Over the last few weeks, Envirolab Group has been continuously monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments to contain the risk of the virus and ensure the health and safety of our people and their families, clients, suppliers and the wider community we operate in. This includes the implementation of new measures to minimise the risk of transmission and providing additional support to our team as we continue to operate our business and deliver for our clients Great Science. Great Service.

As part of taking action, a dedicated team has been formed to proactively monitor and manage the situation. Decisions taken have been based on the guidelines and information publicly available from reliable sources, including the Australian Government and World Health Organisation (WHO). We have no doubt the situation will continue to change.

Nonetheless, synching the needs of our team, clients, suppliers and the wider community is central to everything we do. We have put in place the following measures briefly listed below.

Supporting our Team and Community

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, our priority has been to ensure we’re taking care of the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and community through the following measures:

• We have increased focus on hygiene management, including increased frequency of cleaning of all common areas and the availability of hand sanitisers, ISO wipes and other inventory for staff and visitors.

• Actively encouraging anyone who is feeling unwell to not come into work and immediately seek medical advice.

• Providing more accommodating working environment for team members at higher risk.

• Limiting face-to-face human interaction wherever possible, including lab tours and training programs and instead using telephone, videoconferencing or webinars as an alternative way to stay in touch.

• Raising awareness of the risk of infection among our staff and urging all to act responsibly and with care by heeding hygiene guidelines issued by public health authorities.

• Proactively following recommendations issued by the Australian Government, WHO and other relevant authorities, to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Service Delivery and Continuity of High Turnarounds

Envirolab is taking the following steps to regularly update our clients, suppliers and friends regarding the continuity of our environmental testing services during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Our labs and offices will remain open until further notice to ensure that we can continue to offer our services. Although safety is paramount, we also remain committed to limiting the business impact of this pandemic.

• We are supporting our clients and suppliers in their own efforts being taken to combat the virus and look forward to share knowledge and support flexible arrangements that help stop the spread of COVID-19.

• We are and will continue to monitor any potential impact to our clients and suppliers and will keep in touch of further developments as they arise.

Looking Ahead

There is no mistaking the challenge of this moment. Our family at Envirolab is indebted to the heroic efforts of the medical community of doctors, nurses, scientific researchers as well as various public health experts and policy drivers within the industry and our global community, who are on the front lines of this pandemic, and working tirelessly round the clock.

As we tackle together these uncertain times, we encourage our team, clients and suppliers and friends to follow the guidance of the Australian Government Department of Health on how to protect yourself and minimise the spread. We have also provided a few other links below that might help you.

We will also continue to provide you with updates in the days and weeks to come. In the meantime, we are available by email or call 1300 424 344 for any questions or for a chat.

Thank you for your continued confidence in Envirolab. For now, let’s all stay happy, healthy, and keep washing our hands!

Further Information

Coronavirus Hotline (Australia):
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398, open 24 hours, 7 days (at time of putting together this article).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Valuable information about COVID-19, such as symptoms, steps you can take to protect yourself and what to do if you are affected.   

The Australian Psychological Society:

With the rising number of COVID-19 cases and constant media attention about COVID-19, feelings of unease and anxiety can be expected. The Australian Psychological Society has put together an information sheet with useful strategies, which can help as we continue to navigate these unusual circumstances.   

World Health Organization (WHO):
Steps to protect yourself, status of the pandemic, FAQ's and other information on ongoing developments.