Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
The costs associated with the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are mounting. Throughout the world, governments, businesses and individuals are taking action against the threat, and reality, of a pandemic event. The Coronavirus has already affected many organizations, causing business disruptions and supply chain issues. Still, despite warnings from the World Health Organization and other agencies, more companies need to take the necessary steps to prepare their employees and business continuity plans in advance to see themselves through a major crisis. The time to prepare is now.
USI has assembled the following resources, focused on risk preparedness & mitigation, and claims & coverage considerations, to help clients prepare and respond to a widespread public health emergency.
IMPORTANT UPDATES, TOOLS & RESOURCES
USI Coronavirus Update
The Coronavirus is a respiratory illness first detected last December in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It has since spread to countries across the globe. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, according to the World Health Organization. It can also lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and possible death. Significant business challenges can arise from outbreaks of the virus and/or attempts to control its spread.
In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and limiting the spread and negative impact to the economy. USI has prepared a “Coronavirus Preparedness and Risk Mitigation Resource Guide” to assist with business continuity, employee safety and communications.
Insurance coverage and claims considerations resulting from an influenza epidemic or influenza pandemic situation will require a close examination of all insurance policies in place.
Travel Insurance and Travel Alerts
Many governmental agencies and companies are avoiding nonessential travel to high risk areas. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, asking people not to travel to China and other high-risk areas, as the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
Response and Risk Mitigation:
Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Guidance from Other Federal Agencies and Partners:
For more information about the Coronavirus and/or public health concerns, contact your local USI office or representative.
About USI Insurance Services
USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects over 7,000 industry-leading professionals from approximately 200 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
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