New Corona virus update

Update 03rd February

Following the government advice, the Tianjin factory will be closed for another week. The Shanghai office will not open until 10th of February. Please be aware that more detailed information will follow in the next couple of days.

Update 29th January

Last week we gave you an update on what was happening in China with respect to the Corona virus and we advised that measures are in place based on guidelines from local governments with whom we are in regular contact.

As an update we can therefore confirm that:

1. The Tianjin factory will not open for operation until 3 February – this is applicable for local employees but for those who will be travelling from other locations in China, they will not return until the following week.d
2. The Shanghai office will not open until 10 February though people will be working from home during the previous week.
3. There will be no travel to China and China out for the time being inside Colart without the approval from Jane Beeston or Dennis van Schie during the next weeks.

As mentioned, we have given advice and guidance to everyone in Tianjin and Shanghai to ensure their health and safety. Recognising the publicity that this virus is now seeing worldwide, we thought it worthwhile to share the advice offered by the World Health Organisation on how to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses. This link will take you to the full details but in summary the common sense key points that are relevant to us all are:

1. Protecting yourself

• Frequently clean your hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices

2. Protecting others 

• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue –throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
• Avoid travel if you have a fever or cough

If you are interested in knowing more about the research into the virus, click here. Wiley have given free access to their research articles which provides interesting reading.

Of course, from a Colart point of view if you have any questions or concerns please contact your local HR Business Partner.

Update from 23rd January

Dear all,

You may have been reading in the news about the outbreak of a flu like virus in China called the Corona virus. Whilst the occurrence of this virus aligns with the typical flu season, it is clearly a situation that we take seriously, and we would like to confirm that arrangements have been made in our Chinese operations as appropriate to ensure the safety of our people.

We are following closely the advice and guidance made freely available by the Chinese authorities. Of course we will continue to monitor and update on the situation particularly when people start to return from their Chinese New Year holidays with the health of our people being the priority.

Should anyone be planning to visit China during the next few weeks please advise your local HR BP and we can offer advice accordingly.

Best regards,

Jane Beeston

Chief People Officer