The coronavirus (medical name COVID-19) has been all over the news, with an impact not only on public health and travel but on commerce as well.

In response to numerous customer inquiries, we wanted to provide guidance on Connectria’s approach and policies related to pandemics, such as with the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

What Exactly is Coronavirus?

“Coronavirus” is actually the name of a family of viruses. There have been several in the coronavirus category. The current outbreak is known officially as Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. COVID-19 is a particularly contagious version that causes symptoms ranging from those of the common cold to more severe respiratory symptoms. It spreads through contact with an infected person, or through droplets from a sneeze or cough. It does appear to be able to travel between animals and humans.

Though scientists are still learning how it spreads, many organizations are trying to limit contact so as to slow down or stop the spread of the disease.

Connectria Has a Solid Business Continuity Plan in Place

Connectria certifies compliance with multiple security and regulatory standards, including:

• SSAE-18 SOC1 and SOC2
• HIPAA
• HITECH
• FISMA
• FERPA
• ISO 27001
• Canada Bill-198

As part of these compliance disciplines, Connectria has policies and procedures that cover all aspects of our business and its governance, which includes our Business Continuity plan. Each of the policies and procedures, along with evidence of compliance, are audited by an independent third party.

Connectria’s Business Continuity plan includes a Technology Services Recovery Plan and Business Resumption Plan, with procedures that allow us to continue operating and meeting our service levels in the event of pandemics such as COVID-19.

We Take Care of Our People and the Public Welfare

In addition to our Business Continuity plan, pandemics are also tracked specifically in Connectria’s Risk Management Framework as required by PCI and HIPAA. This framework includes mitigating controls such as:

1. Securing remote work for our staff
2. Complying with travel restrictions
3. Providing general health services to all of our employees.

We also utilize an Infectious Disease Control Policy, which governs employee behaviors in times such as these.

Don’t Panic. Just Be Cautious.

To say that reaction to the virus has been varied would be a dramatic understatement. Public response has included everything from outright panic to eye-rolling dismissals.

No matter what the personal risk of COVID-19 is, there is little doubt that it has had, and will continue to have, an impact on our society. This is not a time for panic, but a time to be informed, and to take reasonable precautions. To that end, below is a list of credible sources of information:

• The Symptoms of Coronavirus from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Guidelines for Workplaces, also from the CDC
• Fair Labor and Medical Leave implications of pandemics, from the Department of Labor/OSHA
• Tips on how to roll out remote working during Coronavirus, from Fast Company

Additionally, we recommend that everyone maintain the habits of exemplary hand hygiene, staying home if ill, and avoiding unnecessary contact with others.

The silver lining here is that the need to work remotely might finally free up IT resources and accelerate digital transformation in many companies. Now is the perfect opportunity to explore shifting more workloads and applications to the cloud. Not only can it save money and time, but it can also prepare your organization for the next pandemic or natural disaster.

Further Questions

Contact us if you have any specific questions about Connectria’s services or policies during this time. You may contact our Command Center directly by phone:

• 1-800-781-7178 (national)
• 1-314-587-7353 (St. Louis area)