Chambers urge business community to allow workers to operate from home

Mar 17, 2020 News

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– mandate sanitary practices; desist from price gouging

The American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana) as well as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is calling on members of the business community to put in place arrangements that would allow employees to work from home, mandate sanitary practices in office spaces, and desist from price gouging on essential items.
This comes in the wake of Guyana recording multiple cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus which is currently wreaking havoc in many countries.
With respect to AmCham Guyana, it issued a statement yesterday noting that all precautions must be taken to slow the spread of the virus and to protect the most vulnerable members of the society. In this regard, it believes that the relevant authorities should take a lead from some CARICOM neighbours and other world leaders and impose travel restrictions as well as follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on imposing quarantine.
It is also calling on the private sector to support national efforts by offering alternative work-from-home arrangements, engaging in sanitation exercises in all businesses and providing the tools for workers to engage in safe practices. It said, “We encourage businesses to help make quarantine more comfortable for patients by engaging in efforts that include reduced data and phone call charges so that persons can still be in touch with their loved ones or donations of food and formula, toiletries and cleaners for the less fortunate households.”
As for the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it sought to appeal to the business community to be cognizant of the gravity of the coronavirus which has been deemed a pandemic by WHO. If proper steps are not implemented in a timely manner, the Chamber cautioned that COVID-19 has the potential to lead to a crisis, which it says the local health sector is incapable of handling.
The Chamber said that while it will be advocating measures in addressing the issue of COVID-19 on the macro and national level, it is encouraging business leaders to play their part in the fight against the virus by taking responsibility and implementing the measures recommended by the WHO.
Speaking to some of the WHO measures, the Chamber said that all should engage in efforts to eradicate fear and panic through education. GCCI reminded that that the COVID-19 virus produces mild symptoms in four out of five individuals with the disease. It said that the virus becomes detrimental to high-risk groups such as individuals with health complications and the elderly. “It is our duty to share credible and accurate information with our team members and loved ones,” the Chamber said.
The Chamber then highlighted the importance of fact checking information before sharing as it noted that there are many COVID-19 myths in circulation.
Further to this, the Chamber said, “The way to fight the COVID-19 virus is simple – keep clean. The WHO encourages organisations to sanitise working environments daily. For business leaders with available resources, we implore you to transfer the vigour of cleanliness to your wider community.”
The GCCI also sought to encourage members of the business community to ensure their employees and loved ones engage in sanitary habits. In this regard, it noted that work sites should be equipped with the relevant sanitisation products. At minimum, it said that workers should have access to soap and water. In addition to this measure, it said that all employees should be screened. If employees showcase symptoms associated with COVID-19, the Chamber said that members should not hesitate to approve and administer sick leave.
Further to this, the Chamber appealed to members of the business community to refrain from price gouging. In this regard, it said, “Businesses that are suppliers of preventative sanitisation products and pharmaceutical supplies should not engage in the blatant and inconsiderate price hikes to products needed to fight the COVID-19 virus. We are only strong as our weakest link. Be cognizant that many are void of financial resources. Price gouging of products automatically creates a barrier to the less fortunate. Businesses are encouraged to be ethical and compassionate. Be fair in the pricing of products and medication relevant in the fight of COVID-19.”
A call was also made for businesses to incorporate smart working initiatives by identifying the areas where social distancing can be implemented. In the digital age, it reminded that virtual platforms such as Zoom and Skype are great alternatives to hosting physical meetings.

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