COVID-19 Legal Series (4): What Are Employers' Obligations Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak?

March 09, 2020 | BY

Vincent Chow

As China looks to kickstart its economy following weeks of severe disruption, employers must balance obligations to minimize virus transmission risk and at the same time returning to normal operation as quickly as possible. What exactly must employers do before resuming operations? How can they reduce costs? Are layoffs allowed? Jonathan Isaacs, head of Baker McKenzie's China employment practice, answers your burning questions.

What are employers' obligations to prevent the spread of the virus? 

There are different obligations set out at the national and local levels. On Feb. 21, the State Council issued a notice providing suggestions on all steps that employers should take in order to reduce risk of coronavirus transmission. For example, they suggest temperature checks for employees anytime they enter the office. Visitors to the office should also be limited to those that are necessary. If you have an in-house cafeteria, there should be equipment to sanitize eating utensils regularly. If you do not have such equipment, then disposable utensils should be used.

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