UK employers are halting international travel and quarantining staff as the
threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) grows.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 100 people have died
and more than 2,500, in 16 countries, have been infected with SARS, leading
companies to review travel policies.
UBS Warburg has stopped travel to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore,
Toronto and Vietnam. Staff who have been through those areas are being
quarantined for 10 days, as the incubation period is estimated at between two
and seven days.
At Barclays, travel plans are under constant scrutiny, and the company is
seeking advice from its medical advisers, as well as the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other agencies.
The bank said its colleagues in Asia have advised them to restrict travel to
the region, unless in emergencies. Any travel to Asia can now only be
authorised on a case-by-case basis through senior management.
BA spokeswoman Cathy West told Personnel Today that BA has embargoed all
staff concession flights to Hong Kong. However, duty flights are still
operating.
