Governance Briefing — January 30, 2020
The WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), triggering corporate pandemic plans, travel restrictions, and supply chain risk assessments.
Executive briefing: On , the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The designation signaled elevated global coordination needs and encouraged governments to enact containment and preparedness measures.
Why it matters: Organizations needed to activate pandemic response playbooks, assess travel and workplace policies, and begin supply chain resilience planning ahead of subsequent government restrictions.
- Business continuity: Stand up crisis management teams, review remote-work readiness, and confirm contact trees for critical functions.
- Travel and events: Evaluate non-essential travel and large gatherings; track evolving border and quarantine rules impacting staff and vendors.
- Supplier risk: Identify single-source suppliers in affected regions and validate alternative logistics plans.
- Employee communications: Provide health guidance consistent with WHO recommendations and ensure sick-leave policies support containment goals.