The FOPH has published a pandemic plan for companies that shows the possible operational measures that can be taken to prevent infection. This specifically explains the internal organization and the hygiene measures to be put in place. Employees should certainly now be made aware of the required hygiene precautions. The FOPH recommendations can be found on its website. In addition, if an employee returns from a trip and is having difficulty breathing or showing symptoms of the illness, he or she must contact a doctor immediately and not go to work.

Possible consequences under labour law

If the coronavirus continues to spread, certain situations may become relevant in terms of labour law. The questions that arise concern issues such as short-time working, holidays, and working on the premises or from home in general. Swissmem has drawn up an employer factsheet for its member companies that provides information on the relevant issues and the situation under labour law. This factsheet can be downloaded from the Extranet. Member companies can also receive individual advice.