COVID-19 Impact Map for Business Operations launched by International SOS

Publicly accessible by accessing the International SOS Risk Map, the COVID-19 Impact Map complements International SOS’ established suite of successful risk analysis maps, including Security, Medical and Road Safety.

Providing multinational organisations with insight at the country level, the dynamic scales that inform the COVID-19 Impact Map are updated daily and take into account analysis of the COVID case activity 14-day moving average, the underlying health and security threat environment, domestic travel restrictions and international outbound travel restrictions as well as any mitigation measures in place and the efficacy of them.

Mick Sharp, Group director for security services at International SOS, stated: “Along with COVID-19, organisations should also be mindful of layered risks. Natural disasters, political tensions, elections and civil unrest will continue, with some of these episodes exacerbated as a result of the pandemic. A balanced approach is needed in order to assess overall risk and implement appropriate strategies designed to protect and strengthen business.”

Dr Neil Nerwich, Group medical director for International SOS, commented: “While we all strive to return to full operations, access to up-to-date and accurate information is vital as the effects of COVID-19 continue to fluctuate. We know that this can potentially make the difference between returning to sustainable or otherwise extremely limited operations. While we cannot fully pre-empt the course of the pandemic or its wide-ranging impacts, being agile enough to quickly implement strategies based on insights will help minimise the business impact and, critically, protect the workforce.”

Operational impacts graded

The scales in the ‘Impact Map’ represent the following business operations impacts due to COVID-19:

*Very Low: Business operations are possible within broadly similar health and security constraints experienced pre-COVID-19

*Low: Business operations are possible with inconvenience due to some restrictions. Most businesses are operating

*Medium: Business operations may be possible within limits, such as restricted internal workforce movement, but notable disruption challenges remain. Some businesses have limited operations

*High: Business operations are significantly restricted. Many businesses have limited operations

*Very High: Business operations are severely restricted or temporarily not possible. Only essential business is likely

International SOS is concurrently providing Inbound Travel Impact Scales and detailed travel restrictions guidance, exclusively accessible to clients and their employees. This represents inbound flight restrictions and entry requirements and is complementary to the COVID-19 Impact Map.  

Workforce Resilience services with the COVID-19 impact scales and detailed guidance include (but are not limited to) manager view and employee tools. Subscribing organisations can also seek accompanying expert consultation with International SOS health and security advisors. They can support the review and development of business-critical plans/procedures and an organisation’s crisis management team(s), as well as provide company and profile-specific risk assessments.