coronavirus.aspx

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

At each workplace, management must ensure that there are instructions for dealing with people with symptoms of COVID-19. Workplace guidelines must be established for how employees will return after illness. Current general guidelines include:

Return to work only after 48 hours after symptoms have completely resolved.
There is no requirement to test, but it is highly recommended.

More details about COVID-19 in the workplace can be found at: https://politi.dk/coronavirus-i-danmark/oftest-stillede-spoergsmaal

Some of the most relevant work-related illness guidelines can be found at:

Guidelines for protection of employees against coronary infection when working in an office: https://at.dk/media/6155/stps_coronavirus_raad_a4_3korr-002.pdf

Guidelines are also available on responsible design of office workplaces, in order to ensure a responsible reopening of Denmark in light of the outbreak of COVID-19, April 8 2020 (Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs): https://em.dk/media/13622/retningslinjer-1-om-ansvarlig-indretning-af-kontorarbejdsplader.pdf

Guidelines for handling COVID- 19 in health care (health care workers) April 21: https://www.sst.dk/-/media/Udgivelser/2020/Corona/Retningslinjer-marts/Retningslinje_sundhedsvaesen_COVID-19_12_03_20.ashx?la=da&hash=5D9780785B76216F12BE11BDAA79126F502D5B7F

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

There are guidelines for the public and businesses.

The WEA will now begin with physical attendance to verify that companies are following Covid-19 guidelines.

Denmark will reopen in four overall phases. The next phase 3 will be at June 08. Among other things the assembly ban will be raised from 10 persons to between 30 and 50 persons. Today domestic flight between to two largest cities in Denmark is been allowed. Borders to neighbor countries like Norway, Germany, Iceland opens for tourists June 15. A new Covid-19 test strategy has been implemented with more offensive infection detection.

Business travels to Denmark has been allowed if they have a worthy purpose of recognition: file:///C:/Users/hkp/Downloads/Retningslinjer_erhvervsrejsende.pdf

All unnecessary journeys to the whole world are not advised. Travel advice for business travel can be seen here: https://um.dk/da/rejse-og-ophold/rejse-til-udlandet/rejseraad-til-erhvervsrejser/

Informational material providing guidance for business travelers travelling to Denmark: file:///C:/Users/hkp/Downloads/Information%20material%20for%20business%20travellers.pdfCurrently, the guidelines in force vary from sector to sector. The guidelines can be found at the specific websites that collect and disseminate information and knowledge about COVID-19 e.g.; in the field of private spaces and workplaces see the Danish Health Authority (the SSI), for details on current legislation on Corona-19 see Police website and for occupational health related issues see the Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA) site). Each of these sites have frequently asked questions (FAQs) pages that are updated regularly. All websites are in Danish and in other languages and can be found at:

Danish Health Authority: https://www.sst.dk/da
SSI: https://www.ssi.dk/ (vaccination, COVIDmeter and Mathematical Modeling)
Police: https://politi.dk/en/coronavirus-in-denmark
The Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA): https://at.dk/spoergsmaal-svar/spoergsmaal-og-svar-om-corona/

For Guidance related to the gradual and controlled reopening of schools and leisure arrangements (Version 5.0, April 20 2020) see: https://www.sst.dk/da/udgivelser/2020/genaabning-af-skoler

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These guidelines were issued by the Danish Government and are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Non-compliance with requirements – fine of 670 euros.
Business operators' failure to comply with restrictions on interior design – fine 201 euros,
Violation of ban on larger assemblies – fine 201 euros, the fine will be increased for repeat cases. Persons who do not comply with police orders and instructions will, as a rule, be punished with a fine of 201 euros. For more information on fines and penalties: https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2020/224
Subsequent failure to comply with instructions may result in legal charges and imprisonment.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

A broad variety of laws have been changed: The main focus has been to avoid the collapse of the health system due to too many Corona infected patients in one hospital at the same time Laws also consider hygienic behavior and distancing between people, and to work remotely instead of physically present in the workplace where feasible.

Financial aid packages have been established to help the most affected businesses in order to avoid employees being made redundant.

More information regarding legislative considerations for reopening of Denmark business and activities. can be found here: https://politi.dk/coronavirus-i-danmark/seneste-nyt-fra-myndighederne/foerste-trin-i-kontrolleret-genaabning-af-det-danske-samfund

June 03, 2020

SINGAPORE

June 03, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, it stipulated that:

a. “occupational disease” means any disease specified in the Second Schedule and

b. any other disease that is directly attributable to any exposure to any chemical or biological agent arising out of and in the course of any employment..

Although COVID-19 is not listed under this Second Schedule, it could potentially fall under condition b; at this stage, therefore it remains legally untested.

However, COVID-19 is classified as an Infectious Diseases as stipulated under the First and Schedule of Infectious Diseases Act. This indicates that COVID-19 is therefore, classified as a public health disease rather than a workplace illness.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Confirmed COVID-19 patients will only be discharged after having negative results from a series of medical tests by a medical team.

In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Singapore currently has a temporary measure in place (called Circuit Breaker) which only allows essential services providers to continue their business activities during the period of 7 Apr 2020 to 1 Jun 2020. Non-essential businesses need to either suspend their work activities or work from home.

After implementing temporary measure called Circuit Breaker, which only allows essential services providers to continue their business activities during the period of 7 Apr 2020 to 1 Jun 2020, selected business could resume their activities from 2 Jun 2020. Singapore will embark on a three-phased approach to resume activities safely. Employers will need to implement safe management measures when resuming its operations. Specific workplaces like construction worksites, manufacturing plants, Retails and F&B will have to fulfil additional requirements.

Phase 1

Singapore will gradually re-open economic activities that do not pose high risk of transmission. More Singaporeans will be allowed to go back to work, starting with businesses that operate in settings with lower risks of transmission. Employees who can telecommute or work from home should continue to do so. Some services will also be allowed to reopen – these include motor vehicle servicing, aircon servicing, basic pet services, and hairdressers or barbers offering all services.

In particular for construction industry, only certain project sites are allowed to resume activities with approval from Building Construction Authority. Strict safe management measures are to be implemented in such project sites, e.g. safe distancing, dedicated transport for workers, PPE, swab-test, etc.

Phase 2

The Government will carefully monitor the effects of increased activity in Phase One, and if the community infection rates remain low and stable over the subsequent two weeks from Phase One, Phase Two could happen before the end of June. In Phase Two, more activities will resume. Almost the entire economy will re-open, subject to safe management measures being in place. Retail, F&B, personal health and wellness, home-based services, sports and public facilities will be allowed to resume, with safe management measures, group size and capacity limits in place.

Phase 3

In this phase, Singapore would have reached a new normal and will likely to remain at this state until an effective vaccine or treatment is developed. It is expected that social, cultural, religious and business gatherings or events would have resumed. However, sizes of gatherings will have to be limited.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

A Taskforce comprised of multiple ministries was set up in late Jan 2020. The Taskforce directs the national ‘whole-of-government’ response to the COVID-19 outbreak; coordinates the community response to protect Singaporeans and stays vigilant against the spread of the disease; and works with the international community to respond to the outbreak.

In addition to the existing Infectious Diseases Act, new legislation - COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 was enacted on 7 Apr 2020 to provide temporary measures concerning the COVID-19 epidemic or pandemic. The measures in the Act are targeted and temporary and are designed to alleviate the unexpected pressures COVID-19 has caused to individuals, firms and other businesses, as well as the day-to-day operation of the courts and to empower the making of control orders to control the incidences and transmission of COVID-19.

Advisories and guidelines on COVID-19 were published on the respective Ministries’ websites to support the implementation and enforcement of the mentioned legislation. Information and updates can be found by visiting the website of the Ministry of Health. On this website, a full list and links for guidance by ministry and sector can be found.

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/advisories-for-various-sectors

The information also includes sector specific advisories such as for; transportation, building construction, education, employment, etc.

From 2 June 2020, the Singapore will embark on a three-phased approach to resume activities safely. To provide a safe working environment and to prevent transmission at the workplace, businesses are required to abide by the nation-wide general guidelines for workplaces (https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures). Businesses should also adhere to the sector-specific guidelines released by the respective agencies (https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/sector/).

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory

Guidelines and Advisories were issued by relevant Ministries.

Although they may not have direct legislative effect, advisories and guidelines were published with the intention to directly support the relevant regulatory requirement and therefore are considered mandatory. Public and business owners are to follow the advisories and guidelines where reasonable and may seek clarification with the relevant Ministries.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Yes, the main penalties are stipulated in the following legislation (as of 24 Apr 2020):

Infectious Diseases Act, Section 65: Any person guilty of an offence under this Act for which no penalty is expressly provided shall —

(a) in the case of a first offence, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; and

(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, Section 35(11): A person who commits an offence under subsection (9) or (10) shall be liable on conviction —

(a) to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a 30 term not exceeding 6 months or to both; or

(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 — Stay Orders) Regulations, Regulation 4(4):

An individual who is guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

In addition to the above, relevant Government Authorities (such as National Environment Agency, Singapore Food Agency) may also impose penalties which support the main Acts and subsidiary legislations.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

The existing Infectious Disease Act and its relevant subsidiary legislation were amended to address the COVID-19 situation. Moreover, COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and its relevant subsidiary legislation were newly enacted to specifically battle the COVID-19 situation in Singapore. Visit the below website for ministry and sector specific information:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/advisories-for-various-sectors

June 03, 2020

SOUTH KOREA

June 03, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

A case of COVID-19 can be classified as work-related and reported as a workplace illness if the cause is clear (e.g. medical workers in hospitals, elderly care center, etc.) or the job is highly exposed to potential risks of COVID-19 exposure under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

The return to work release requirement for confirmed cases with symptoms includes; (1) no fever and improvement of clinical symptoms without fever medication; and (2) two consecutive negative test results in a 24-hour time period.

Confirmed cases without symptoms can be released from the hospital (and so available for work); (1) if the test results are negative twice in a 24 hour time period on the 7th day after confirmation, or (2) if the next test results (on the 10th or 14th day as determined by a doctor) are negative twice within a 24 hour time period.

For people who were in contact with a confirmed case, the quarantine release is allowed on the next day after 14 days from the last contact date and are without specific symptoms. The same requirement is applied even if a test result is negative. For clinical workers, care providers and family members who were in contact with a confirmed case, a test should be conducted on the 13th day from the last contact date and be negative in order to be released from the quarantine on the next day.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

There are guidelines for the public and for businesses. Currently, the regulations in force can be found in public notice section in http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/. A Simplified English website is also available at (http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en). A list of some guidelines is given below.

The prevention and the prevention of spread of COVID-19 Workplace Response Guidelines (8th Edition) was issued by Korea Center for Disease Control (KCDC) on April 6, 2020. This guideline provides comprehensive information from various government entities including; COVID-19 clinical symptoms, response to patients and confirmed cases, daily preventive activities, disinfection regimes, labor-related Q&A, posters for general public, self-isolation and reporting & control of confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Infection Response Guidelines Disinfection of Collective Facilities and Multi-use Facilities (3-2 edition) was issued by KCDC on May 11, 2020. This guideline is focused on decontamination of areas with daily use and with confirmed cases, including detailed daily decontamination and decontamination after confirmed case with advice on types of allowed chemicals to uses.
Basic Guideline for Social Distancing in Daily Life was issued by KCDC on May 8, 2020. As of May 6, 2020, Korean government announced an easing of control with respect to Social Distancing in Daily Life. The new guideline includes.
- If sick, stay at home for 3-4 days.
- Spacing should be at least two arms distance between persons.
- Washing hands and coughing on sleeve.
- Daily ventilation of rooms at least twice a day and routine disinfection.
- Physically distanced, but emotionally attached.

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These guidelines are developed by Korea Center for Disease Control (KCDC)l under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act in cooperation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor. They are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Fines may be as much as 10,000,000 Korean WON ($8,120 USD) or 1 year of imprisonment at maximum if the quarantine isolation order is not followed.

Smaller fines may be applied if a person hinders or neglects to participate inthe quarantine investigation or testifies with false information during a quarantine investigation.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

COVID-19 is defined as contagious, and the control is legally implemented under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Additional guidelines are also issued based on on-going situations for new pandemic cases.

A list of laws based on the above guidelines can be found at: http://www.law.go.kr/lsInfoP.do?lsiSeq=188080&chrClsCd=010203&urlMode=engLsInfoR&viewCls=engLsInfoR#0000

June 03, 2020

ISRAEL

June 03, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

As of June 2, 2020, COVID-19 has not been added to the "Accidents and Occupational Diseases Order (Notice), 1945. Even Medical personnel that are infected or need to be in isolation are not yet recognized and are not reported as workplace illness. The full order can be accessed at: https://www.nevo.co.il/law_html/Law01/P228_001.htm

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

If a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and has no symptoms and no high fever (37.5 centigrade) he/she can return to work. Every workplace needs to check body temperature for the worker upon arrival to work. All workers with a negative COVID-19 test can return to work, but there is no requirement for a test at this time.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

June 2, 2020:

Israel is opening most business excluding malls, markets swimming pools and fitness centers, cinemas and theaters. This requires restrictions on the number of people entering a shop, depending on size:

In small shops. 2 people may enter at a time. The lines will be outside and people must stand at least 2 meters from each other.
Kindergartens and schools grades 1-3 will open on May 3, 2020.

As of June 2, 2020, mitigation guidelines were published:

Wear a mask in public and keep at least 2 meters between each other.
Don't travel more than 100 meters from home, except for workers required to monitor jobsites or taking care of elderly family members.
Wear masks all the time if you are not alone in a room or in public area.
Transparent plastic barriers should be used at any open plan office.
Placards with the guidelines must be shown in every workplace.
Three families can use the same nanny to take care of their children.
Prayers can be done with up to 50 people outside with 2 meters between each person.
No more than 2 persons at a shop per cashier are allowed at small retail businesses.
2 meters between each person at the cashier queue.
A transparent plastic barrier should be placed between the seller and the client.
Deliveries can be made from any retail business.
Meetings at offices may not exceed 12 people with 2 meters distance between each other.
Using of dining rooms and coffee corners is not permitted.
Kindergartens are open. Schools and universities are closed, excluding special education premises.
All retail establishments are open.
The following retail workplaces are not permitted: toy shops, clothing stores, malls, open shopping centers with more than 15 shops, hairdressers, cosmeticians, sport centers and swimming pools.
Parks and playgrounds are closed.
No legal proceedings are being performed.
No in person welfare assistance is being provided.
Sports activity (exercise) is permitted.
More detail of the above -general -measures are provided in the leaflet/poster at:
https://pic-upload.ynet.co.il/news/lockdown.pdf

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The ministry of Health issued the guidelines and they are mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

There is a fine of 200 NIS (~US$ 56) if a person doesn't wear a mask (PPE) and up to 5,000 NIS (~US$1408) if there is a violation of any mandatory guideline.

The link below relates to the “Corona-Emergency Status 2020” portal, and presents current information relevant to the situation in Israel:.

https://www.kolzchut.org.il/he/%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94_-_%D7%9E%D7%A6%D7%91_%D7%97%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%9D_2020

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

There are Public Health Decrees published by the Ministry of Health almost every 2-3 days.

There are 95 new ordinates as "emergency time" to restrict some activities.

A new version of “F-2020”, (1945) of the "Emergency Regulation" (The new Corona Virus – restriction of activity), "F-2020" were published on 21 March 2020.

https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/emergency-reulations-2020/he/emergency-reulations-2020-activity-restriction.pdf

Additional guidance is presented on the Ministry of Health COVID-19 webpage:

https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus

June 03, 2020

SWITZERLAND

June 03, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Yes, the Swiss Insurance Fund (SUVA) stated that coronavirus can be considered as an occupational disease. However to do so requires evidence of a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace than in the rest of the population; i.e. a more accidental contamination at the workplace is not sufficient. A significantly increased risk can be accepted if personnel in hospitals, and laboratories come into direct contact with infected persons or materials during their work. Similarly, employees in nursing homes, homes for the elderly or disabled may be exposed to a significantly increased risk when directly caring for infected residents. Activities that are not aimed at the care and treatment of infected persons, such as sales staff, hotel cleaning staff, and police, cannot be recognized as an occupational disease.

For more information and details about the requirements and guidelines described above visit:https://www.suva.ch/de-CH/material/Factsheets/corona-faq-fragen-und-antworten

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Currently there are no retur to work guidelines.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

Status as of June 2, 2020.

Large events with more than 1000 people are prohibited until at least the end of August.
On March 16, 2020, comprehensive measures with a partial lockdown were announced. Among other things; all shops (except for food), markets, restaurants, bars, and entertainment and leisure facilities must remain closed. In addition, and a ban on private and public events also applies. Schools have been closed. Hairdressing salons and beauty salons must also be closed. Passenger traffic to the surrounding states in Switzerland is restricted.In addition, restriction related to the import and export of medical goods with relevance for COVID-19 were put into force.
The phase of relaxation measures is currently underway and will take place in the following stages:
o   Since 27 April, hairdressers, beauty salons, DIY stores, flower shops and garden centers have been allowed to reopen. A protection concept corresponding to the requirements of the authorities must be implemented.
o   Since 11 May, shops, restaurants, markets, fitness studios, museums and libraries may reopen. Primary and secondary school teaching may again take place on site. A protection concept corresponding to the requirements of the authorities must be implemented.
o   Private and public events are allowed up to 30 people since May 30 and church services and celebrations of all religions since May 28.
o   On 6 June, secondary, vocational and higher education institutions will be allowed to hold public events again. At the same time, entertainment and leisure facilities such as museums, libraries, botanical gardens and zoos, mountain transport, swimming pools, wellness facilities, erotic businesses are to be reopened and the ban on public gatherings relaxed. On 6 June, the limit for groups of four will be lifted for restaurants. Billiards or live music are again possible. However, for groups of more than four people, the establishments are obliged to include the contact details of one guest per table. Sitting remains compulsory. Closing time is at midnight. This also applies to nightclubs and discos, where attendance lists are required and a maximum of 300 participants per evening are possible. A protection concept corresponding to the requirements of the authorities must be implemented.
o   Elimination of border controls against Germany, France and Austria on 15 June. 2020 and elimination of entry restrictions for all Schengen countries on 6 July 2020.
In a third step, expected on 8 June (to be confirmed by the Federal Council), secondary, vocational and higher education institutions will be allowed to hold public events. At the same time, entertainment and leisure facilities such as museums, libraries, botanical gardens and zoos are to be reopened and the ban on public gatherings relaxed.
All companies and facilities accessible to the public must draft and implement a protection plan that meets the requirements of the authorities.
People considered to be at particularly high-risk from the virus must be specially protected. This includes the expectation that employers will enable particularly vulnerable persons to carry out their work from home. If the vulnerable person can only work onsite, employers must ensure that they can comply with the recommended hygiene and conduct rules (e.g. wash hands, keep distance). If neither of these is possible, the employer provides leave of abscence to the particularly vulnerable person and continues to pay their wage.
The following recommendations also apply:
inform employees about personal and workplace-related protective measures. This includes washing hands regularly, keeping distance and wearing hygiene masks if distance cannot be maintained. The workplace must adapt these measures to meet the ordinance and the associated recommendations.
enable employees to avoid travelling by public transport during rush hours.
make the working hours of employees as flexible as possible and enable home working.
For more information about the above-mentioned guidelines visit the following websites: https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20200744/index.html https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/empfehlungen-fuer-die-arbeitswelt.html#-960795708

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The guidelines are issued by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Whether or not the requirements are mandatory or voluntary depends on the risks and can vary depending on the activities of the company.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Anyone who deliberately resists measures under Article 6 (of Ordinance on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) shall be punished with imprisonment for up to three years or a fine. Article 6 of the Ordinance retains the ban on public and private events, the requirements for the opening of establishments accessible to the public and the development of protection measures where necessary.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

Yes, the federal authorities have issued an Ordinance (Ordinance on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SR 818.101.24 related to the guidelines listed above. Details about these laws can be found at: https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20200744/index.html

June 01, 2020

ITALY

June 01, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

In Italy, the National institute for Insurance of Injuries at Work (INAIL) Circular n. 13 of April 3rd, 2020 and the Law Decree of March 17th, 2020, n. 18 (article 42) have been issued. The INAIL Circular n. 13 establish that COVID-19 infections, which occurred in workplaces or caused by work activity, are protected as accidents at work. Article 42, paragraph 2, of the Law Decree of March 17th, 2020, n. 18 establishes that a competent physician draws up the usual medical certificate and sends it with an online communication to INAIL, if COVID-19 is confirmed, and it occurred at work. According to the current provisions, INAIL ensures the protection of the worker injured.

For information on enhancement measures of the National Health Service and economic support for families, workers and businesses visit: https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2020/03/17/20G00034/sg

https://www.inail.it/cs/internet/docs/circolare-13-del-3-aprile-2020-testo.pdf

2. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

The shared protocol with measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in workplaces (March 14th, 2020 - integrated on 24th, April 2020) establishes that the admission in the company of workers, who have already tested positive for COVID-19 infection, must be preceded by a prior communication concerning the medical certification which exhibits the test’s proven negativization according to the methods provided and issued by the prevention department of territorial jurisdiction. The same Protocol lays down that, after the presentation of the medical certification, the competent physician carries out the medical examination before the work resumption, in order to verify the workers’ fitness.

As an example, below are listed the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) issued by The Health and Safety Local Body (ATS) of Bergamo with the answers to the most frequently asked questions about workers with or without COVID-19 and the measures must be implemented in the following cases:

Procedure in case of workers who was absent because they had a COVID-19 infection confirmed by a swab test: Once workers was discharged from the hospital, they must remain in home isolation (quarantine) for 14 days. During this period, these workers are monitored by ATS-DIPS [Health and Safety Local Body (ATS) - Hygiene and Health Prevention Department (DIPS)] operators and by a general physician. The healing is certified when these workers have no symptoms for 14 days. Suddenly, they are subjected to two tests, which must be carried out 24 hours from each other, and both of them must be negative. The "healing" certificate is delivered to the subject only when the results of the two tests are negative. Workers with the healing certificate can return to work;

Procedure in case of workers who was absent because they had a suspected COVID-19 respiratory disease (e.g. pneumonia) or symptoms which can be attribute to COVID-19 or they had a COVID-19 disease confirmed only by a X-ray: these workers are not followed by the ATS. They are followed by their attending physician, who issues the medical certificate for the INPS. Therefore, the attending physician establishes the healing of the workers on clinical basis or when the clinical symptomatology is over.

These FAQs are not a national regulation, but they are very important because they are drawn up by the ATS of Bergamo, one of the most affected Italian provinces by the COVID-19.

http://www.ats-bg.it/upload/asl_bergamo/gestionedocumentale/2020-04-07coronavirusFAQaziende_784_30937.pdf

https://www.lavoro.gov.it/notizie/Documents/Protocollo-24-aprile-2020-condiviso-misure-di-contrasto%20Covid-19.pdf

3. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

There are guidelines for the public and for businesses. Currently, the regulations in force are:

i. The DPCM (Decree of the President of the Ministers’ Council) of May, 17th 2020. This decree contains measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19. The provisions are in force from May, 18th 2020 until June, 14th 2020 and they are for the public and for businesses.

ii. The shared protocol with measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in workplaces (March 14th, 2020 - integrated on April, 24th, 2020).

iii. https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2020/05/17/20A02717/sg

https://www.lavoro.gov.it/notizie/Documents/Protocollo-24-aprile-2020-condiviso-misure-di-contrasto%20Covid-19.pdf

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The Law Decree of March 17th, 2020, n. 18 has been issued by the President of the Republic (mandatory).
The INAIL Circular n. 13 of April 3rd, 2020 has been issued by INAIL, the National Institute for the Insurance Against Injuries at Work (mandatory).
The FAQs have been issued by the ATS of Bergamo (health indications).
The Decree of the President of the Ministers’ Council (DPCM) of April 10th, 2020 has been issued by the President of the Council of Ministers; (mandatory).
The shared protocol with measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in workplaces (March 14th, 2020). It has been issued and signed by invitation of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Economy, the Labour and Social Affairs Minister, the Minister for Economic Development and the Health Minister (mandatory).

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

If the measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 are not respected, there are the following fines:

In general, anyone who violates the measures to contain the epidemic will have an administrative fine (from 400€ to 3,000€).
If the violation occurs with the use of a vehicle, the fines can reach up to 4,000€.
The violations provided for public exercises, sports, leisure or entertainment activities, business or professional and commercial activities may cause the immediate suspension of the activity up to 30 days.
If the violations are reiterated, the fines are doubled (therefore, from 800€ to 6000€, or 8,000€ if the violations are committed with the use of a vehicle), while the additional fine is applied with the maximum extent.
If you were affected by COVID-19 and you do not respect the quarantine, you are punished with criminal fines: imprisonment from 3 to 18 months and payment of a fine from 500€ to 5000€, without oblation
If your behaviour violates the containment measures and this behavior can cause a death, you will be punished with a criminal fine related to this crime. For example, if you were affected by COVID-19 and you violate the quarantine and spread the disease, you can be reported for serious crimes (epidemic, murder, injury) and punished with severe penalties, even a life sentence.
For more informtaion about laws and regulations visit: www.governo.it/it/faq-iorestoacas

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

DPCM of April 10th, 2020

Ordinance of the Health Minister in coordination with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of March 28th, 2020
Law Decree of March 25th, 2020, n. 19
Ordinance of the Health Minister of March 20th, 2020
Law Decree of March 17th, 2020, n. 18
Shared protocol with measures to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in workplaces (March 14th, 2020)
Law Decree of February 23rd, 2020, n. 6
Circular n. 5443 of February 22nd, 2020
Decision of the Council of Ministers of January 31st, 2020

June 01, 2020

AUSTRIA

June 01, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

At this time there is no guideline for reporting or classifying COVID-19 cases as work-related illnesses.

All known COVID-19 cases are reported and information on cases has to be exchanged between employers and employees: (https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10010265) by the treating physician to local authorities. Information on Covid cases have to exchanged between employers and employees.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Workers are allowed to return to work if they are considered not be ill anymore; i.e. if they meet the criteria described below.

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) has published a recommendation for discharge from the hospital or isolation of COVID-19 cases at home. The criteria for this was developed based on the technical expertise of the Robert Koch Institute, the largest public health institute in the German-speaking area. Patients who have been treated in the hospital need 2 negative tests and must have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours in order to be discharged. Patients who recover from COVID-19 at home - i.e. the lighter cases - are released from home quarantine at the earliest 14 days after the onset of symptoms and at least 48 hours of symptom-free after consulting the doctor in charge.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

There are guidelines for the public and for businesses. Currently, the regulations in force can be

Social distancing:
- In open public areas a distance of more then a meter to other people has to be kept.
- In enclosed public areas a distance of more then a meter to other people has to be kept and you have to cover mouth and nose.
- Certain limitations of number of people who stay together in the same room in shops, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, leisure time places apply.
- Certain limitations for mass events (public concerts, sport events,..) exist.
Traveling:
- Most of the boards are still closed or some restrictions apply but the opening is expected during summer.
Support for business suffering consequences of COVIF 19
- A broad variety of support measures have been put in place (mainly financial support but also loosening some legal burden)

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

The issuance of various guidelines/laws is somewhat complicated and dependant upon the actual circumstances; however in general it can be considered that:

Gesetz (Federal Laws) are issued via the Federal Parliament; Verordnung (Regulations) are issued via the Governmental Ministries; Erlass (Explanatory Decree) is issued by higher governmental authorities to subordinate authorities. All of them can be considered ultimately binding/mandatory.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Fines of up to 30.000 EURO (BGBl. I Nr. 12/2020) can be enforced. Anyone who, as the owner of a permanent establishment (e.g. restaurant or a shop), does not prohibit entry commits an administrative offense and is subject to a fine of up to 30,000 Euros).

Fines may also apply for not wearing masks, entering restricted sites, violating reporting duties. Fines can be enforced up to 3,000 Euros, and police are allowed to fine immediately those not wearing masks, standing together in groups, etc (Verordnung des Bundesministers für Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz über die Einhebung von Geldstrafen mit Organstrafverfügung nach dem Epidemiegesetz 1950 und dem COVID-19-Maßnahmengesetz)

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

A broad variety of laws have been made - see listing above in answer to question 3 - (and the link; https://www.bmdw.gv.at/Themen/International/covid-19/Gesetze-und-Verordnungen.html). Many other existing laws have also been changed/amended to account for specific COVIC-19 impacts on those laws. For example, the Specific COVID law (2. Gesetz as discussed above) changed 20 other Austrian laws).

The data presented here is not a complete analysis of all COVID-19 information; however, our in-country Partner will provide updates as and when considered appropriate and as relevant data becomes available. If you have any additional questions or request country information, please email us at COVID-19@cc-global.com with additional inquiries.

May 26, 2020

TURKEY

May 26, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

If COVIV-19 is transmitted to a person while working, there is a link between the mode of transmission of the virus and the work environment of the person, then it is regarded as occupational illness.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

No information at this time.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

April 10,.2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. All citizens in 30 provinces with metropolitan status (including Istanbul) and Zonguldak will be banned to go out from 24:00 on April 4, 2020 to 24:00 on April 12, 2020. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/2-gun-sokaga-cikma-yasagi
April 10,.2020: General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. “Documents containing Points to Consider for Employees in Call Centers within the Scope of Combating Coronavirus” have been published: https://www.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/isggm/haberler/cagri_merkezleri_covid-19_kapsaminda_dikkat_edilmesi_gerekli_hususlara_iliskin_dokuman_yayimlandi/
April 9,.2020: General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. “Documents prepared for Considerations in Wholesale and Retail Supermarkets, Cargo and Courier Transportation and Pharmacies within the Scope of Combating New Type Coronavirus” have been published. https://www.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/isggm/haberler/toptanveperakendemarketler_kargovekuryetasimaciligi_eczane_covid-19_kapsaminda_dikkat_edilmesi_gerekli_hususlara_iliskin_dokuman_yayimlandi/
April 5, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Exceptions for those aged between 18 and 20: Those who have a regular job in the private sector and those who can document such with a social security registration document will be exempted from the curfew. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/sokaga-cikma-yasagi-bulunan-18---20-yas-arasindaki-genclerle-ilgili-istisnalar
April 3, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. All entrances and exits to be made from provincial borders of 30 provinces with metropolitan status (including Istanbul) and Zonguldak by land, air and sea (public transport, private vehicle and pedestrian, etc.) will be stopped for a period of 15 days starting from 24:00 on Friday, 03 April 2020. In provinces and districts, citizens and employees will enter the marketplaces, supermarkets and workplaces (where they work collectively) with masks. Those who were born after January 1, 2000 in all provinces and districts will be temporarily banned from going out on the streets on April 3,.2020 from 24:00. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/sehir-giriscikis-tebirleri-ve-yas-sinirlamasi
March 29, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs Circular on Commercial Taxis. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-kapsaminda-ticari-taksilerle-ilgili-genelge
March 28, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Circular on flights and bus services (travel permit): https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-kapsaminda-ucakotobus-seferleri-genelgesi
March 28, 2020: General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. Guidelines on Measures to be Taken at Workplaces within the Scope of Combating New Type Coronavirus have been published: https://www.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/isggm/haberler/bakanligimizin-yeni-tip-koronavirusle-mucadele-kapsaminda-is-yerlerinde-alinacak-onlemlere-iliskin-kilavuzu-yayimlandi/
March 27, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. The sale of non-essential products (such as clothing, toys, etc.) will not be allowed in marketplaces where citizens' basic food / cleaning materials are sold. At existing marketplaces, there will be a distance of at least 3 meters between each sales place (stall). https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-salgini-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-pazar-satis-yerleri-ile-ilgili-ek-genelge
March 25, 2020: Ministry of Education. Schools will be closed until April 30th.
March 24, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. All supermarkets will serve between 09:00 and 21:00 in the provinces / districts. The maximum number of customers in the supermarket will be one tenth of the total area (excluding warehouses, administrative offices, etc.) that serve the customer directly. For example, if the area of the supermarket offered to the customers is 100 square meters, there will be a maximum of 10 customers at the same time. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-salgini-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-marketlerle-ilgili-ek-genelge
March 21, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of midnight, all restaurants, as well as pastry shops and patisseries and similar workplaces will only serve in the form of takeaway or delivery, without allowing customers to be served at the tables. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-salgini-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-lokantalarla-ilgili-ek-genelge
March 21, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. After 24:00 on March 21, 2020, it is forbidden for our citizens aged 65 and over and those with chronic illnesses (low immune system and chronic lung disease, asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, kidney, hypertension and liver disease and citizens using drugs that disrupt the immune system) to go out of their residence, to walk around the open areas/parks and to travel by public transportation vehicles. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/65-yas-ve-ustu-ile-kronik-rahatsizligi-olanlara-sokaga-cikma-yasagi-genelges
March 21, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. The activities of barbers, hairdressers and beauty centers will be temporarily stopped as of March 21, Saturday (18:00). https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/bakanligimiz-81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-bir-genelge-daha-gonderdi
March 21, 2020: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. As of 17.00, flights to 46 countries will be stopped as part of the new type of COVID-19 measures. Thus, the number of countries that Turkey stop flights will increase to 68. (List is given in the link): https://www.uab.gov.tr/basin-aciklamalari/ucus-yasagi-olan-ulke-sayisi-68-e-yukseldi
March 20, 2020: General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. “Necessary Measures to be Taken for Effective Fight Against the New Coronary Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak” were published. https://www.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/isggm/haberler/koronavirus/
March 19, .2020: Greece and Bulgaria borders are closed.
March 16, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Activities of; theaters, cinemas, show centers, concert halls, engagement / wedding halls, casinos, pubs, taverns, coffee shops, cafés, cafeterias, hookah lounges, internet lounges, internet cafes, all kinds of game halls, all kinds of indoor playgrounds (including the ones in shopping malls and restaurants), clubhouses, amusement parks and recreational facilities will be temporarily suspended by 24:00 today. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge-gonderildi
March 15, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, the activities of discotheques, bars and night clubs will be temporarily stopped as of March 16 at 10:00. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-coronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge-gonderdi
March 14, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of March 15, 17:00 Turkey and Georgia will temporarily close the Sarp border gate to passenger traffic. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/turkiye-ve-gurcistan-sarp-sinir-kapisini-karsilikli-olarak-gecici-sureyle-yolcu-trafigine-kapatacak
March 13, 2020: Ministry of Education. Schools will be closed between March 16 and 30.
March 13, 2020: Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of March 14, 08:00 passenger entries from; Germany, Spain, France, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands to Turkey was halted from all border crossings. Travel from Turkey to these countries was temporarily stopped. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligi-ve-hudut-idare-mulki-amirliklerine-genelge
March 1, .2020: Iraq border has been closed.
February 26, 2020: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travel Alert for Italy Travel Alert for Iraq http://www.mfa.gov.tr/italya-seyahat-uyarisi-hk-26-2-2020.tr.mfa
February 23, 2020: Iran border has been closed.
January 27, 2020: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Travel Alert for China. http://www.mfa.gov.tr/cin-seyahat-uyarisi-hk-27-1-20.tr.mfa

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These measures are from circulars issued by Ministry of Internal Affairs.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

Citizens who do not comply with the decisions taken will be subject to an administrative fine (3150 TL – 467 USD) according to article 282 of the Public Sanitation Law, and the necessary judicial proceedings will be initiated within the scope of article 195 of the Turkish Criminal Code regarding the behaviors that constitute the crime.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

No laws or regulations related to COVID-19 have been adopted at this time, but there are circulars issued by Presidency and related ministries.

May 26, 2020

MEXICO

May 26, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Yes, on March 24, 2020 a Decree was issued by the Secretary of Health about the COVID-19 virus and published in the Official Daily of the Federation: March 24, 2020 a Decree was issued by the Secretary of Health.

This decree ordered the immediate suspension of workers in any vulnerable high risk group with full pay by the employer: e.g. "Adults over 65 years of age and older and groups of people at risk of developing serious disease, and including pregnant or lactating women, children under 5 years of age, people with disabilities, people with chronic non-communicable diseases (people with arterial hypertension, lung, kidney failure, lupus, cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, liver failure, or metabolic, heart disease), or with any disease or pharmacological treatment that generates suppression of the immune system."

Suspension of work is addressed in the Mexican Labor law, articles 427 – 429.

Article 427. These are the causes for temporary suspension of the labor relations in a company or establishment:

Due to force majeure or unforeseen circumstances that is not the responsibility of the employer, or his physical or mental disability, or his death that produces as a necessary consequence the direct and immediate necessity of the suspension of work.
Article 429. In the cases indicated in Article 427, the following standard will be observed:
With regard to section I, the employer or his representative, will give notice to the Court of the suspension, so that the latter, prior to the procedure set forth in the Special Collective Procedure established in article 897 and subsequent to this Law, may approve or disapprove it;”.
When a company suspends work because of a declaration of a sanitary emergency due to force majeure – the employer is supposed to notify the labor court authorities and the authorities will instruct and /or negotiate with the employer on the percentage of compensation to pay workers.
A sanitary emergency does not fall under a work-related medical emergency.

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

No. There are new responses daily to the ongoing development of the virus.

In general terms, everyone in Mexico has access to health care. Employers pay Social Security taxes on every employee and that entitles them and their families to use the Social Security hospitals and doctors. For people not employed and that do not have; Social Security for workers, State insurance for employees of States or Federal insurance for Federal workers, they can use the Bienestar Health Service, available to anyone including foreigners that do not have one of the other plans. There is no charge and persons are attended to in the General Hospitals and by the Red Cross. https://www.bienestar.org/health-services/

People infected are being isolated in the Government hospitals or in private hospitals. There is still no guidance on when they will return to work.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

On April 21, tIn a special evening edition of the DOF a modification was published to the Decree published March 31, 2020 which ordered the suspension of nonessential activities in Mexico until April 30, 2020. This Decree published April 21, 2020 modifies the original decree and extends the suspension of nonessential services until May 30, 2020. Read the entire Decree at:

https://mexicanlaws.com/COVID/COVID%2019%20-%2031-03-2020%20Updated%20%20with%20the%20modification%20published%20April%2021,%202020.pdf

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These are mandatory guidelines issued by the Federal Secretary of Health.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

No. None of them mention a sanction or penalty, but the Health authorities and the labor authorities have the authority to shut down businesses and they are doing so. For example, in Baja, California they have visited and shut down factories and businesses all over the state.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

Yes. The following links are all the Decrees issued for COVID-19 to date. (14-04-2020) in Spanish and English.

April 8, 2020: AGREEMENT suspending on site inspection visits.
April 8. 2020: Secretarial AGREEMENT number 166/2020.
April 6, 2020: AGREEMENT special actions to address the health emergency generated by the SARS-CoV2 virus, published in the DOF on March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020: AGREEMENT special actions for attending to the health emergency generated by the SARS-CoV2 virus
March 30, 2020: Sanitary Safety Measures Presentation – published in the DOF March 30, 2020 SPANISH ENGLISH

May 18, 2020

NEW ZEALAND

May 18, 2020/ Convergence

1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?

Currently COVID-19 is not classified as a work-related illness and is not reported as a workplace illness.

Any known COVID-19 case must be reported to the Ministry of Health by the treating physician. Information on confirmed cases must also be exchanged between employers and employees. More information on reporting and communication can be found at the following website: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-resources-health-professionals/recording-covid-19

2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?

Currently there is no return to work process.

3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.

There are guidelines for the public and for businesses. Currently, the guidance is advice only as there are currently no regulations in force. A list of guidelines compiled from the website covering business requirements for Alert Level 2 is given below.

Businesses and workplaces can operate if they’re able to do so safely as set out below:

Engaging with customers:

Businesses may have customers on their premises if they can meet public health requirements. This means businesses should:

have good contact registers, or contact tracing methods in place to record everyone who has interacted with others on your premises;
maintain physical distancing of 1 metre between groups of customers, or 2 metres if it’s not possible to keep contact tracing records;
refrain from groups larger than 10 people; and
maintain a 2-hour time limit for groups to be on premises.

Most businesses can open to the public, including cafes, restaurants, and bars for dining; hardware, gardening, and clothing retailers and butchers, bakeries, and fishmongers.

Hospitality businesses should keep groups seated, separated, and use a single service if possible. This means each group has one server, though servers can each serve more than one table.

Work involving close personal contact:

For some businesses, close personal contact is required to deliver a service. This includes hairdressers and home help providers.
These businesses may operate if they have public health measures in place like; robust contact registers in place, good hygiene practices and minimised contact to the extent possible.
Specific guidance for other key sectors is being developed by Government and will be available soon.
Doing business safely
The key public health requirements state that businesses should maintain hygiene measures, including physical distancing, hand washing and regularly cleaning surfaces.
All businesses are encouraged to use alternative ways of working if possible. This means businesses that don’t normally have customers on their premises could continue to have staff work from home.
If workers are sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or any other sickness, they should stay home.

Golden rules for business

Most businesses may operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are still encouraged where possible.
Talk with your workers to identify risks and ways to manage them.
Ask everyone including workers, contractors and customers with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay away from your premises.
Keep groups of customers at least 1 metre apart.
Keep contact-tracing records of anyone who will have close interaction (workers, contractors or customers).
Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them.
Wash your hands regularly.

Travel and transport

Travel is permitted, but records of which travel services are used must be kept and should include all travellers in a group.
Minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
Try to limit taking public transport or use at off-peak times.
If you’re flying or taking other forms of transport that involve bookings, follow the physical distancing instructions from your transport operators.
You must not travel if you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, awaiting a test, or if you need to self-isolate.

Self-isolation, quarantine and testing

People who are suspect and confirmed cases of COVID-19, or those who are in close contact with a case, will have to self-isolate for 14 days, or until cleared by a doctor.
People arriving from overseas will continue to be placed in managed isolation for 14 days, or quarantine if they are showing symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested.
More details on the above guidelines can be found at: website: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/

4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?

These guidelines are issued by the Department of Health with Worksafe New Zealand is required to enforce them under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 for general public and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 for workplaces.

5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?

A maximum fine of $4000 for a breach of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or six months in jail.

For workplaces, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 would be enforced by Worksafe if a business exposes a worker to a risk from COVID-19 and does not have the systems to undertake all reasonably practicable steps to eliminate the risk from the virus.

6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?

Yes, these laws are covered under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 which can be accessed at: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/

COVID-19 Information

ARGENTINA

EGYPT

INDIA

UNITED KINGDOM

COLOMBIA

ECUADOR

CZECH REPUBLIC

GERMANY

BRAZIL

DENMARK

SINGAPORE

SOUTH KOREA

ISRAEL

SWITZERLAND

ITALY

AUSTRIA

TURKEY

MEXICO

NEW ZEALAND

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