An appeal for the business sector to join hands with public health authorities in the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has transformed into a global public health emergency and a pandemic, which has demonstrated very high risk of global transmission. The business and commerce sector have been advised to come forward by the government primarily because these businesses have a crucial role in interrupting the chain of transmission and thus reduce the likelihood of community transmission. Any interventions on their part will not only minimize the current risk of acquiring the infection by the employees, but will also play a significant part in reducing the impact on the business itself and the national economy as a whole. Simultaneously, the business sector should be totally dedicated towards the formulation of an emergency response plan in their workplace. In conclusion, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and community-level emergency and it cannot be effectively contained without the persistent support of all the stakeholders, including the business sector. The need of the hour is that the business sector should plan and implement aggressive and evidence-based actions to safeguard the lives of their employees, customers and the community at large.