NAVIGATING UNCERTAIN TIMES: IMPLEMENTING A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Following the government announcement to implement strict new measures on movement amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, we wish to share with our customers the systems we have put in place and continue to monitor as part of our on-going business continuity plan.
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“Where a building, part of a building or a water system is taken out of use, it should be managed so that microbial growth, including legionella in the water, is appropriately controlled.”
Pg24. 2.5 - Buildings temporarily taken out of use (mothballing) HSE - HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria and cold water systems
Inline with the Government position, we are currently still providing critical building services on site, following Public Health England guidance on social distancing as well as the additional procedures we have put in place.
Office staff are working from home where possible but are contactable.
Many of our services are vital to keeping NHS healthcare facilities, care homes and emergency services operating during this time. Furthermore, across all premises the maintenance services we provide are essential for the safety of people and we take this responsibility seriously.
Legal requirements haven’t changed, the Health and Safety at Work Act is in force during this outbreak and the risks still need to be managed. Now, more than ever, it's important to be mindful about Legionella control. Any illness that affects the respiratory system, if combined with COVID-19*, will likely have a high mortality rate and Legionnaires disease in one such illness. *COVID-19 is prevalent in comorbidity (The Lancet).
This is clearly an evolving situation and we are continuing to reassess where we are on an almost hourly basis, for the time being we keep going.
We will of course communicate any changes to our position following further announcements. Should you have any questions or require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact us.
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