Overview
International SOS provided mental health support to an employee of our client, a leading plant, engineering, and construction company based in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the employee tested positive in Canada and was unable to return, it led to them suffering from anxiety and depression.
Problem
The company is a leading plant, engineering and construction company based in Germany for various industries and operating globally. One of the staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on their project site in Canada. Based on local regulations, the employee had to go into quarantine immediately. The conditions of the quarantine were less than satisfactory as they were placed into a project housing environment with no access to internet. The employee got agitated, disappointed about his quarantine conditions, and insisted on immediate repatriation back to Germany. For COVID-positive patients the only way to repatriate such patient would be through a costly Air Ambulance transfer. Additionally, the employee also reported deteriorating symptoms including shortness of breath.
Solution
Our German-speaking doctors contacted the employee and arranged a local doctor appointment to assess his symptoms. Their symptoms were more of a psychosomatic nature caused by the foreign location, the circumstances of the quarantine and the seclusion of the project facility. It was clear that the employee suffered from extreme anxiety and has depressive tendencies. Our doctors continued to speak to the employee every day to monitor their medical condition and to provide the urgently needed mental support and reassurance.
Impact
With the support of International SOS, a repatriation was avoided. After completing his quarantine, the employee was able to resume and continue with his assignment on site. The company was able to save excessive costs of the potential repatriation which was originally requested by the employee. International SOS helped the company in fulfilling their Duty of Care responsibilities to their employees and provide the accurate support to recover fully.