The World Health Organisation (WHO) finally declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus1 (COVID 19) as a global pandemic. Judging by the reports around the world, it is safe to expect that Corona virus will change the world of work in dramatic fashion more than AIDS, SARS, EBOLA, H1N1 influenza and Lassa fever did. For now, the primary concerns of the employer are protecting the business from significant economic shocks, safeguarding the health, welfare and job of the employee and getting timely advice and guidance on the key legal issues associated with COVID-19 which may impact the business.
While the potential impact of COVID-19 remains evolving and fluid, it is important to keep in view some of the potential legal risks that employers may have to deal with.