Complete COVID-19 Update
Canada
Status: Yellow.
Canada is currently re-opening borders, with some restrictions in place such as the ones described in the following sections.
(1) Since the commencement of the ongoing pandemic cause by the outbreak of the communicable disease known as coronavirus (COVID-19), and since there are no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of the disease are available, the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, pursuant to the Quarantine Act, makes the following: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States). This Order supports Canada’s continued focus on reducing the introduction and further spread of COVID-19 by decreasing the risk of importing cases from outside the country. The Order continues to prohibit entry into Canada of foreign nationals arriving from the United States for an optional or discretionary purpose, with some limited exceptions. Even those who are exempted from the prohibition may not enter if they have COVID-19 or they exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19. ( http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/2020-07-25/html/order-decret-eng.html).
(2) On order of the Minister of Transport, Interim Order No. 3 Respecting Passenger Vessel Restrictions Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is required to deal with a direct or indirect risk to marine safety or to the marine environment. This Interim Order applies to passenger vessels and ferry vessels until October 31, 2020. ( http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/2020-07-18/html/notice-avis-eng.html#nb3).
(3) Also on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, The Governor General makes the following order: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 3. The order states that every person entering Canada must self isolate for 14 days, with a plausible extension of 14 days if during the initial period, the person is exposed to another person who exhibits symptoms or if the initial subject develops symptoms. The following ends at 23: 59: 59 eastern daylight time on August 31, 2020. ( http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/2020-07-11/html/order-decret-eng.html#dt2).
(4) Also on order of the Minister of Transport, the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation due to COVID-19, No. 2, is enacted. The order states federal procedures between passangers and airline carriers for the proper management of the coronavirus. (http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/2020-07-11/html/notice-avis-eng.html#ne9). The Province of Ontario has enacted the Reopening Ontario (Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act. The act states, that restrictions orders that have yet to be lifted, are immediately lifted (except for some as per the following url) https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s20017. Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/index-eng.html
Mexico
Status: Green.
The Mexican government has no restrictions in place for the entry into the country. Although the land border with the United States is currently restricted solely to essential travel.
No new major changes/regulations related to COVID-19 have been published since last entry. Although the Federal Government has not enacted any new regulations nor changes related to COVID-19, states such as Coahuila and the State of Mexico enacted legislation such as a Mobility Manual during COVID-19 times (the former) and a Plan for the Return to Normal of Economical, Social, Educational and Governmental Activities (the latter).
Coahuila: http://periodico.sfpcoahuila.gob.mx/ArchivosPO/47-EXT-15-JUN-2020.PDF
State of Mexico: http://legislacion.edomex.gob.mx/sites/legislacion.edomex.gob.mx/files/files/pdf/gct/2020/jul033.pdf
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information: https://coronavirus.gob.mx/ - http://www.dof.gob.mx/index_111.php?year=2020&month=08&day=03
France
Status: Green.
The general lockdown has ended in France and most of the regions are now in Green status. However, starting July 11th, the following health measures must be taken in order to slow down the spread of the virus: a distance of at least 1 meter must be kept between any two persons; any gathering of more than 10 people must be notified to the prefect; air travels are restricted; the operator of a facility that is not required to be closed must ensure that all the health guidelines are complied with at the facility (https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/eli/decret/2020/7/10/SSAZ2018127D/jo/texte). Certain specific restrictions may be decided by the prefect of a region in accordance with the status of the pandemic in the region. Starting July 20, wearing a face mask is mandatory in all enclosed public areas for anyone that is at least 11 years of age (https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/masques-grand-public).
The Ministry of Labor has published a number of documents to facilitate the return to work for the population, while ensuring the health and safety of workers (https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/le-ministere-en-action/coronavirus-covid-19/reprise-de-l-activite/).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- Official gazette: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/
- Government: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus
- Ministry of Solidarity and Health: https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/soins-et-maladies/maladies/maladies-infectieuses/coronavirus/coronavirus-questions-reponses
- Ministry of Labor: https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/ The general lockdown has ended in France and most of the regions are now in Green status.
United Kingdom
Status: Orange.
The main piece of legislation that applies to the UK with regards to the current pandemic is the Coronavirus Act 2020 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/contents). A plan for easing the lockdown was elaborated on by the government which, among other things, planned to ease certain restrictions applicable to workplaces starting August 1st (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy/the-next-chapter-in-our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy--2). For instance, this plan provides for more flexibility to employers to choose how they ensure employees can work safely. However, in light of the new rise in the number of new cases in the UK, which places the country in Orange status, the Prime Minister has suspended certain measures of the recovery plan and has decided to extend the requirement to wear a face covering to some indoor places (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-statement-on-coronavirus-covid-19-31-july-2020). The new requirements relating to face covering will be implemented starting August 8th.
The Government has published a series of guidance to ensure the safe return to work of the population (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19). Specific sets of guidance are made for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
- ACAS: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus
Netherlands
Status: Yellow.
Following the end of the lockdown, the Dutch Government initiated a phased reopening process of The Netherlands as of May 11 2020. Currently, the country is in Yellow Status, and the reopening of the country is occurring with certain restrictions. The Netherlands is currently in Stage 3 of its reopening, and is expected to enter into Stage 4 of its reopening on September 1 2020. (https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2020/05/06/covid-19-dutch-steps-after-11-may-in-simple-language). The outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Netherlands are now mainly local. Therefore, no additional national measures are necessary. It may be that additional measures are required locally. The websites of each of the 25 security regions in The Netherlands can be consulted for information on measures that are taken in these regions. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/veiligheidsregios-en-crisisbeheersing/veiligheidsregios). Additionally, municipalities can be contacted or their websites visited for additional measures that apply in municipalities.
With the gradual resumption of everyday life in The Netherlands since the end of the lockdown, the Dutch Government has published advice for everyone to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/nederlandse-maatregelen-tegen-het-coronavirus/gezondheidsadviezen). Additionally, the Government has also published rules for carrying out activities safely both indoors and outdoors. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/nederlandse-maatregelen-tegen-het-coronavirus/openbaar-en-dagelijks-leven). The Government has also published protocols to ensure work can be carried out safely within a company or organization. Among these protocols are the requirements of maintaining 1.5 meters, as well as other hygiene and protective measures. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/ondernemers-en-bedrijven/anderhalvemetersamenleving). Additionally, VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland, in collaboration with the national government, have launched an initiative called Mijncorona protocol where protocols for many industries relating to hygiene and health can be accessed. (https://www.mijncoronaprotocol.nl/).
The Dutch Government has published advice for employers and employees returning to work. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/werknemers/werken-in-nederland). It is recommended that employers continue to allow their employees to work from home as much as possible. Additionally, certain protective measures have been recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work, which include regular handwashing, maintaining 1.5 meters from others, and no handshaking, amongst many other measures. Furthermore, the Government has emphasised that anyone with symptoms of a cold should stay at home, and if an employee has a cold and cannot work at home, the employer cannot oblige the employee to come to work. The Government has also called upon employers to stagger employees' working hours.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has published advice and recommendations for employees who belong to risk groups. (https://lci.rivm.nl/kwetsbare-medewerkers). A policy is to be drawn up by employers for risk groups, possibly with a company doctor and/or occupational hygienist, so that the working conditions for employees (and visitors) who are in a risk group are as safe as possible. Additionally, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has published a generic framework 'Corona measures' for companies, organizations, institutions, local authorities and associations. The framework provides advice on how all these organizations can comply with Dutch measures from the national government. (https://www.rivm.nl/coronavirus-covid-19/adviezen-werk-vrije-tijd/generiek-kader-coronamaatregelen). The measures include maintaining adequate distance, hygiene measures, requirements for ventilation, use of PPE, health checks, and occupancy limits.
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
-Government of the Netherlands (https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19)
-Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-health-welfare-and-sport/news)
-National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (https://www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19)
-Working Conditions Portal of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (https://www.arboportaal.nl/onderwerpen/persoonlijke-beschermingsmiddelen/vraag-en-antwoord/coronavirus)
Turkey
Status: Green.
Full lockdown ended at the beginning of June. No new major regulations or restrictions concerning COVID-19 have been published since the last entry.
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- Ministry of Health Covid-19 Updates (https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/covid19)
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security (https://ailevecalisma.gov.tr/covid19)
- General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety (https://ailevecalisma.gov.tr/isggm)
Philippines
Status: Red.
The Philippines returned to lock down in August 2020. The Stay-at-home orders are currently in place for two weeks in Manila and four surrounding provinces on the island of Luzon.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) posted "Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19" on May 1, 2020 (https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dti-and-dole-interim-guidelines-on-workplace-prevention-and-control-of-covid-19/).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- Beat COVID-19, Department of Health (https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCoV)
- Updates on COVID-19, Healthy Phlipinas (https://covid19.healthypilipinas.ph/updates-covid)
- COVID-19 Dashboard (https://www.covid19.gov.ph/)
- COVID-19 Interim Guidelines, Department of Health (https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov/interim-guidelines)
Thailand
Status: Yellow.
The risk of COVID-19 is comparatively low in Thailand. However, they have been easing the lock down recently, therefore the current status is yellow. The government has begun Phase 5 of easing the restrictions on July 1, 2020 for entertainment venues and business operators can reopen their businesses. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) asked for cooperation from business owners to strictly comply with the disease prevention and control measures (https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no160_040763.pdf). The government is continuously and strictly implementing the surveillance, prevention and control measures for all nationalities and occupations, especially people who returned from abroad. They will be observed in the quarantine facilities under the designated standard for 14 days and will be tested for COVID-19 twice (https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no187_010863.pdf).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), Department of Disease Control (https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php);
- Covid-Emergency Operations Center (http://covid-center.hss.moph.go.th/)
China
Status: Green.
Most enterprises have resumed operation and production. To ensure normal life and to prevent the second wave of COVID-19, employers should formulate complete emergency response plans and take the necessary precautionary measures in accordance with the Guiding Opinion on the Normalization of COVID-19 Prevention and Control published by the State Council on May 8, 2020 (http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2020-05/08/content_5509896.htm). In addition, the Guidances to ensure and support the safe return to work published in March and April are still currently applicable (http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/qiyefugongfuchanzczlc/index.htm). Employers shall take measures adequate to the risk level in the specific area during the resumption of business.
Recently, National Health Commission published a series of Hygienic Standards during the COVID-19 epidemic(http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-07/22/content_5528831.htm). To prevent the spread of communicable diseases, employers shall ensure the hygienic management of air conditioning and ventilation systems in office in compliance with the Hygienic Specifications (WS 696-2020) (http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-07/22/5528831/files/cf26e9500b914deea870048ec847c9fb.pdf). Employers of key places and key units are also recommended to follow the Health Protection Guidelines (WS/T 698-2020) (http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-07/22/5528831/files/225d142762cb43f09b3c220f180ed2b6.pdf), such as providing sufficient masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, etc., conducting temperature check-ups for employees, and ensuring the ventilation in the workplaces.
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- National Health Commission (http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/xxgzbd/gzbd_index.shtml)
- the State Council (http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zuixin.htm)
- Relevant laws and regulations (https://book.yunzhan365.com/sarx/ywen/mobile/index.html)
Taiwan
Status: Green.
Taiwan has never fully locked down and is in Green status now. In consideration of the low risk of domestic COVID-19 epidemic, Taiwan has further loosened the prevention measures after June 7, 2020 (https://www.mohw.gov.tw/cp-4632-54060-1.html). However, people should keep implementing hygiene requirements, such as washing hands regularly. If people cannot maintain social distance with others when going out, masks should be worn at all times.
Taking into account the international epidemic trend of COVID-19, the travel restrictions on the entry of foreigners, Hong Kong and Macao residents are relaxed from June 29, 2020. Foreigners entering Taiwan shall prepare a negative report of COVID-19 nucleic acid test within 3 days before boarding the flight to Taiwan and cooperate with the 14-days home quarantine requirement and other necessary quarantine measures after the entry. However, short-term business travelers may apply to shorten the quarantine periods in Taiwan depending on the COVID-19 risk levels of the countries they come from (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/19nPEo6hFaNE7WfE6G80ew).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention Critical Decision Website (https://covid19.mohw.gov.tw/ch/mp-205.html)
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (https://topics.mohw.gov.tw/COVID19/cp-4707-52357-205.html)
- Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Disease/SubIndex/N6XvFa1YP9CXYdB0kNSA9A)
India
Status: Yellow.
India is in Yellow status as they gradually relax the nationwide lockdown in a phased manner. In the re-opening phase, businesses shall adhere to the preventive measures provided in the regulations and governmental guidelines such as maintaining social distancing and other preventive and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/).
In addition to the guidelines referred to in the previous update, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare issued guidelines on preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in workplace settings.
These guidelines contain basic preventive measures to be followed at all times such as physical distancing of at least one meter, mandatory use of face covers/masks, practice frequent hand washing even when hands are not visibly dirty, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, self-monitor health by all, report any illness at the earliest opportunity, and any staff reportedly suffering from a flu-like illness should not report to work and must seek medical advice from local health authorities.
If there are one or two cases reported, the disinfection procedure will be limited to places/areas visited by the patient in the past 48 hrs. There is no need to close the entire office building/halt work in other areas of the office, and work can be resumed after disinfection, however, if there is a larger outbreak, the entire building will have to be closed for 48 hours after thorough disinfection, and all the staff will work from home until the building is adequately disinfected and is declared fit for re-occupation.
For preventive measures specific to offices, see the following link:
( https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/PreventivemeasuresDOPT.pdf. )
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Covid-19 Page (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/)
• Government of India Covid-19 Page ( https://www.mygov.in/covid-19/?cbps=1 )
• Ministry of External Affairs Covid-19 Page ( https://www.mea.gov.in/covid-19-updates.htm )
• Ministry of Home Affairs ( https://www.mha.gov.in/ )
• Indian Bureau of Immigration Covid-19 Page
(https://boi.gov.in/content/coronavirus-related-visa-restrictions-and-conditions-entry-india )
United Arab Emirates
Status: Yellow.
Considering the existing restrictions and the current infectious outbreaks, Germany should be considered as a country in yellow status.
Policies in UAE are toward easing the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses, in general, are allowed to re-open, however, UAE government emphasizes on the need to comply with regulations related to Covid-19 and to follow preventive measures such as re-opening at reduced capacity, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face mask to contain the spread of Covid-19 ( https://www.weqaya.ae/en/latests).
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued Business Continuity Readiness Guidelines for the private sector to ensure the continuity of work in the private sector facilities and the regularity of the labor market during the period of applying the precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The guidelines clarify how to take precautionary and preventive measures in a way that guarantees the general safety of all workers and customers and explain ways to address the risks arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 in the private sector organizations that may directly affect business continuity and community stability. Private sector organizations registered with the ministry are required to prepare procedures by assessing risks, threats, weaknesses, and consequences. Also, scenarios, assumptions, and considerations should be developed in an integrated manner to guide the process of planning at all levels, as related to points of improvement and the potential impacts of risks and threats. Business impact analysis is necessary to quantify the capabilities in terms of quantity and efficiency to perform the tasks (https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/media-center/corona-virus-covid19-procedures.aspx).
The guidelines mentioned above are based on the Business Continuity Readiness Guidelines for UAE Organizations in the event of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (AE/SCNS/NCEMA 7002:2020) issued by National Emergency Crises and Disaster Management Authority. These guidelines can be found in the publications section on the Authority website: (https://www.ncema.gov.ae/# ).
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued ministerial decrees:
A. Ministerial Decree No. (279) of 2020 Concerning the Existence of Private Sector Labor During the Implementation of Precautionary Measures to Reduce the Spread Of the Novel Coronavirus. The Ministerial Decree provides in article 2 that businesses affected by the precautionary measures and wishes to re-regulate their work shall do so gradually, by agreement with the non-national worker, according to the following:
1. Implement the remote working system.
2. Give the worker a paid leave.
3. Give the worker an unpaid leave.
4. Reduce the worker’s wage on a temporary basis.
5. Reduce the worker’s wage permanently.
(https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/media-center/corona-virus-covid19-procedures.aspx)
B. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also issued Ministerial Decision No. (281) of 2020 Concerning the Regulation of Remote Working in Private Sector Establishments During the Application Period of Precautionary Measures to Reduce the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus.
(https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/media-center/corona-virus-covid19-procedures.aspx)
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
- UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx)
- UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (https://www.ncema.gov.ae/)
Germany
Status: Yellow.
Nationwide the distance and hygiene rules continue to apply. Citizens are encouraged to keep the number of people they have contact with low and to keep the group of people as constant as possible. Closer and longer contacts are to be reduced to a minimum. Wherever possible, meetings should preferably be held outdoors. Major events are prohibited until 31 October.
The federal states themselves decide on the gradual opening of public life, by taking into account the regional development of the Covid 19 infection numbers.
[https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/corona-massnahmen-1734724]
The German government has put in place a quick response plan to face local outbreaks.
In the event of an outbreak cluster, such as a company, a recreational group or at a family gathering, the following measures should be observed: quarantine, contact tracing and testing of the persons concerned and their contacts. Quarantine measures should be taken as soon as possible, being a positive test result not necessary to take the said measures.
[https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/buerokratieabbau/bund-laender-beschluss-1769412]
The internal border controls with Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Denmark, which had been temporarily reintroduced due to the pandemic, have been lifted since June 15, 2020. Border controls in air traffic to Spain ended in both directions on June 21, 2020. With the disappearance of internal border controls, entry restrictions and pandemic search and control measures also ended.
The Federal Government decided on July 17 to adjust entry restrictions for third countries. Entering from Montenegro is only allowed for an important reason. Citizens from Australia, Georgia, Canada, Montenegro, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay are allowed to enter again. For travelers from Japan, China, and South Korea the lift of entry restrictions is pending.
Regardless of the entry options in Germany, a 14 day quarantine obligation based on the Infection Protection Act applies in all federal states for incoming and returning travelers from the risk areas specified by the Robert Koch Institute, this also applies in principle to travelers with an important travel reason. An exception to the quarantine applies to travelers in transit or travelers with a current negative test. Travelers from risk areas must inform the local health department of their entry in Germany.
[https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html] [https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/DE/2020/07/aufhebung-einreisebeschraenkung.html]
[https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/corona-massnahmen-1734724]
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/buerokratieabbau/bund-laender-beschluss-1769412]
Travellers from particularly affected areas may only be accommodated in tourist accommodations or enter the country without quarantine measures if they can prove that they are not infected with COVID-19, for this purpose they must provide a negative test result of a test carried out no more than 48 hours before arrival.
[https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/buerokratieabbau/bund-laender-beschluss-1769412]
Travel from all third countries is allowed for freight transport personnel, foreign skilled workers, and highly qualified employees whose employment is economically necessary and whose work cannot be postponed or carried out abroad.
https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/DE/2020/07/aufhebung-einreisebeschraenkung.html
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information
- Ministry of Health (https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus.html)
- Federal Government (https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de)
- Ministry of the Interior (https://www.bmi.bund.de/DE/ministerium/ministerium-node.html;jsessionid=BCC069D46682DDBDD1FB2AFB80F86908.2_cid373)
- Official Gazette (https://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav#__bgbl__%2F%2F*%5B%40attr_id%3D%27I_2019_2_inhaltsverz%27%5D__1596819751200)