Travel Security Key Threats 2021
Entrare nel 2021, dopo l’impatto della pandemia globale di Covid-19, ci obbliga ad esaminare con attenzione una selezione di minacce chiave per le persone e le organizzazioni che lavorano a livello internazionale.
Possiamo prepararci per gestire correttamente le sfide poste da una serie di scenari in rapida evoluzione? E per fare ciò, quali problemi dobbiamo affrontare?
Ce ne parla Mark Lowe in questo articolo di Travel for business: https://www.travelforbusiness.it/rischi-viaggi-affari-2021/
Per approfondire, scarica il report completo QUI
Arriva in Italia CovidClean, la certificazione per hotel sicuri
Grazie alla partnership tra Safehotels e PTG, anche in Italia arriva CovidClean, la certificazione di conformità alle misure igienico-sanitarie per contrastare il Covid-19.
In cosa consiste CovidClean e quali sono i vantaggi per gli hotel? Scopri di più in questo articolo di Travel for business: https://www.travelforbusiness.it/2020/06/29/riapertura-hotel-igiene-e-sicurezza-al-primo-posto-con-la-certificazione-covidclean/
Vuoi saperne di più su CovidClean e su come certificare il tuo hotel? Scarica la brochure informativa QUI
An Evolving Crisis - Regional Updates. Country Status Report #6: Lebanon
Over the coming weeks Pyramid Temi Group will be publishing a series of updates from our regional hubs. The objective of the updates is to deliver informed comment and insight from our experts as to how a series of countries are addressing the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.
If you would like the updates delivered directly to your email box please sign-up to service by clicking here.
Please note that in addition to the Covid-19 updates, those who sign-up to the service will receive a complimentary copy of our updated country report.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, we spoke with the Managing Director at Pyramid Temi Group’s local partner company in the Lebanon to understand more about the current situation and which issues will become the most critical over the coming months.
Q: How is the population reacting to the spread of the virus?
A: Almost all civilians are abiding by the Government’s orders to stay in their homes and work remotely from there. However, a few days ago Riots re-emerged due to the losses of the Lebanese Pound against the United States Dollar.
Q: Which system has been adopted by the provincial government?
A: I would say that it is in many ways similar to the system adopted in the UK.
Q: Would you agree that no one/single suits all and thus individual governments must devise their own specific strategies? Which factors define your country?
A: The Chinese decision to implement a total lock down on the nation thus preventing an uncontrolled spread of the Covid-19 virus fits well with the Lebanese culture.
Q: How are people reacting to your government’s choice?
A: People are reacting positively and believe that it was the best decision to quarantine the whole nation. However, currently a part of those that are on the breach of poverty are back on the streets rioting again.
Q: Are people following government instructions?
A: Almost all are abiding the government instructions.
Q: Please describe how the private sector is being affected by the present status.
A: The private sector is suffering considerably from the consequences of the current situation. A lot of work has almost come to a stop and only the minimum is being done. Movements are limited to the absolute minimum and many in the private sector have started adapting having employees work remotely from their homes. Another strategy is rotation where only one employee is allowed to work in their department at a time, due to this reduced work flow companies are laying employees off or are going bankrupt.
Q: Has the government enlisted the assistance of the private security sector?
A: No, only government forces.
Q: What’s on your radar screen, do you have any particular fears or concerns?
A: The main concern is that a number of civilians are not acting as they should and that the riots taking place can lead to COVID-19 spreading across the country, a scenario that would be difficult to contain. We need to remain on high alert, manage the prices of commodity goods carefully, and make sure that civilians take the Covid-19 outbreak seriously.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee. They are published in good faith and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PTG.
Reagire al Covid-19: la testimonianza delle imprese
Reagire al la testimonianza delle imprese.
Leggi la nostra testimonianza su RM News, a cura di Mark Lowe
An Evolving Crisis - Regional Updates. Country Status Report #5: Kenya
Over the coming weeks Pyramid Temi Group will be publishing a series of updates from our regional hubs. The objective of the updates is to deliver informed comment and insight from our experts as to how a series of countries are addressing the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.
If you would like the updates delivered directly to your email box please sign-up to service by clicking here.
Please note that in addition to the Covid-19 updates, those who sign-up to the service will receive a complimentary copy of our updated country report.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, we spoke with the Managing Director at Pyramid Temi Group’s local partner company in Kenya to understand more about the current situation and which issues will become the most critical over the coming months.
Q: How is the population reacting to the spread of the virus?
A: In general the majority of the population are abiding to all control measures. However, in the poorer and more overpopulated slums, they tend to try and fight the curfews in particular.
Q: Which system has been adopted by the provincial government?
A: I would say that it is similar to the system adopted in the UK.
Q: Would you agree that no one/single suits all and thus individual governments must devise their own specific strategies? Which factors define your country?
A: The Government acted early from lessons learned in the USA and Europe. So the spread has been slow and managed well.
Q: How are people reacting to your government’s choice?
A: On the whole people are welcoming the actions that have been taken.
Q: Are people following government instructions?
A: On the whole yes they are.
Q: Please describe how the private sector is being affected by the present status.
A: The private sector is being affected by many people having to work from home. The country’s infrastructure is underdeveloped and so it presents a number of challenges. The level of economic decline, especially in Nairobi which is the commercial hub of Kenya, is worrying.
Q: Has the government enlisted the assistance of the private security sector?
A: Not yet and it is not clear if this will change.
Q: What’s on your radar screen, do you have any particular fears or concerns?
A: The duration of the lockdown, the longer it is imposed the more the economy will be damaged. I’m also concerned about a potential breakdown in civil society in general, the poorest can not live hand to mouth and employees are struggling to keep business alive.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee. They are published in good faith and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PTG.
Adapting to Covid-19: Lessons Learned from Kidnapping
Mark Lowe
08/04/2020
When I first read this article I was struck by it’s timeliness and validity. I’ve asked the author’s permission to publish it on LinkedIn because I believe that it offers us all a series of valid and topical reflection points.
The author, Sue Williams QPM, needs little introduction but for those of us who don’t know Sue allow me to point out that after 27 years as a qualified Hostage Negotiator her extensive experience of kidnapping and hostage taking scenarios is extremely valuable.
When Sue left the Metropolitan Police she held the position of Head of the Hostage Crisis Negotiation Unit. Since leaving public duty, Sue has acted as a specialist consultant to families, companies and Non Governmental Organisations that have had to deal with kidnappings.
In addition to her charity and pro bono work, Sue is a Visiting Lecturer at Harvard Humanitarian Academy in Boston (USA) and an Associate Fellow of the Saïd Business School (University of Oxford).
Her LinkedIn profile can be accessed here: Sue Williams
Adapting to Covid-19: Lessons Learned from Kidnapping
All across the world, we are enduring extreme social distancing and isolation as our governments and health services fight COVID-19. I have been working for many years with people who have been kidnapped, people who have been held hostage, people who have had to learn to adapt to survive.
There are similarities with where we find ourselves today, vast numbers of us, forced to stay at home. So, what are the lessons to be learnt from ‘conduct after capture’ techniques and the parallels that could help us survive this ordeal?
If you are unlucky enough to be kidnapped and held hostage, you can expect to feel a combination of the following:
- An almost paralysing fear of being harmed or death;
- Continuing panic, loneliness and disbelief;
- Depression occasioned by the knowledge that you have no control over this situation, and you do not know when it is going to end;
- Internal stress created by the uncertainty of regular food and drink;
- Desperate longing to be back with your family and friends; and
- An obsessive reflection on the normal and routine aspects of your life, things you have so often taken for granted.
The extraordinary times of this virus do have some stark similarities to a hostage situation. In all probability you may be experiencing one or more of the above. Although our isolation is to a certain extent voluntary, and is happening for our own good and the good of our society, human beings are social creatures. Especially in times of crisis, so it is natural to crave for the company of our friends and family. That urge to be together makes us who we are.
So, let me stress that these are normal reactions to an abnormal temporary situation. Allow yourself to feel what you feel. You are not weak. You are you. Everyone experiences, if not all these things, then at least some of them. What you feel is an honest response to a difficult moment. Don’t beat yourself up. In this case your mission is to acknowledge where you are and then adapt and survive.
To give yourself the best chance of surviving, be kind to yourself. Each one of us responds differently. Your reaction will not be the same reaction as your partner’s, or your friend’s on WhatsApp, or a colleague on the phone. Be kind to them too, diffuse tension, don’t’ escalate it.
Recognize what you are feeling from the list above. This recognition will help you come to grips with what is, without doubt, difficult for everyone. Realize that you are experiencing a natural reaction to an unnatural situation.
The most important thing is to remember to be who you are. Never lose sight of this. Your normal life has routines, standards. Be that person.
Do not slip into a dishevelled, sloppy person who has used the situation to give up in some way, someone you don’t recognise. Plan a structure, a daily routine. This must include:
- Personal hygiene – start each day in your normal way;
- Appearance – look in the mirror and see who you usually see;
- Keep mentally active – don't slump in front of daytime TV. Find a way to challenge yourself;
- Stay up to date with medication;
- Make sure you have adequate food and drink at usual meal-times – if you are on your own, really try to make a special effort with this;
- Communicate with your friends and relatives. We are all so busy. Use this extra time to reach out to people with whom you may have lost touch;
- Exercise, a lot can be achieved in an hour. Plan out a routine for yourself, or if you’re online, and most of us are, join a live stream class - something most hostages don’t have access to;
- Maintain a sense of purpose and value. It’s hard for us to plan for the future, when we don’t know when things will get back to normal. But we do know they will, so this time may be useful to evaluate how you feel about what gives you purpose and value. Try and use those values to how you approach this difficult time; and
- Knowledge is power, so keep well informed. Read outside your own comfort zone. Look at what is happening in other countries. Instead of waiting to have the news interpreted for you, compare and contrast stories from different news organisations yourself.
It is also important to plan for the long haul. If you think this will be over in two weeks and it drifts on for two months, or longer, this will add to your own psychological strain. So, lower your expectations to avoid disappointment. Expect months and you’ll be happy when it’s weeks.
Many former hostages I know adopted a combination of different coping mechanisms, some wrote plays, music, or played chess with discarded objects. People are amazing. They can achieve great things in very restricted and arduous circumstances.
So many people say, I never have the time to... Well now you do. Use that time to focus the mind and learn something different. Come out of this better and stronger. How could this apply to you? What could you do? Hold that thought. Write it down. Look at the words you’ve put on the paper. Look at them again tomorrow morning.
And one more thing, don’t forget, the longer your period in captivity, the more opportunities arise for a safe resolution and your return to freedom. Repeat that to yourself. The longer this goes on, the more likely it is that you will avoid the virus yourself and will survive.
Outside, other people are working hard to fix this, to help you, to help us all return to a normal life. Trust this because it is true. This time will pass. This is all temporary. You have not been forgotten.
Stay calm, stay safe. Adapt. Survive.
Sue Williams QPM
Associate Fellow
Saïd Business School
University of Oxford
Read the article on Linked In HERE
An Evolving Crisis - Regional Updates. Country Status Report #4: Bangladesh
Over the coming weeks Pyramid Temi Group will be publishing a series of updates from our regional hubs. The objective of the updates is to deliver informed comment and insight from our experts as to how a series of countries are addressing the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.
If you would like the updates delivered directly to your email box please sign-up to service by clicking here.
Please note that in addition to the Covid-19 updates, those who sign-up to the service will receive a complimentary copy of our updated country report.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, we spoke with the Managing Director at Pyramid Temi Group’s local partner company in Bangladesh to understand more about the current situation and which issues will become the most critical over the coming months.
Q: How is the population reacting to the spread of the virus?
A: The majority of the population are making efforts to keep the spread of the virus to a minimum. No one is complaining. I’d say that the great majority of people are just going along with what they are told to do.
Q: Which system has been adopted by the provincial government?
A: It is probably closest to the Chinese strategy.
Q: Would you agree that no one/single suits all and thus individual governments must devise their own specific strategies? Which factors define your country?
A: The Chinese impose harsh fines for non compliance and have issued very clear instructions. Everyone understands the severity of the crisis and listens to the advice. Hong Kong got hit hard in 2003 with SARS so the people take Covid 19 extremely seriously. There are some lessons to be learned from China’s strategy that can be applied to all countries.
Q: How are people reacting to your government’s choice?
A: Heeding the advice and complying with the measures and instructions.
Q: Are people following government instructions?
A: Yes, on the whole I would say that they are.
Q: Please describe how the private sector is being affected by the present status.
A: It is very hard to say. Everyone has been advised to reduce the number of employees in the office at any one time. There is very little international business being done.
Q: Has the government enlisted the assistance of the private security sector?
A: Not yet.
Q: What’s on your radar screen, do you have any particular fears or concerns?
A: As a company we are focusing on a return to business as soon as the all clear is given. Many international clients have indicated their eagerness to get executive personnel back on the road. However, there are a number of companies that do not qualify for financial support from the government so anything longer than 4 to 6 months could have a crippling impact on a great number of companies.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee. They are published in good faith and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PTG.
An Evolving Crisis - Regional Updates. Country Status Report #3: Spain
Over the coming weeks Pyramid Temi Group will be publishing a series of updates from our regional hubs. The objective of the updates is to deliver informed comment and insight from our experts as to how a series of countries are addressing the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.
If you would like the updates delivered directly to your email box please sign-up to service by clicking here.
Please note that in addition to the Covid-19 updates, those who sign-up to the service will receive a complimentary copy of our updated country report.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, we spoke with the Managing Director at Pyramid Temi Group’s local partner company in Spain to understand more about the current situation and which issues will become the most critical over the coming months.
Q: How is the population reacting to the spread of the virus?
A: The population has understood, contrary to the initial opinion, that the virus is more lethal than expected and above all has a destructive potential that could lead to the collapse of the health service. The population now have understood that it has to be protected even at the cost of an economic recession. At this point the general population is ready to obey and implement any measures decided upon by the government.
Q: Which system has been adopted by the provincial government?
A: One very similar to the Italian system has been adopted.
Q: Would you agree that no one/single suits all and thus individual governments must devise their own specific strategies? Which factors define your country?
A: I agree up to a point. The South Korean system has shown to be the most successful for developed countries and should be adopted as early as possible. Individual governments did not have clear continuity plans. However, I agree that every country should implement a cultural/local adaptation as the main strategy.
Amongst the factors that define the Spanish reality are: Political instability which makes hard decisions even harder to adopt; territorial tensions in some regions (Catalonia, Basque country) create distortions; and some level of initial rejection to Army, Police and Authority.
Q: How are people reacting to your government’s choice?
A: The vast majority comply with the confinement measures although only 30% support the Government of the Socialist Party (PSOE), which has made serious forecasting errors and is in part guilty of disinformation. Without doubt, at the beginning the government delayed its strategy and decisions were taken too late, this created a widespread loss of credibility.
Q: Are people following government instructions?
A: 99% are following, and they are also reporting non-compliance activities and promoting actions for unity, solidarity and patriotism as well, something unknown here in recent decades.
Q: Please describe how the private sector is being affected by the present status.
A: IBEX35 Spanish Stock Exchange has lost 25% of its value. 2-3 million jobs are expected to be suspended during the coronavirus crisis. Some of the most powerful industries in Spain are the most affected by the crisis and have been closed by Government: Tourism, Airlines, Commerce, Culture and Leisure. The rest of the companies can continue operating but a lower demand is expected in the next months.
Q: Has the government enlisted the assistance of the private security sector?
A: The Government has made few decisions regarding the involvement of the private sector, except for the control of private hospitals and the use of hotels as medical centers. Regarding the private security sector, the MININT (Ministry of Interior) has given some instructions for coordination between private and public security.
Q: What’s on your radar screen, do you have any particular fears or concerns?
A: The undervaluation of the crisis by the Spanish Government and the lack of early decisions will cause the crisis in Spain to be more serious than in other countries.
Confinement and economic paralysis is unfortunately the most effective measure to stop the spread and to shorten the critical phase of the crisis, therefore the economic recovery will be very slow and costly.
There is also the need to develop strategic sector plans for the protection of Critical Infrastructure. The crisis will pass but its effects will produce very important social and economic changes. Healthcare will become a strong issue on political agendas at the expense of others, such as migration. The technological sectors, the internet, the cloud will receive a boost with respect to labor-intensive sectors.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee. They are published in good faith and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PTG.
Decreto Cura Italia e burocrazia: lo sfogo dei Consulenti del Lavoro
Lo sfogo dei Consulenti del lavoro in merito alla complessa gestione delle procedure di accesso alle misure straordinarie a sostegno delle imprese, che i Consulenti del Lavoro si trovano a fronteggiare per via dell'ostica burocrazia che caratterizza il nostro Paese, e che, neanche in questa situazione di emergenza, è stata semplificata.
Condividiamo la lettera ricevuta dal nostro Consulente del Lavoro, lo Studio Ricci Antonella,
English translation below.
Caro Cliente,
Ti scrivo perché tra tutte le polemiche di questi giorni e discorsi Urbi et Orbi del nostro Presidente del Consiglio, ho l'impressione che probabilmente sfugge ai più la corretta percezione di quello che io e i miei colleghi stiamo vivendo in queste settimane.
Migliaia di aziende chiuse che entrano in uno stato di emergenza, tutte, nello stesso momento.
Per affrontarlo lo Stato avrebbe potuto predisporre una procedura di emergenza semplificata, uguale su tutto il territorio nazionale e per tutte le aziende ….ma dato che in prima linea a reggere l'urto di un carico di lavoro enorme, non programmato, sono liberi professionisti, senza orari di lavoro, senza straordinari, senza sabati né domeniche, lo Stato ha risposto con procedure ordinarie, complicate, diversificate, procedure che sono del tutto inadeguate e complicate se ad entrare in emergenza sono tutte le aziende clienti, su tutto il territorio nazionale, contemporaneamente.
In buona sostanza hanno cercato di risolvere una situazione straordinaria con strumenti e procedure ordinarie.
Vorrei spiegarti che quello che si è voluto evitare accadesse al Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, chiudendo tutte le attività contemporaneamente, sta accadendo in queste ore alla categoria dei Consulenti del Lavoro.
Su di noi si è abbattuto uno Tsunami.
Hai presente le migliaia di malati che avrebbero bussato alle porte degli ospedali?
Ecco, noi abbiamo migliaia di malati gravi che bussano alla nostra porta, tutti insieme e abbiamo la responsabilità di occuparci di ognuno di loro, con l'aggravante che siamo anche noi con un futuro incerto e con strumenti messi a disposizione dagli Enti pubblici obsoleti.
Il Presidente del Consiglio in recenti discorsi ha rassicurato che per il 15 Aprile i lavoratori avranno gli ammortizzatori sociali pagati, e che ha chiesto uno sforzo straordinario al Ministero del lavoro e all'INPS; bene, è come se avesse detto che per il 15 Aprile tutti i ricoverati saranno guariti e che ha chiesto uno sforzo straordinario agli impiegati del Ministero della salute.
Posso dirti nulla è più lontano dalla realtà.
È ridicolo.
Tecnicamente è impossibile.
Tutti stanno lavorando, chi più e chi meno, ma in questo momento sono i Consulenti del Lavoro che stanno lavorando senza sosta affrontando procedure diverse a seconda dell'attività svolta e della dimensione aziendale; ed ogni Regione ha le sue regole e le sue credenziali.
Anche i sindacati hanno voluto il loro spazio, complicando enormemente le procedure, come se oggi restare chiusi fosse una scelta del datore di lavoro, da spiegare, da giustificare, da contrattare e non una conseguenza drammatica del provvedimento di chiusura del Governo. Abbiamo solo perso tempo prezioso.
Non conosco un'azienda che in questo momento non vorrebbe riaprire, ma anche volendo non può… però almeno tre giorni ai sindacati per riflettere sulle motivazioni della chiusura dell'azienda che non glieli concedi?
Nell'interesse dei lavoratori, certamente...
E poi succede che le caselle di posta dei sindacati sono piene e le pratiche ci tornano indietro intatte e dobbiamo rinviarle con la conseguenza di altro lavoro e di attese eterne per vedere conclusa la procedura sindacale che in alcuni casi è obbligatoria.
Nell'interesse dei lavoratori, certamente.
Siamo una categoria con una grossa dose di umiltà, probabilmente la più umile tra tutte le professioni, ed un senso di responsabilità che va oltre il dovuto. Non so perché, ma è così. Al nostro posto gli impiegati pubblici o i sindacati sarebbero già in sciopero, ma noi sentiamo il peso della vita delle aziende e delle persone che ci lavorano.
Vi conosciamo tutti per nome, le nostre vite si intrecciano tutti i giorni con le vostre.
E io tutti i giorni ringrazio i miei collaboratori di Studio, quelli che quando scrivete mail o chiamate vi rispondono e si prodigano sia nei giorni feriali che in quelli festivi. Loro non si sono sottratti a lavorare incessantemente per poter consentire a tutti i Vostri dipendenti di lavorare in sicurezza da casa (con le pratiche di smart working) e poter sostenere il reddito di chi non può, nemmeno volendo, andare a lavorare (con le pratiche delle casse integrazioni).
Ecco loro sono i miei EROI.
Al Governo noi Consulenti del Lavoro avevamo chiesto di semplificare, un'unica procedura per tutti e per il 15 Aprile molti sarebbero stati tranquilli, e invece no, non siamo stati ascoltati, siamo stati lasciati soli in questo momento e perfino ignorati.
Comprendiamo il vostro dramma, siamo sulla stessa barca ed io e i miei colleghi remiamo senza sosta per portarla in un porto sicuro, ma ci stanno sfinendo.
Ecco avevo piacere di condividere questi pensieri di fine giornata con Voi, prima di spegnere il computer e andare a fare la spesa.
Sono ottimista di natura: tutto questo passerà, ci vuole tempo ma passerà.
Noi ci siamo e terremo duro… anche per Voi.
Vi auguro una buona serata e Vi abbraccio
Antonella Ricci
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Dear Customer,
I am writing to you because among all the controversies of these days and the Urbi et Orbi speeches by our Prime Minister, I have the impression that probably the most correct perception of what my colleagues and I are experiencing in these weeks has not been fully appreciated by most people.
Thousands of closed companies are entering a state of emergency, all at the same time.
To deal with it, the state could have prepared a simplified emergency procedure, the same for the whole national territory and for all companies… .but since in the front line to withstand the impact of a huge, unscheduled workload, there are the freelancers , without working hours, without overtime, without Saturdays or Sundays, the State has responded with standard, complicated, diversified procedures, procedures that are totally inadequate and complicated if the client companies, throughout the whole national territory, are in an emergency , all at once.
Basically they have tried to resolve an extraordinary situation with standard tools and procedures.
I would like to explain to you that what we wanted to avoid happening to the National Health Service, that is closing all activities at the same time, is happening in these hours to the category of Labour Consultants.
A Tsunami has struck us.
Can you imagine thousands of sick people knocking on hospital doors?
Here, we have thousands of seriously ill people knocking on our door, all together and we have the responsibility to take care of each of them, with the aggravating circumstance that we too are with an uncertain future and with tools that have been made available by obsolete public bodies.
In recent speeches, the Prime Minister reassured that employees will receive paid social safety nets by April 15th, and that he has requested an extraordinary effort from the Ministry of Labour and INPS, (the social security authority). Well, it is as if he said that by 15 April all sick patients are to be cured and that he has asked the Ministry of Health employees for an extraordinary effort.
I can tell you nothing is further from reality.
It is ridiculous.
Technically, it is impossible.
Everyone is working, some more and some less, but at the moment it is the Labour Consultants who are working tirelessly, facing different procedures depending on the activity carried out and the company size; and each region has its own rules and regulations.
The unions also wanted their say, complicating the procedures enormously, as if today being closed was a choice of the employer, to be explained, to be justified, to be negotiated and not a dramatic consequence of the government's closing measure. We have only lost precious time.
I don't know a company that at this moment would not want to reopen, but cannot ... so why dedicate three days to the union discussions to the unions to reflect on the reasons for the closure of the company? They say it is in the interest of the employees, of course.
Then what happens is the unions mail boxes are overfilled and the letters come back to us unopened and we have to resend them with the consequence of other work and eternal waiting to see the union procedure concluded this is, in some cases, mandatory.
In the interest of the employees, of course.
We are a category with a large dose of humility, probably the most humble of all the professions, and a sense of responsibility that goes beyond duty. I don't know why, but, in our place, public sector employees or unions would already be on strike, but we feel the weight of the life of the companies and people who work there.
We all know you by name; our lives are intertwined every day with yours.
And every day I thank my Studio collaborators, those who when you write emails or call answer you and do their best on both weekdays and holidays. They have not shied away from working incessantly in order to allow all your employees to work safely from home (with remote working practices) and to be able to support the income of those who cannot, not even wanting to, go to work (with practices integration funds).
Here they are my HEROES.
We Labour Consultants have asked the Government to simplify, a single procedure for everyone and for April 15th much would have been settled, but instead no, we were not listened to, we were left alone at this moment and even ignored.
We understand your drama, we are in the same boat and my colleagues and I row non-stop to take you to a safe harbour, but they are wearing us out.
I have had the pleasure of sharing these end-of-day thoughts with you, before turning off the computer and going shopping. (For essential items, of course).
I am optimistic by nature: all this will pass, it will take time but it will pass.
We are here and we will hold on ... especially for you.
I wish you a good evening and I embrace you
Antonella Ricci
An Evolving Crisis - Regional Updates. Country Status Report #2: Pakistan
Over the coming weeks Pyramid Temi Group will be publishing a series of updates from our regional hubs. The objective of the updates is to deliver informed comment and insight from our experts as to how a series of countries are addressing the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.
If you would like the updates delivered directly to your email box please sign-up to service by clicking here.
Please note that in addition to the Covid-19 updates, those who sign-up to the service will receive a complimentary copy of our updated country report.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, we spoke with the Managing Director at Pyramid Temi Group’s local partner company in Pakistan to understand more about the current situation and which issues will become the most critical over the coming months.
Q: How is the population reacting to the spread of the virus?
A: The majority of the population is poverty stricken and cannot afford to survive without government support. They are being guided and educated through various forums about how to avoid the spread of the virus, advice includes practicing social distancing, the use of sanitizers and disinfectants, wearing face masks and using gloves. But due to a shortage of these necessities many people are still without the essentials and are possible carriers of the virus.
The first to implement full lockdown was the Sindh province, social distancing measures were also introduced and the local health sector educated people about various preventive measures as follows:
- Respect social distancing;
- Remain at home;
- Increase the washing of hands with soap and sanitizer;
- Use a mask when in close proximity to a suspected carrier or patient.
Q: Which system has been adopted by the provincial government?
A: The Chinese model.
Q: Would you agree that no one/single suits all and thus individual governments must devise their own specific strategies? Which factors define your country?
A: Every country should devise their own strategy to fight Covid-19. This will depend on the local culture, in our country the Government must play the leading role in controlling the spread of the virus instead of leaving it up to the public in accordance to their cultural practices.
Q: How are people reacting to your provincial government’s choice?
A: Section 144 has been imposed and there is a partial lockdown. Besides medical stores, clinics and hospitals, the grocery stores are allowed to remain open to provide food to the population during daytime hours. It was requested that movements within the city be restricted to essential business only, but the public is not taking it seriously and is defying the government’s strict orders to remain at home. The low income population is particularly badly affected with this lockdown order.
Q: Are people following government instructions?
A: Not really. Most of the people do not believe that they will become infected and are not taking precautionary measures. This may lead to a situation where government agencies will not be able to handle the consequences of ignoring social distancing.
Q: Please describe how the private sector is being affected by the present status.
A: All private businesses are directly affected due to lockdown as they have been ordered to remain closed for two weeks. To keep the company operations running people are doing their best to work from home but their ability to do so is limited. Presently aid is only available to poor families, support for a number of industrial and agricultural sectors has been announced but it is meager. The private security sector is unlikely to benefit from government support.
Q: Has the government enlisted the assistance of the private security sector?
A: The government has called for the assistance of various agencies including the Armed Forces, Rangers and Police but have not enlisted the assistance of the private security sector.
Q: What’s on your radar screen, do you have any particular fears or concerns?
A: More than 500 new cases have been reported in less than a week, this hints towards a catastrophe like the situation in Italy. The government is making every effort but cannot fight the virus alone and needs the cooperation of the citizens. The lockdown situation seems to persist due to more and more cases emerging every day. The government is requesting the citizens to cooperate and follow instruction, otherwise, the government would be left with no option but to impose curfews.
At this moment in time cooperation is crucial as the virus is spreading rapidly due to the careless nature of a considerable number of people. The lives of doctors, nurses and paramedic staff as well as law enforcers are at risk as they are on the frontline and dealing directly with people who have been diagnosed as having contracted COVID-19. A successful outcome depends on the people of Pakistan taking the situation seriously and practicing social distancing as well as strictly following the self-isolation scheme.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee. They are published in good faith and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PTG.