As the world is grappling with the unceasing spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and its impact on human life and economies, corporates are in the midst of responding to the COVID-19 outbreak on multiple fronts – including as insureds/claimants under insurance policies.

One of the immediate cause of concern for corporates is to ensure safety of their employees and business continuity. The Indian government has announced the implementation of comprehensive social distancing measures, including closure of educational institutions, cancellations of major sports and entertainment events, travel and business restrictions, advisories on work from home and social distancing, advising states to only permit the operation of “essential services” in 75 districts where the virus has been identified. Several states have already implemented these advisories by instituting curfews and lockdowns, only permitting essential services “depending on their assessment of the situation”. Some states, such as Maharashtra has notified insurance companies as essential services.

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