Coronavirus (Covid-19) - MKY GROUP
Oronavirus (Covid-19) — Federal Council declares a state of emergency for Switzerland/Registration for short-time work
The coronavirus continues to spread in Switzerland and affects more and more companies. At a media conference, the Federal Council explained that all shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment and leisure establishments will be closed until provisionally on April 19, 2020. Grocery stores and health facilities, among others, are excluded. Takeaways, company canteens, delivery services for meals and pharmacies, gas stations, train stations, banks, post offices, hotels, public administration and social institutions, as well as transport workshops, can also remain open.
How are you dealing with the pandemic in your company? What can you do if work is cancelled?
Pandemic plan
6113 people tested positive for Covid-19 (as of 21.03.2020), closed borders, canceled events. The virus now has a firm grip on Switzerland as well. On March 20, 2020, the Federal Council approved a further 32 billion francs to alleviate the economic consequences of the pandemic. The following is an overview of the pandemic plan published by the federal government and the use of short-time work.
Recommendations for the working world — protecting employees
Since Covid-19 can be particularly dangerous for people over 65 or with an existing pre-existing condition, you and your employees will focus on the following recommendations from the Federal Office of Public Health:
- Minimize the risk of infection in the workplace as much as possible.
- Regular hand washing should be possible for everyone.
- If possible, allow home office or office splitting.
- In industries where home office is not possible (retail, crafts, construction, etc.), employees should keep sufficient distance from each other.
- The work reference requires goodwill, only request one after 5 days so as not to place an additional burden on healthcare facilities.
- Encourage employees not to travel by public transportation during peak hours.
- Regularly disinfect shelves, door handles and counters that are used by many people.
For further information, the FOPH pandemic plan is available at the following link:
[https://www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch/cshop\_mimes\_bbl/48/48DF3714B1101EE9BD980986CFA8E178.pdf](https://www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch/cshop_mimes_bbl/48/48DF3714B1101EE9BD980986CFA8E178.pdf)
Registration for short-time work — requirements
To compensate for temporary employment slumps due to the coronavirus, unemployment insurance covers the employee affected by short-time work. The aim of short-time work is to ensure that no dismissals are given as a result of short-term and unavoidable absences from work.
NEW: The short-time work allowance can also be paid for fixed-term employees, temporary workers and apprentices. Even employer-like employees (e.g. for shareholders of a limited liability company or persons who work in the spouse's company) can now also apply for short-time work allowance.
The following indicators must be considered when applying for short-time work so that unemployment insurance compensates for the loss: (administrative relief in connection with the coronavirus)
- The advance notification for short-time work with the required supplements is submitted in writing.
- The Office of Economy and Labour reviews the advance notification and may request further information.
- The loss of work must be exceptional, temporary and due to economic reasons.
- Work absences due to government measures are also recognized.
- At least 3 days before the planned short-time work, you must send the Office of Economics and Labour the form “Advance notification of short-time work” in writing.
- Short-time work is regularly approved for three months, but can also be extended again using the “Advance notification of short-time work” form
- The Office of Economy and Labour reviews the advance notification and may request further information
Procedure after submission and approval of the short-time work allowance
If the advance notification has been approved, you must:
- keep an operational time record.
- file a claim for compensation with your unemployment insurance fund within three months of the end of the billing period.
- If it is necessary to extend short-time work, submit a new advance notification with updated reasons (mandatory).
The procedure mentioned above applies to the Canton of St. Gallen. The other cantons have slight deviations from this procedure. Do you need help with registration or would you like further information regarding short-time work and the current emergency situation? We would be happy to help you. You can find an overview of offers under the following link (Price overview\ _Corona support).
In addition to short-time work, there are other options with which you can ensure the existence of your company. In the course of an impending recession (if the current situation persists for a longer period of time), it makes sense to establish a ** (crisis) financial plan** in order to remain liquid in the future and to maintain business activity. Many companies often come out of such business cycles stronger — try to see this as an opportunity as well.
Epidemic insurance
An epidemic such as Covid-19 can destroy the existence of SMEs in particular. In order to protect your business from loss of income and wage costs due to a communicable disease in the future, it may be worthwhile to consider epidemic insurance.
Benefits of epidemic insurance at a glance
- Insurance against loss of income and wage costs
- Insurance against damage to own goods, goods from third parties and recalled goods
- Assumption of additional costs to maintain operations
- Costs for medical examinations and disinfection of the company
Epidemic insurance in detail
- Loss of revenue due to plant closures, quarantine, supply bans from customers, removal or reprocessing of infected or suspected goods.
- Wage costs of employees who are not allowed to work due to the epidemic.
- In the event of a claim, the insurance company covers the loss of revenue for the duration of measures ordered by an authority, with a subsequent period of up to 30 days.
- If the company has to be partially closed, the insurance covers wage costs for each affected employee for up to 90 days per insurance year.
Unfortunately, various insurance companies are currently refusing to conclude new contracts.
As a result of globalization and free movement of persons within the EEA area, a new pandemic cannot be ruled out. Would you like to be prepared for the future? Our insurance experts will be happy to show you options that will protect you in an emergency.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Each individual case should be reviewed individually and we recommend that you seek professional advice for specific questions.
