Modis Australia Article | The Adecco Group Response to COVID-19

The health and wellbeing of our people remains our number one priority and we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak to provide the most appropriate guidance as circumstances change.

We are continuously monitoring the advice of the Australian Government, Health Departments and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Based on the advice of these organisations, The Adecco Group has prepared the below information and guidance, and we have taken steps to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure the health and safety of our people. We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe at work and we kindly request your cooperation to ensure these measures are strictly implemented within your respective work sites.

Facts about coronavirus

COVID-19 is the infectious virus caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus which began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like SARS. COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be transmitted by:

close contact with an infectious person;
contact with small droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth which are spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales; and
touching objects or surfaces that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

For further information in relation to the virus please refer to the Department of Health.

Visit the Department of Health website

How you can help prevent the spread

Public health measures such as heightened hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are important actions that everyone should take to prevent infection. Hygiene measures include:

washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 – 30 seconds regularly throughout the day; if soap is not available you should use an alcohol-based hand santiser;
covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing (including discarding any used tissues and washing your hands thoroughly with soap after coughing or sneezing);
practice social distancing by maintaining at least 1 metre distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing; avoiding physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging; and avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes;
alcohol-based hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes should also be used regularly to disinfect communal spaces;
stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing you should seek medical attention and call your health care provider in advance.

For further information in relation to the virus please refer to the Department of Health.

Visit the Department of Health website

Symptoms of novel coronavirus and what to do if you feel unwell

The virus can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience:

fever
dry cough
tiredness
flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

For further information in relation to the virus please refer to the Department of Health.

If you become unwell and/or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, you must speak with your relevant manager and Adecco Group Representative, preferably over the phone if you are outside of the workplace. Leave immediately if you are at work and seek medical attention. Call ahead when booking an appointment with your doctor to make them aware of your symptoms and your travel history. If it is medically confirmed that you have contracted the coronavirus you will be required to isolate yourself immediately and seek medical attention and advice. You are required to notify your account manager immediately should you test positive for COVID-19.

Visit the Department of Health website

Travel requirements and advice

In line with the Australian Government’s current recommendations, it is advised that you do not travel overseas at this time. As information is changing daily please refer to Smart Traveller before any international travel.

As a precautionary measure, you are directed to contact your relevant manager and Adecco Group Representative immediately if you:

have recently travelled overseas and arrived in Australia from 16th March 2020;
have recently travelled overseas and have arrived in Australia prior to the 16th March 2020; or
have had friends or relatives recently visit you from overseas who are displaying symptoms of coronavirus.

For item (1): a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine is now required for all people arriving in Australia from overseas in line with Australian Government travel restrictions. If items (2) and/or (3) above apply, you may be required to cease work immediately and isolate yourself at home for a period of 14 days. During this time, you should also be medically checked to ensure you have not contracted the virus. The Adecco Group will seek medical evidence confirming that you do not have the coronavirus prior to allowing you to resume work after the 14-day isolation period is over.

In addition, the direction to contact your relevant manager and Adecco Group Representative above is a formal requirement of your role and in accordance with your individual workplace health and safety obligations. Therefore, if we identify that you knowingly or willingly withheld this information from The Adecco Group, this will be a breach of your employment and safety obligations and may result in formal action being taken against you. Whilst we do not want to consider this approach, it is important to emphasise our shared obligation and responsibility we all have to each other in the current circumstances.

Visit the Smart Traveller website

How to isolate yourself

During the 14-day isolation period at home, you should adhere to the following requirements to control the spread of the coronavirus:

you must stay at home or your hotel room and do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university;
if possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door;
only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors; and
if you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask to protect others.

For further information in relation to isolation please refer to the following Department of Health Isolation Guidelines.

Department of Health Isolation Guidelines

Additional assistance

Our Employment Assistant Program Provider, SMG Health is available for anyone who may be feeling anxious about coronavirus or feeling socially isolated due to home isolation requirements. Find out more on the SMG Health website.

Visit the SMG Health website

Where to go for more information

Further information and updates on the virus can be found via the Department of Health, Smart Traveller and the World Health Organisation. We will continue to keep you updated regarding any changes to our guidelines and will communicate this with you as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our first priority and we are committed to ensuring all our people are safe at work. Please do not hesitate to contact your relevant managers if you have any questions or require any further information.