Posted on 18 March 2020
Dear CID members,
We know that you will all be dealing with a lot at the moment as you adjust your work programmes and look after your loved ones. Each day feels different, and it’s hard to plan. We also know that in a global crisis like COVID-19, the most vulnerable people suffer the most.
And it’s people like you who get busy trying to work out how you and your organisation can help.
At CID we will do our best to support you, to share the latest information with the sector, and keep you updated regularly. Please check out the CID home page for updates, or we will contact you with emails. And get in touch if there’s anything else we can do to help you, or if you have anything you’d like to share.
MFAT advice:
- MFAT has updated its Safe Travel advisory, and is calling on all New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and travel restrictions. This includes the Pacific
- It is also calling on New Zealanders overseas to consider coming home. We are in touch with MFAT to establish what this means for any NGO staff posted overseas and will update you asap.
The Government has also published a website compiling information about COVID-19.
Government’s Economic Response Package:
- The Government has announced the first stage of its economic response package to COVID-19.
- We are now expecting an economic recession, with an economic shock larger than that seen during the GFC
- Russell McVeagh have a full analysis of the package and how it applies to employees and employers
- Government will support businesses – and presumably NGOs - that are significantly impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to retain employees as a result
- Businesses (and presumably NGOs) must have suffered a 30% decline in revenue
- Under the wage subsidy scheme, full-time and part-time workers will receive $585.80 and $350 per week respectively, for a period of 12 weeks and up to a cap of $150,000
- Employers must meet all their sick leave (and other) responsibilities if staff have to self-isolate or get sick, but the government will kick in extra sick leave support once that dries up
- This is not available to those who can work from home during the period of self-isolation, and who can be paid normally by their employer
- Employers will apply for the leave on behalf of their employees self-isolating or sick. Affected full time workers will receive the same amount as under the wage subsidy scheme
- Payments are made by the Ministry of Social Development to employers, who will then be required to pass it on to the affected employees.
COVID-19 plans and advice:
- New Zealand’s favourite scientist, Siouxsie Wiles has prepared a template for a pandemic plan with check lists, tips and guidelines on how to keep yourself and others safe.
- Business NZ has also put out checklists for managing COVID-19 risks in the workplace, with useful links
- We will update templates for plans and checklists on a regular basis
- Here’s a good blog from aid charities in the UK on how to get your COVID-19 comms right - internally and to partners and stakeholders. Some excellent examples from UK charities
- Also from Associate for Change, some tips, templates and plans, including what to do if you have a case in your community or workplace
- Useful links for information, advice and guidance from our sister organisation, BOND in the UK.
Virtual meetings:
- Here’s a link for tips on how to make virtual meetings work
- More tips on virtual meetings from the Pickering Group (NZ based company)
- Consider upgrading your Zoom subscription if you haven’t already
- Devex have provided some links for collaboration tools designed to support business developers and recruiters using the Devex platform
- Devex have made their COVID-19 information free to access. This includes timeline of the COVID-19 crisis — with a special focus on the implications for the global development community. Devex journalists are updating this from around the world in real-time. They have made all COVID-19 coverage, including analysis normally meant for their Pro subscribers, free
- Any other online meeting tools, let us know
Keep safe and carry on.
The CID team (Aaron, Jacq, Josie and Gaia)