<strong>By: IRMSA</strong>

Following President Ramaphosa’s address last night regarding the pandemic COVID-19, the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) continues to align to the decisions taken by the Cabinet and the Department of Health in support of preventing the spread of this pandemic.

At this time IRMSA urges risk professionals and business leaders to remain focussed and to ensure that the correct facts and figures are being used when making business decisions.  IRMSA recommends using the Department of Health’s official government Covid-19 support service WhatsApp platform to stay abreast of all developments and prevent the spreading of fake news. Whatsapp “Hi” to +27600123456 for this service to be activated on your cellular device. IRMSA has been using the Whatsapp line since its launch on the 15^th of March 2020 and is impressed with the quality, content and response time provided.

<h3>IRMSA Operations:</h3>

In line with correspondence from the IRMSA CEO released on Friday, 13^th of March 2020, IRMSA offices will continue to operate as “business as usual”. We see this as an ideal opportunity to fully execute our Business Continuity Management plan for an IRMSA virtual office environment.

<strong>The following business continuity response strategies will be effective from Tuesday, the 17^th March 2020:</strong>

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<li>Use of digital platforms to host all interactions with our members, stakeholders and meetings.</li><li>Call on all members, stakeholders and service providers not to cancel interventions with IRMSA but to adapt swiftly to digital alternatives.</li><li>The IRMSA team will be rotated in the office environment in order to sustain effective service delivery with minimum exposure to themselves and to others.</li><li>Should you wish to engage with IRMSA, it is recommended that instead of visiting our offices, you should use our social media platform, telephonic communication or e-mail.</li><li>During this period recommended by the President (18 March to 13 April 2020), all IRMSA training for March and April 2020 will be rescheduled for May onwards.</li>

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We encourage members to limit physical contact, remain vigilant and disciplined in the hygiene protocols as outlined by the Department of Health.

IRMSA will continue to update you on the latest developments, in support of more effective risk management, as last night we were reminded that together we are stronger!