The coronavirus that has caused outbreaks of respiratory disease in dozens of countries around the world has serious implications for almost all industries, including the legal profession here in the United States. While the coronavirus has not yet spread to the U.S., some of the country’s largest law firms are canceling events and restricting travel, and scammers in Michigan are already taking advantage of the situation to target potential victims.
Attorneys would face unique concerns during a severe outbreak as they would need to work to ensure that the rule of law is respected and protected. The American Bar Association offers disaster guidance for legal professionals, much of which could be applied during an outbreak or pandemic. The ABA offers a preparedness checklist, including questions that attorneys should be able to answer, such as:
- Can you access critical client records remotely?
- Have you prioritized your firm’s functions by criticality?
- Do you have a “go kit” of office items you would need if you could not access your primary office?
As businesses in many industries prepare for the possibility of an outbreak, attorneys should also be prepared to work with clients whose employers’ emergency policies aren’t consistent with existing workplace laws.
As the risk of exposure continues to grow, the CDC has issued guidance for employers, of all sizes, to both help prevent an outbreak in the U.S. and to be prepared in case one does happen. The disease, known as COVID-19, spreads in a similar way to the flu, according to the World Health Organization. Therefore, preventive measures include:
- Encouraging sick employees to stay home
- Reminding all employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often
- Regularly cleaning all office surfaces that are frequently touched
Additionally, people should check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices before going abroad.
Employers should also revisit their emergency preparedness plans and be ready to respond to varying levels of severity were an outbreak to occur. The CDC advises employers to prepare for the possibility of:
- Widespread absenteeism, especially if employees need to care for sick family members
- Many, or all, employees needing to work remotely
- The need to suspend some business operations
For updates on the coronavirus, check the CDC and WHO websites.
