​Charities must stay aware of the latest government and health advice

Fundraisers and charities should go ahead with planned events – despite the growing coronavirus outbreak.

However, they must stay aware of the latest government and medical advice and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

That is the latest guidance from the Institute of Fundraising (IoF), issued in response to concerns about mass participation events in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

The guidance says the current NHS advice is to continue to go to work and public places as usual, pending further advice.

It states: “Of course, each charity will need to consider their own events, but at this stage we would anticipate events going ahead unless the official guidance changes,” the guidance says.

“However, it is sensible for each charity to review their plans, put in place contingencies and provide appropriate information to participants/volunteers/attendees ahead of and at the event.”

The Scottish Government said earlier this week that a reasonable worst-case scenario could see up to between 50% and 80% of the country’s population contract the Covid-19 strain of the illness.

Scots law firm Lindsays, which has many charity sector clients, has warned employers that they must act fast to ensure they are not crippled by the consequences of coronavirus.

Charities are preparing for the prospect of significant disruption to their operations as the number of cases continues to rise, with increasing numbers of people self-isolating as part of efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

As TFN published, there had been six positive test results for Covid-19 in Scotland, with the number expected to rise significantly.