Helping Clients Prepare & Respond to Public Health Emergencies
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
The costs associated with the outbreak of COVID-19 are mounting. Throughout the world, governments, businesses and individuals are taking action against the threat, and reality, of a pandemic event. The virus has already affected many organizations, causing business disruptions and supply chain issues. Still, despite warnings from the World Health Organization and other agencies, more companies need to take the necessary steps to prepare their employees and business continuity plans in advance to see themselves through a major crisis. The time to prepare is now.
USI has assembled the following resources, focused on risk preparedness & mitigation, and claims & coverage considerations, to help clients prepare and respond to a widespread public health emergency.
IMPORTANT UPDATES, TOOLS & RESOURCES
USI Coronavirus Update
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness first detected last December in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It has since spread to countries across the globe. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, according to the World Health Organization. It can also lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and possible death. Significant business challenges can arise from outbreaks of the virus and/or attempts to control its spread.
In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and limiting the spread and negative impact to the economy. USI has prepared the following documents to assist our clients with business continuity, employee safety and communications:
- Supreme Court Effectively Ends OSHA Vaccination Emergency Temporary Standard
- Client Advisory | OSHA ETS: Learn About the Recently Issued Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing Guidance
- Client Advisory | Significant COVID-19 Related Action Announced
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - 2020
- Wildfire Preparedness during COVID-19
- Risk Management Guidebook: Natural Disasters and Emergency Preparedness
- Risk Management Guidebook: Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness
- Cyber Update – Cyber Exposures & the COVID-19 Quarantine
- Employee Work From Home Guide
- Telecommuting Policy and Procedure COVID-19
- Pandemic Checklist
- COVID-19 Preparedness and Risk Mitigation Resource Guide
- Returning to Work in the COVID-19 Environment
- COVID-19 Business Reopening Checklist
- HR Toolkit - Returning Workforces and COVID-19 Vaccines
- Risk Control Resources for COVID-19
- Grab and Go - RC Guide to Recovery and Reopening
- Sample Return to Work Action Plan
- Reopening Guidelines Checklist for Worker Training Requirements
- Reopening Guidelines Checklist for the Protection of Employees
- Reopening Guidelines Checklist for Facilities
- COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines Checklist for Office Work
- COVID-19 Business Reopening Health Screening and Temp Check Guidelines Checklist
- COVID-19 Business Reopening Administrative Guidelines Checklist
Industry Specific
- Construction COVID-19 Reopening Guide
- Financial Services and General Office COVID-19 Reopening Guide
- Hospitality COVID-19 Reopening Guide
- Manufacturing COVID-19 Reopening Guide
- COVID-19 Business Protocols and Risk Control for Auto Dealerships
- COVID-19 Business Protocols Checklist for Auto Dealerships
- Grab and Go - Auto Dealerships RC Guide to Recovery and Reopening
Insurance coverage and claims considerations resulting from an influenza epidemic or influenza pandemic situation will require a close examination of all insurance policies in place. USI has prepared the following material, discussing how business insurance coverage may be affected, the insurance industry’s response to the situation, and steps you can take to prepare for the business impact of the virus:
- Addendum to the 2020-2021 Property & Casualty Market Outlook – Cyber/E&O Insurance
- 2020-2021 Property & Casualty Market Outlook, Q4 Update
- Transactional Insurance Markets and the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19
- COVID-19 Impact on Aviation Industry - January 2021
- COVID-19 Vaccine Implications for Employers and Their Executives
- COVID-19 Vaccines: What Employers Need to Know
- General Industry Safety Orders §3205 Summary
- California Assembly Bill 685 (AB 685)
- Mitigating COVID-19 Personal Injury Risks
- California Senate Bill #SB 1159 Summary.pdf
- Risks Related to the Federal Paycheck Protection Program
- 2020 Property & Casualty Market Outlook Addendum
- 2020 Property & Casualty Market Outlook
- Group Captive Risk Financing - An Alternative Method for Reducing Costs/Improving Cashflow During COVID-19
- Consider Loss-Sensitive Program Structures to Reduce Cost and Improve Cashflow During COVID-19
- NCCI Workers’ Compensation COVID-19 Modeling Tool
- COVID-19 CA WC Executive Order N-62-20
- NCCI Workers’ Compensation Class Code 0012 and its Impact on Your Business
- COVID-19 Transaction Liability Considerations – Reps & Warranties Insurance
- Coverage for Pandemics and Other Natural Phenomena
- Repurposing of Existing or Closed Senior Care Facilities
- Construction Project Restart Strategies Part 2- Project
- Construction Project Restart Strategies Part 1- People
- COVID-19 Impact on the Aviation Industry
- Notice of Circumstance – COVID-19
- Construction Site Operating and Temporary Suspension Best Practice Procedures
- Cyber Update – Cyber Exposures & the COVID-19 Quarantine
- OSHA Coronavirus Compliance Bulletin
- D&O FAQ Addendum
- Coronavirus Workers Comp and OSHA Advisory
- USI’s Coronavirus FAQ
- Business Interruption Prep Tool
- Preparing and documenting a Business Interruption claim
- Pandemic Claim Reporting Guidelines
USI’s Personal Risk Professionals are dedicated to protecting individuals, families, emerging wealth and Family Offices across the economic spectrum during these challenging times. USI prepared the following tools and resources to help you through any challenges that may be faced during the COVID-19 pandemic:
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S., employees are concerned about their health, medical coverage, and company leave policies. To reduce uncertainty and alleviate concerns, USI has prepared these helpful updates:
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccines and Employer Incentives. Chart summarizing highlights of EEOC guidance on employer COVID-19 vaccinations policies, incentives and the impact of federal EEO laws.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Infographic. This infographic was designed for employers to share with their employees as it provides an easy-to-understand overview of the available COVID-19 vaccines.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Infographic (Spanish). Spanish translation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Infographic for employers to share with Spanish-speaking employees.
- COVID-19 Vaccines: What Employers Need to Know. Overview of the multiple vaccines coming to market and the possible impact on employers.
- Benefit Eligibility Considerations in a Coronavirus Environment – Returning to Work. Overview of benefit program concerns that employers will be facing as employees return to work after a leave of absence, reduction in hours or termination of employment related to COVID-19.
- Benefit Eligibility Considerations in a Coronavirus Environment. High-level information regarding compliance concerns for employers considering reducing hours or laying off employees.
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q2 2022
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q1 2022
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q4 2021
- Guidance Clarifies Outbreak Period Rules for COBRA
- Telehealth Relief for HDHPs Set to Expire
- HHS Issues Guidance Addressing HIPAA and COVID-19 Vaccinations
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q2 2021
- EEOC Issues Guidance on Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Policies
- IRS Provides Additional Guidance on the COBRA Subsidy
- Employers Encouraged to Provide PTO for Vaccinations
- Guidance Issued on MHPAEA Comparative Analysis Requirement
- COVID-19 PPE Now a Qualified Medical Expense
- Guidance Issued on the 2021 COBRA Subsidy
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q1 2021
- DCAP Update and Other Highlights from ARPA
- Departments Issue Additional FFCRA and CARES Act Guidance
- Here Comes the COBRA Subsidy
- Guidance Issued on Outbreak Period
- IRS Guidance on Health FSA and DCAP Relief
- DOL FAQs Address Expiration of FFCRA Leave
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q4 2020
- COVID-19 and Government Funding Legislation Signed into Law
- EEOC COVID-19 Guidance Updated for Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
- Final Regulations Address Coverage for COVID-19 Vaccines
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q3 2020
- Renewal Considerations: Potential Liability Exposures Due to COVID-19-Related Extensions
- EEOC Updates COVID-19 Guidance
- DOL Reaffirms and Revises FFCRA Leave Regulations, Updates FAQs
- FFCRA Paid Leave Regulations Partially Invalidated by District Court
- DOL Provides Guidance Regarding FFCRA and SCA-DBRA Interaction
- National Public Health Emergency Extension Benefit Plan Impact
- IRS Issues FFCRA W-2 Reporting Guidance
- FFCRA Benefit Eligibility Update for Summer Program Closures
- Departments Issue FAQ Part 43 on COVID-19
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q2 2020
- EEOC Antibody Testing Guidance in Return to Work Decisions
- DOL Updates FFCRA FAQs
- IRS Issues Relief for Cafeteria Plans in Response to COVID-19
- Proper Use of Premium Credits
- New Guidance Offers Relief and Extends Deadlines for Benefit Plans
- Form 5500 Deadline Extended for Some Plans
- New Mandatory Preventive Items and Services
- IRS Issues Guidance on Tax Credits
- FAQs on COVID-19 and Health Coverage
- Qualified Disaster Relief Payments
- Regulations and Additional FAQs Address FFCRA Leave
- DOL Issues Additional FFCRA Guidance
USI Employee Benefits COVID-19 Compliance Updates - Q1 2020
During this period of economic uncertainty and market volatility, employers and employees are looking for guidance on how to plan and invest for retirement. To help manage these concerns, USI Consulting Group has created the following materials:
- Pension Changes from COVID Relief: Multi Employer Plans
- Pension Changes from COVID Relief: Single Employer Plans
- COVID-19 Impact on Labor Markets
- Stocks Extended Gains in July
- Sustainable Funds and Climate Control Wrapped into a COVID-19 World
- The CARES Act | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Part II
- Guide to Navigating Your Personal Finances After Being Impacted by COVID-19
- COVID-19 and your Retirement Plan: Reminders, Considerations & Communications
- IRS Releases CARES Act Guidance on Coronavirus-Related Distributions, Loans and Required Minimum Distributions
- Returning to Work after COVID-19 for 401(k)/403(b) Retirement Plans
- Fear and Greed-Driven Biases in COVID-19
- The Federal Reserve Response to COVID-19
- COVID-19’s Impact on Pension Plans: What are the Top 6 Issues Impacting Your Plan?
- COVID-19 and Partial Retirement Plan Termination
- Markets Remain Optimistic Despite Dismal Economic News
- Guide for Plan Sponsors on how to measure behavior in their retirement plans before, during, and after COVID-19
- Stable Value in an Unstable Environment
- Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Rebalancing as Risk Management Tool
- Bear Markets & Recovery Periods
- The CARES Act | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Market Volatility and Target Date Funds | Unprecedented market volatility continues in the global financial markets, more retirement plan participants are concerned about the recent losses in their retirement savings
- Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Evaluating the long-term strategy in light of short-term volatility
- Global Markets Rally with the Economy Ready to Re-Start its Engine
- COVID-19 Outbreak Shuts Down the Economy and Everyday Life
- The CARES Act | What It Means For Retirement Plans
- Presentation about Investing for Retirement in a Volatile Market brought to you by USI Consulting Group
- COVID-19 & Market Volatility: Participant Information
Many governmental agencies and companies are avoiding nonessential travel to high risk areas. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, asking people not to travel to China and other high-risk areas, as the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
For travelers who may have planned trips in the coming months, or cancelled or postponed trips, USI Travel Insurance Services has created a webpage as a resource to help travelers understand their options and educate on what their travel insurance plans may cover. Please visit the webpage here.
For additional information on USI’s COVID-19 business continuity planning efforts, please refer to the following summary of “USI’s Emergency Preparedness Actions for Clients, Carriers, and Vendors.”
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
- COVID-19 Website
- What You Need to Know About COVID-19
- What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19
- Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings
- Health Alert Network
- Travelers’ Health Website
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Small Business International Travel Resource Travel Planner
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 Recommendations for Ships
- State & Territorial Health Departments
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
For more information about the Coronavirus and/or public health concerns, contact your local USI office or representative.
About USI Insurance Services
USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects over 10,000 industry-leading professionals across approximately 200 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
Additional Resources
USI is staying up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic. We have developed additional, industry-specific information including exclusive webinars to keep our clients informed during these uncertain times. Contact your USI Consultant to learn more.
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