On 27 February 2020, the Prime Minister announced the activation of the ‘Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The lead agency for the Australian government's response is the Department of Health. Daily updates are provided at Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert. A 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line is available on 1800 020 080. The line provides health and situation information on the COVID-19 outbreak.
As of 11 March, the World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.
Impact on Service Delivery and Contracts
As the impact of COVID-19 on program delivery will vary by location we are unable to provide guidance that will apply to all countries or cover all aid contracts. Our overarching advice is to consult Smartraveller for guidance on travel. Up to date travel advice is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Smartraveller website. You should be aware that a small number of partner governments have placed restrictions on entry by Australians, and other governments may consider doing so.
Regarding impacts on program delivery, our initial advice is that contractors should contact their Agreement Manager in the first instance regarding the impact of COVID-19 on contractual arrangements. Discussions should be held promptly with the Agreement Manager if the impact of COVID-19 is expected to affect the achievement of end of program outcomes. Decisions will then need to be made regarding any contract amendments that are required.
Decisions regarding changing the timing of inputs or staff travel should be discussed with the Agreement Manager and consideration given to alternative arrangements. For example, delaying travel and conducting meetings by Skype. We expect that in most cases a mutually agreeable outcome can be found that takes account of local conditions.
For a number of our partners, the impact of COVID-19 on limited government resources may mean that our partners request that visits are deferred or they may be unable to participate in planned activities. In this case, the scheduled inputs will need to be reviewed and changed to accommodate the revised timing.
Information requested by DFAT
Contractors should provide the following information in relation to business continuity planning to their Agreement Manager:
- Any changes in key personnel availability;
- Details of office closures;
- Details of staff unable to travel due to travel restrictions; and
- Significant changes to implementation or output schedules.