COVID 19 (CORONAVIRUS) TEMPORARY RELAXATION OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE EU AND GB DRIVERS’ HOURS RULES / SUSPENSION OF TRAILER MOT’S

Branches may be aware that as a response to growing Supply Chain disruption resulting from the Coronavirus crisis, the Government has announced a temporary relaxation of the EU and GB Drivers’ hours rules.

The advice on the Department of Transport Website states that these two temporary relaxations apply from 00:01 on Monday 23rd March 2020 and will run until 23:59 on Tuesday 21st April 2020. The DofT reserves the right to withdraw the relaxations earlier or extend the relaxations if circumstances change. In addition, the continuation of the relaxations past Sunday 5th April 2020 is subject to a specific review.

The specific measures include:

Relaxation of EU Drivers Hours Rules 

The EU Drivers’ Hours rules can be temporarily relaxed as follows: 

a) Replacement of the EU daily driving limit of 9 hours with one of 11 hours 

b) Reduction of the daily rest requirements from 11 to 9 hours 

c) Lifting the weekly (56 hours) and fortnightly driving limits (90 hours) to 60 and 96 hours respectively 

d) Postponement of the requirement to start a weekly rest period after six-24 hours periods, for after seven 24 hours period; although two regular weekly rest periods or a regular and a reduced weekly rest period will still be required within a fortnight 

e) The requirements for daily breaks of 45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving replaced with replaced with a break of 45 minutes after 5.5 hours of driving 

Drivers must not use relaxation ‘a’ and ‘d’ at the same time. This is to ensure drivers are able to get adequate rest. 

Relaxation of GB Drivers’ Hours Rules 

The GB Drivers’ Hours rules can be temporarily relaxed as follows: 

a) Replacement of the GB duty time limit of 11 hours with 12 hours 

b) Replacement of the GB daily driving time limit of 10 hours with 11 hours 

Drivers can only take advantage of this temporary relaxation 5 days in any 7 day period, and must take a rest period of 24 hours within the same 7 day period when taking advantage of this relaxation. 

Discussions have taken place with Royal Mail this morning to ensure that there is a shared understanding of the intentions of the business to adapt to the relaxation of the rules and any implications.

Following that discussion Branches are advised of the following clarifications that have been provided.

• Royal Mail do not intend to re-plan current workload on the basis of the relaxation of the rules and have issued advice to their managers to that effect.
• That should an increase in absence as a result of COVID 19 require a rethink on this policy, that National discussions will take place with the department before any revised advice is issued by the business.
• That no individual driver will be required to work beyond the current limits should they not wish to do so.

Separately the union has also been advised that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have approved a 3 month suspension on all Trailer MOT’s scheduled for March and April 2020 to allow for the absence of testers at their stations. All trailers that have been prepared for test will be released back into service and recalled at the appropriate time. All outstanding tests or re-tests for February 2020 will continue as normal.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to:

Drivers: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 014.14

or

Fleet: Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary, PTCS Department; email: khay@cwu.org quoting reference 220.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson – Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden – Assistant Secretary (Acting)

20LTB149

Coronavirus Covid-19 Issues – CWU Courses

Due to the spread of the Coronavirus throughout the UK and the current Government advice, serious consideration has been given regarding the delivery of our Education and Training Programme both Residentially and Regionally due to be held for the remainder of the Academic Year (July 31^st)

Therefore, the decision has made to cancel all courses that are currently scheduled until the end of the Academic Year.

This decision, which has not been taken lightly, will help to alleviate the pressures that we will face when we eventually come through the other side of this Coronavirus crisis.

We are exploring with Ruskin College the possibility of enabling those students who have commenced and are still to conclude their studies within a specific timeframe to remotely complete courses and will be in touch with them in due course.

We will of course continue to review the situation as developments progress.

Branches are reminded that CWU Left-Click, our online learning platform continues to be available for representatives and members at https://leftclick.cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

20LTB 148 – Coronavirus Covid-19 Issues – CWU Courses

We have put our proposal on the coronavirus crisis to Royal Mail.

They have agreed to respond by 10am tomorrow. We anticipate this being positive news.

To be clear: if we aren’t 100% assured by them that the safety of our members is secured then we will not wait any longer and we will immediately issue our own instructions to CWU members.

Please listen and share this podcast with GS Dave Ward and DGSP Terry Pullinger. We need this played to every colleague.

Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Latest Questions & Answers Guidance (V16) Dated 21 March 2020

Royal Mail Questions & Answers Guidance:

Royal Mail Group has established a ‘Business Pandemic Team’ which includes all heads of department and this team meets daily to review the situation across Royal Mail Group and update communications to Managers and Questions and Answers information which is cascaded out to the business.

Attached for the information, reference and use of CWU Health and Safety and Branch IR Reps is the latest version of Royal Mail Group’s ‘questions and answers’ communication version 16 (21 March 2020). These are normally circulated to all RMG managers and are also available to access through a link in the ‘Managers Update Messages’.

Main Topics covered:

• Coronavirus Guidance – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, a) Prevention, b) Self-isolation, testing and reporting, c) Cleaning and consumables, d) Travel, e) Support and advice
• Coronavirus Sick Absence and Pay
• Post and Parcels; General Ops Advice, Operational Processes and Reporting Changes, Delivering and collecting from customers.
• There is guidance in there on use of water fountains and water dispensers.
• Gym Closures.

Positive Coronavirus Covid-19 Cases in Royal Mail:

Positive Cases in Royal Mail now stand at 9 – Manchester NWDO, Portabello DO (Edinburgh), Edinburgh MC, Abingdon DO, NDC, Mount Pleasant MC (W1 Collections), Eastleigh DO, Romford MC and Atherstone RMI.

Important Useful Links:

Check if you have coronavirus symptoms: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

My Royalmail.Com site includes the latest Q&A and general detail: https://www.myroyalmail.com/Coronavirus

Public Health England latest advice and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

NHS common questions and answers: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Reporting a Positive Coronavirus Case:

If a member has a positive Coronavirus diagnosis, the line manager must contact Royal Mail Central Postal Control (CPC) on: 0345 266 1060.

Good Hygiene:

It is important that everyone follows basic good hygiene techniques. Wash hands regularly particularly before eating. Regularly clean with antiseptic wipes any shared equipment such as keyboards, PDA’s and scanners. Cough and sneeze into tissues. Dispose of any tissues immediately. ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’.

PPE Supplies

There is a Global shortage of ‘disinfectant wipes’ and Royal Mail Assets and Procurement have been endeavouring to secure replenishment supplies from a large number of suppliers. The priority by the industry has been to direct supplies to the NHS first. Some supplies have been secured by Royal Mail which have been despatched but a substantial order of 6 million wipes in packs of 300 should arrive in at the end of next month followed by monthly deliveries of 10,000 wipes.

Royal Mail First Class Support:

First Class Support is available to all Royal Mail Group Employees free 24/7 providing a confidential support helpline 0800 6888 777 as well as a range of support services including health, counselling, debt and legal advice and practical help.

The attached is for the information, reference and assistance of Health and Safety Reps, Branch Officers and Reps and Divisional and Regional Officers for reference in any local discussions. The Q&A’s cover off a number of issues raised by CWU Reps.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB147 Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Latest Questions & Answers Guidance (V16) Dated 21 March 2020

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers v16 210320

Doc1

Correspondence to Royal mail re social distancing
Hi Ricky,

Re: Coronavirus Covid-19 Issues – Social Distancing in RMG – PHE Advice:

I write further to our recent meeting with the Rico Back CEO and others on 19 March, specifically
In relation to the latest government and PHE advice on Social Distancing.

The Prime Minister has in recent days been driving forward the importance of the PHE advice
on ‘Social Distancing’ and has been urgently requesting at every briefing he gives that people
strictly adhere to guidance and has threatened that “tougher measures” may have to be
imposed to tighten the rules because of non-compliance which risks spreading Coronavirus
Covid-19. Time and again this featured in his daily press conferences over the weekend. He
said its “absolutely crucial” that we all follow Public Health England (PHE) advice and
guidance, by all of us “Staying two metres apart at all times” which he added “Is not such a
difficult thing to do.”

The question now is Ricky – What is Royal Mail, Parcelforce and RMSS going to do about
reducing the risks?

CWU/HQ is currently fielding increasing numbers of queries and concerns expressed by
members about this issue because of our current work methods e.g. sharing vans, sharing
‘Bullrings’, sharing Sorting Frames, sharing Drop Bag Fittings, sharing Conveyors etc. In
many of Royal Mail’s Offices, especially where Office mergers have taken place, we have a
large amount of people in these Offices, where space is at a premium and our staff work
virtually on top of each other. Shared Vans in particular has become a legitimate concern
regarding the lack of ‘social distancing’ and no options plus the amount of time partners
are out on delivery together.

Additionally, our Members who live or care for vulnerable relatives are also very concerned
about the risk of contracting the Virus and subsequently exposing their loved ones to the
disease, due to lack of social distancing at work.

The guidelines have been issued for everyone to follow, and the Prime Minister is urgently
requesting at every briefing he gives now that they are strictly adhered to. I’d welcome your
proposed solutions to these issues. Can you please advise me of what further measures
our workforce can now take to help protect themselves and others including vulnerable
individuals?

I look forward to your speedy reply to allay peoples concerns, as time is of the essence,
and as you, Shaun Davis and the CEO Rico Back said at our recent meeting, protecting
the workforce and their Health & Safety is the Number 1 priority for us all.

Your assistance and support on this matter would be much appreciated. I look forward
To your urgent response.

Yours sincerely
DJ Sig

Dave Joyce | National Health and Safety

A statement ahead of today’s meeting with Royal Mail. Please ensure this is posted in every whatsapp group / social media page in the UK

We are meeting Royal Mail at 1pm today. In advance of this meeting we are publishing to you some of our key demands on the Health and Safety of our members.

It is clear to us that government guidance on social spacing is not being followed in offices across the UK. It is also clear to us that our members do not have the sanitizers, masks and gloves they need to be comfortable carrying out their roles.

From today we want a process / check off in every office to ensure the above is in place.

Also from today:

• The operation must cease the use of shared vans immediately and strict guidelines on social distancing must be introduced in every office (2 meters apart)
• In managing the operation as sick absence/self-isolation increases, absorption must now be suspended. A national decision needs to be taken on this today.
• An agreement must be made on how the company is treating vulnerable workers or workers who have seriously vulnerable people at home.
• All local managers and reps should meet tomorrow morning on a mandatory basis. This meeting should record and implement a plan to deal with any shortages of PPE and look at options to increase social spacing. These options should include consideration to implementing night shifts in offices to lessen pressure on IPS, introducing staggered start times on a temporary basis, deliveries going out later and more flexible attendance patterns.
• In order to protect the workforce and deal with operational contingency planning, the company and the union should set up working groups at every level. These groups will ensure the true picture on the ground is reflected in any ongoing discussions.

We will update you all following the meeting with Royal Mail.

Dave Ward Terry Pullinger
GS DGSP

House of Commons Debate – Horizon Settlement: Future Governance of Post Office Ltd

Yesterday, a debate took place in the House of Commons secured by Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham, on the future governance of the Post Office following the Horizon scandal.

Highly critical comments were made about the Post Office leadership, including the former CEO Paula Vennells, the government and the designer of the Horizon system, Fujitsu. During the debate it was clear that MPs across all political parties (almost 20 MPs from across Labour, Conservative and SNP spoke) are united in the fact that a judge-led independent inquiry must now take place to hold those responsible to account. In addition, heavy criticism was aimed at the NFSP and there were calls for Postmasters to now be represented by the CWU as an independent Trade Union, not a staff association with a cosy and wholly inappropriate relationship with the Post Office.

The following quotations from the debate are examples of how strongly MPs feel about this whole scandal:

Kevan Jones, Labour MP, North Durham: 

“… the first is that the National Federation of SubPostmasters needs winding up now. It is not independent, nobody joins it—sub-postmasters are auto-enrolled. It is basically an arm of the Post Office and is paid for by the Post Office. Surely if it is going to be an independent voice for sub-postmasters, it should be that. 

If anyone saw the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee hearing last week, they will have seen the chief executive, who could not answer on how many of his members had been affected by Horizon or what his organisation had done about it. I will tell the House exactly what it did: nothing. In Tom Brown’s case it just said that the Post Office must be right. 

The organisation is a sham and it needs to be wound up now. We need an independent organisation to represent sub-postmasters—including through the recognition of the Communication Workers Union, which some people are members of—that can actually be an independent voice for sub-postmasters.” 

Karl Turner, Labour MP, Kingston Upon Hull, East 

“I do know that she [Paula Vennells] apparently earned something in the region of £5 million over a six-year period. I believe wholeheartedly that she would have had a very good inkling of what was going on at the time. This is utterly scandalous and a judge will be the person who can get to the bottom of it.” 

Chi Onwurah, Labour MP, Newcastle upon Tyne Central 

“…the Prime Minister, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne), appeared to commit to a full public inquiry into the Horizon scandal. When we hear from the Minister, I hope he will be able to provide more detail on the timescale and scope of that inquiry. 

The Government appear to be content to act as the Post Office’s parliamentary organ throughout this process, claiming that the December settlement was the end of the matter. Nothing could be further from the truth for the people who are still fighting for justice, and that is why we need a judge-led independent inquiry to take place as soon as feasibly possible. 

I want to say a word about the Communication Workers Union, which identified flaws in the Horizon system back in 2015 and has worked hard to secure the inquiry. It has said that it is happy to work with us to ensure that it is timely and independent. So far, we have not seen any accountability for the lives and reputations that have been ruined. That is why securing this independent inquiry will be such a big victory for sub-postmasters, trade unions and justice…” 

David Linden, SNP, Glasgow East 

“Why was £100 million of public money spent defending the case when it was clear that the Post Office had no business continuing to prosecute innocent people? Why are the Government not taking more action to put things right, given all the injustices that have been laid bare, particularly this afternoon?” 

In addition, Duncan Baker, Conservative MP, North Norfolk, and ex Postmaster severely criticised the Post Office’s strategic direction in regards to the Crown Network in his speech which was as follows (the paragraph regarding Crowns is highlighted in bold):

“I question whether the £58 million that has been set aside to recompense the victims will be enough. I think we probably all agree that it will not. After the lawyers take a large portion of that fund, what will be left? That is not right. The Government must intervene, as the main shareholder, to ensure that 

people are recompensed properly. 

The board of Post Office Ltd is, unquestionably, accountable for this fiasco. Action must be taken so that board members are properly dealt with for this injustice. What kind of corporate governance structures failed to allow this to happen? Those who have been jailed and who have criminal records must have them overturned. 

I turn to the three governance issues that need to be put right. Together, these issues show the failings in the organisation. My first point is about the total withdrawal of the Crown network. It is an absolute necessity that we still have a backbone of Crown post offices in this country. We have gone from 600 a few years ago to just 100. Why is that relevant? We are talking about systems like Horizon going wrong. If you have a backbone of Crown post offices that work effectively, they are often a test bed for new products and systems. They provide continuity in the network when so many franchised operations come and go depending on the operators’ success. 

Let us also remember the staff, as an organisation is only as good as the people who work in it. It is the staff who are the real holders of long-standing deep knowledge, and they should act as the wider custodians of the network. If the Post Office had listened to its staff in the first place when they raised the flag, this perhaps would not have happened. There should be an immediate moratorium on the programme of Crown disposals to ensure that the Post Office’s backbone is preserved. 

Details of “Independent Review” to be Announced Shortly 

The Under Secretary of State for BEIS, Paul Scully, responded to the debate for Government by stating:

“I am glad that the Post Office has accepted that it got it wrong in the past on the Horizon accounting system and in its dealings with a number of postmasters, and that it has apologised… 

Beyond the financial settlement, the Post Office committed to directly address past events for affected postmasters, so it will shortly announce a scheme to address the historical shortfalls for postmasters who were not part of the group litigation. That scheme has been designed to offer a fair, fast and transparent means for postmasters’ historical issues to be resolved. 

The terms of the settlement put the onus on the Post Office to implement the necessary cultural and organisational changes highlighted by the litigation, which means that the company should foster a genuine commercial partnership with postmasters. Clearly, it has to settle its past relationship with postmasters to look forward and ensure that postmasters can have confidence in their future relationship with it. 

….the Government and I are determined to take the necessary steps to ensure that lessons are learned from the Horizon litigation and that past issues will 

not be repeated. 

We have talked about the independent review, which the Prime Minister mentioned a couple of weeks ago. We are looking at the best way to do it. There will be a further announcement as soon as possible in the very near future. I know that hon. Members want progress, but I want to ensure that we get it right, rather than rushing into the terms of reference and other details. I want to make sure, as I said, without hiding and without washing my hands of it, that we actually get something that means something to the affected postmasters.” 

The link to the Hansard transcript of the full debate yesterday is:

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-03-19/debates/03E48E18-4B5E-4A42-84C3-684E6B58495D/HorizonSettlementFutureGovernanceOfPostOfficeLtd

Computer Weekly Article 

Today, 20th March, the day after the House of Commons debate, an article was published in Computer Weekly which highlighted the fact the Minister only referred to an “independent review” rather than a judge-led independent inquiry into this scandal, which the CWU along with a substantial number of MPs have called for:

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480365/MP-warns-minister-not-to-parrot-civil-servants-lines-on-Post-Office-IT-scandal

Paula Vennells Steps Down from Cabinet Office Non-Executive Role 

The former CEO of Post Office, Paula Vennells, was appointed to the Cabinet Office in a Non-Executive role in February 2019. Her role was described as “… appointed for a three year period, providing independent advice, support and scrutiny. They will work with officials and ministers on official Cabinet Office business including the work on EU Exit and the running of government” 

It was reported yesterday that Paula Vennells had been forced to resign from this position. The Daily Mail reported this story in a strongly worded article which includes a quote from a Cabinet spokesperson as follows:

“We can confirm that Paula Vennells stepped down from her role earlier this month, as part of a wider refresh of the Cabinet Office board. We’d like to thank Paula for her work as a non-executive board member.” 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8132739/Former-Post-Office-chief-dragged-staff-court-blunder-scandal-quits-government-job.html

During the debate yesterday, Kevan Jones stated:

“I am just coming on to the Cabinet Office, because lo and behold, guess where Paula Vennells also ended up? She was a non-executive member of the Cabinet Office. I am told that she was removed from that post yesterday; I do not know whether it was because of this debate. I welcome that, but why is someone who has overseen this absolute scandal still allowed to hold public 

positions.” 

In addition, Chi Onwurah, Labour MP, Newcastle upon Tyne Central said:

“I welcome the fact that Paula Vennells, the former chief executive of the Post Office who was so heavily criticised by Justice Fraser, appears no longer to serve on the Cabinet Office board, but why on earth did the Government allow that appointment to be made? Why did they not act sooner to distance themselves from those responsible for impacting the lives of so many?” 

Panorama Programme – Monday 23rd March – 8.30pm 

Branches are reminded that on Monday 23rd March the BBC will be broadcasting a Panorama Programme entitled “Scandal at the Post Office” which is expected to cast criticism at the behaviour of the Post Office and the NFSP over the Horizon debacle.

Postponed: 2nd Session of the BEIS Select Committee Inquiry – 24th March 

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, the second session of the BEIS Select Committee, during which the current CEO Nick Read and ex CEO Paula Vennells were due to give oral evidence has been postponed. Further developments in terms of how and when this session will take place will be reported.

Criminal Cases Review Commission – Meeting 24th March 

The meeting of the CCRC to make a decision on whether to refer the 55 cases of wrongfully convicted Postmasters to the Court of Appeal is due to take place on Tuesday 24th March. A further LTB will be published following the outcome.

Meeting with Paul Scully MP, BEIS Minister – Monday 30th March 

Dave Ward, GS, Terry Pullinger, DGS(P) and I are due to meet with Paul Scully, Post Office Minister on 30th March. Mr Scully referred to our meeting during the debate in the House of Commons yesterday when he stated:

“I will meet the Communication Workers Union, which has been referred to, at the end of the month to understand the views of postmasters—I look forward to that—and will be tracking progress at the highest levels of the Post Office in quarterly ministerial meetings with the CEO, Nick Read. Governance arrangements between the Government and all its arm’s length bodies are kept under regular review.” 

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

20LTB145 Post Office – House of Commons Debate – Horizon

RE: Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Latest Questions & Answers Guidance (V14) Dated 18 March 2020

Royal Mail Questions & Answers Guidance:

Royal Mail Group has established a ‘Business Pandemic Team’ which includes all heads of department and this team meets daily to review the situation across Royal Mail Group and update communications to Managers and Questions and Answers information which is cascaded out to the business.

Attached for the information, reference and use of CWU Health and Safety and Branch IR Reps is the latest version of the ‘questions and answers’ communication version 14 (18 March 2020). These are normally circulated to all RMG managers and are also available to access through a link in the ‘Managers Update Messages’.

Positive Coronavirus Covid-19 Cases in Royal Mail:

Positive Cases in Royal Mail now stand at 5 – Manchester NWDO, Mount Pleasant MC/DO, Atherstone DC, Abingdon DO and Eastleigh DO.

With reference to Item (c) Cleaning and Consumables on the attached Q&As, ‘How do we request for a vehicle to be cleaned in the event of a confirmed case of coronavirus?’ – this has been discussed now with Royal Mail Fleet Services who have confirmed that any such vehicle will not be touched or cleaned by Fleet Services staff, i.e., CWU members, the vehicle itself would be quarantined and removed and then thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated and disinfected by a specialist appointed professional company.

Important Useful Links:

My Royalmail.Com site includes the latest Q&A and general detail: https://www.myroyalmail.com/Coronavirus

Public Health England latest advice and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

NHS common questions and answers: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Reporting a Positive Coronavirus Case:

If a member has a positive Coronavirus diagnosis, the line manager must contact Royal Mail Central Postal Control (CPC) on: 0345 266 1060.

Good Hygiene:

It is important that everyone follows basic good hygiene techniques. Wash hands regularly particularly before eating.  Regularly clean with antiseptic wipes any shared equipment such as keyboards, PDA’s and scanners.  Cough and sneeze into tissues. Dispose of any tissues immediately. ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’.

Royal Mail First Class Support:

First Class Support is available to all Royal Mail Group Employees free 24/7 providing a confidential support helpline 0800 6888 777 as well as a range of support services including health, counselling, debt and legal advice and practical help.

The attached is for the information, reference and assistance of Health and Safety Reps, Branch Officers and Reps and Divisional and Regional Officers for reference in any local discussions. The Q&A’s cover off a number of issues raised by CWU Reps.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB144 Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Latest Questions & Answers Guidance (V14) Dated 19 March 2020

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers v14 19032020

Coronavirus COVID-19 Outbreak declared ‘Pandemic’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – What Does it Mean?

The coronavirus outbreak has now been labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Declaring a pandemic has nothing to do with changes to the characteristics of a disease, but is instead associated with concerns over its geographic spread. According to the WHO, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.

Cases that involve travellers who have been infected in a foreign country and have then returned to their home country, or who have been infected by that traveller, known as the “index case”, do not count towards declaring a pandemic. There needs to be a second wave of infection from person to person throughout the community.

Once a pandemic is declared, it becomes more likely that community spread will eventually happen, and governments and health systems need to ensure they are prepared for that.

An ‘epidemic’, on the other hand, is a sudden increase in cases of an illness or disease that can be unique to one country or community.

Ultimately, the WHO gets the final say when a pandemic is declared. There is no threshold, such as a certain number of deaths or infections, or number of countries affected, that needs to be met. For example, the ‘SARS coronavirus’, identified in 2003, was not declared a pandemic by the WHO despite affecting 26 countries. However, its spread was contained quickly, and only a handful of nations were significantly affected, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Canada.

‘Pandemic’ is not a word to use lightly or carelessly the WHO have stated clearly. It’s a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over. The last pandemic was in 2009 with the ‘Swine Flu H1N1 Virus’. That pandemic, which was first detected in Mexico, killed an estimated 200,000 people and hit young adults and children hardest. The ‘Coronavirus-COVID-19 Virus’ pandemic on the other hand is killing mostly older adults with underlying health conditions.

If declaring a pandemic triggers global panic, this can defeat the purpose of trying to raise awareness stated the WHO. Much has been written about whether the declaration of ‘Swine Flu (H1N1)’ as a pandemic in 2009, caused unnecessary panic, overwhelming emergency departments and causing governments to overspend on antiviral medications. Medical experts state “It should be remembered that Coronavirus symptoms are generally mild and most people recover within six days.”

Now the WHO has declared Covid-19 a pandemic, what will it mean for the way the outbreak is treated and prepared for?

The WHO has stressed that using the word “pandemic” does not signal a change in its advice.It is still urging countries to “detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilise their people”. The change of term does not alter anything practically as the world has been advised for the last few weeks to prepare for a potential pandemic, which has hopefully been taken seriously by all countries.

The use of this term however highlights the importance of countries throughout the world working cooperatively and openly with one another and coming together as a united front in our efforts to bring this situation under control.

See attached Links: (updated daily):-

• UK Government Policy Paper – Coronavirus action plan: a guide to what you can expect across the UK

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan

• Public Health England Paper – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – 5 things you can do to protect yourself and your community

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/03/04/coronavirus-covid-19-5-things-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-and-your-community/

• Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England – Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB138 Coronavirus COVID-19 Outbreak declared Pandemic by the World Health Organisation – What Does it Mean