English
International SOS Advises on Safety, Security, and Health Tips for Year 2021 Chinese New Year
- Prevent and control COVID-19 and prevent blind spots of risk
- Be up to date with all restrictions, mandatory testing requirements and quarantines
- Pay attention to mental health and advocate for enhanced Duty of Care
As we enter the Chinese Year of the Ox, International SOS, urges companies and their employees to continue to prioritise epidemic prevention and control. The advice is to stay local and adhere to all government restrictions and advised precautionary measures so that employees stay safe and well and protect the wider community. Companies are also advised to pay particular attention to the psychological health of their employees, especially those who are unable to return from overseas projects at this important time of the year.
The official 2021 Chinese Lunar New Year holiday is from February 11 through 17.
Dr Irene Lai at International SOS, comments, “The ongoing risks for this year's Chinese New Year holiday, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, remain significant. In addition to the risk to health from COVID-19 itself, there is the risk of sudden restrictions on movements in the event of an outbreak. If undertaking essential travel, it is important to monitor the situation, and pay attention to potential additional health and security risks, and to have a plan of action in place to manage logistical disruptions.”
Dr Lai adds, “The impact of COVID-19 on socio-economic and psychological health is significant. Some employees in overseas projects face various difficulties in rotating and returning to their home, which can cause significant anxiety and stress. Companies should strengthen their Duty of Care, supporting their employees with additional mental health resources, potentially through telemedicine consultation services.”
Top five health and safety tips for celebrating the Chinese New Year holiday:
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- If travel is necessary, familiarise yourself with travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, screening and other procedures at your destination and after you return.
- Monitor the security and medical alerts for your location.
- Whether travelling or remaining in your location, pay attention to hygiene. In public areas, keep 2 meters away from others, wear a mask, and avoid crowded areas. Do not have unnecessary face-to-face contact with others – keep 1-2 meters apart and keep the interaction as brief as possible.
- Keep yourself in the best possible health – maintain a healthy diet, keep up regular physical activity, and get adequate rest.
For further information on protecting the global workforce, click here.
Notes to Editors
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
