Re: SARS Pneumonia Virus

There is no doubt that the SARS pneumonia virus is now of paramount concern to all who live and work in Hong Kong. All employers and employees have a responsibility to take steps to contain the outbreak, especially trying to ensure there is a healthy work environment. On how to handle employer-employee relations during this period, the Chamber recommends the following: Employers should ask any employee with SARS symptoms to immediately see a physician. Those who are diagnosed with SARS will be getting treatment away from work, but employers should also be understanding of anyone who feels genuinely unwell, and allow him/her to stay away from the office. We recommend that the above people, along with those who are living with someone diagnosed with SARS, be given leave with pay if at all possible for at least a reasonable period, although we understand that some SMEs may have to work out other pay arrangement with their employees. Chamber membership is varied, and no single recommendation on work arrangements can be given, but we urge companies to look at different ways to modify work arrangements to minimize exposure whenever possible. Finally, we do recommend that your company put in place a comprehensive SARS plan to handle health concerns, employee relations, client relations, and public relations, to include some forward-looking contingency planning should the situation changes. Make sure your employees have full and correct information at all times. The Chamber website, www.chamber.org.hk, is linked to the websites of the Hong Kong Government Department of Health, the US Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Hong Kong Government Labour Department. These websites contain useful information on the illness itself, advice on how to best avoid infection, extent and status of the problem, and labour relations guidelines. If you have any questions regarding any HR aspect of this crisis, you should call the Labour Department at 2717-1771. They are answering this number with extra manpower, but if you have a lot of trouble getting through, please call us at 2823-1247 and we will try to help. Also, the Chamber has had to postpone some events already and may need to do so selectively until the situation improves. For events that will still take place, we will give full refund to those who cancel 24 hours prior. I hope you understand and accept the inconvenience during this period. Let us all come through this anxious episode together in a prudent and compassionate way. I wish all of us good health in the weeks and months to come. Regards Eden Woon CEO