Coronaviruses are a common family of viruses, and one of the main causes of the common cold. In late 
December 2019, a new coronavirus was identified in China with the potential to cause severe respiratory illness. The disease caused as a result of infection by the new coronavirus has been named COVID-19. During 2020, the virus has spread throughout the world (including to the UK) and many people have developed COVID-19.
Click here for an important alert on key health and safety obligations on employers that are relevant to the spread of the virus, and suggestions for practical steps that may be taken to mitigate the risks of liability. Due to the rapid spread of the virus, official guidance as to what steps should be taken to tackle it is changing frequently. It is, therefore, important for employers to carry out regular (ideally, daily) reviews of their risk assessments and control measures.
