COVID-19: UPDATED 12 MARCH 2020

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Current situation at Invetus

  • We operate at three physical sites (Armidale & Casino in NSW, and Palmerston North in NZ) as well as our dispersed workforce which operates with vet clinics and pet-owners in Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.

  • We believe that regionally based staff will be at lower risk of exposure compared to staff located in capital cities.

  • NONE of our staff have been exposed to COVID-19 via travel or close associates currently.

  • We have instructed staff to stay at home if unwell, and to stay at home if a close family member has been to a high-risk country (as per the Government advice) and feels unwell.

  • We are encouraging staff to seek early medical consultation and testing if they have any symptoms of COVID-19.

  • We are providing hand sanitiser, if available, at all locations in addition to soap & water in the bathrooms.

  • We are following the advice on the Australian Government websites https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert and https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19.

  • In New Zealand, we are following the Ministry of Health webpage on COVID-19: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-health-advice-general-public

  • Only one or two senior staff are required to travel overseas for work in the next few months, and that travel is between Australia and New Zealand. Some interstate travel may be required for some research projects, and we will continue to assess the need for that travel.

Our Plan

In addition to following all official recommendations, we are conducting a risk assessment of each study and will communicate with each sponsor as needed. Currently, we have no incremental issues with staffing, recruitment, report writing, QA etc.

We will review the situation weekly and advise any changes.

Our business is a combination of “hands on” research projects involving animals, and “knowledge based” desk work.

The biggest risk to our sponsors is that we may not have enough staff to conduct the research according to the schedule. We are currently expanding the pool of casual staff to cover this risk should it eventuate.

The biggest risk to our business is that sponsors cancel work, or that our billing slows down due to slower completion of milestones. We will maintain close contact with Sponsors to ensure that all steps that can be taken have been taken. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr Maurice Webster directly.