Preparations are under way at Colonial Insurance for a potential Covid-19 outbreak in Bermuda. “Colonial Group International has actioned its internal crisis management plan which covers both our staff and our clients so that we are fully prepared in the event of a coronavirus outbreak in Bermuda,” Colonial’s chief executive officer Naz Farrow said. “We hope that it will not have to be used, but we feel it is best to be prepared as we are aware that people in the community will be relying on us to process not just medical claims, but all other claims as well.”Ms Farrow said the company on Friday took steps to update staff and clients and will continue to update them as things develop. “This is a very fluid situation that we are monitoring very closely indeed,” she said.She reassured the community that coronavirus testing is covered when deemed medically necessary and appropriate as determined by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local government. The company stated that a screening test ordered by a medical professional will be covered in accordance to the members current health plan benefits.“If a member of Colonial Medical Insurance becomes infected with coronavirus, medically necessary and appropriate medical care services are also covered in accordance to the members current health plan benefits,” she said.Colonial said if people wanted more information they could call 296-3200 or e-mail info@colonial.bm.A spokesman from Argus Group Holdings Ltd said testing for the coronavirus falls under the same diagnostic benefit provided for any other viral infection.“In accordance with the recommendations released by the Ministry of Health and The Bermuda Hospitals Board, we encourage our members who have been in contact with someone who is ill or who have travelled to a high-risk area to call their primary care physician from home,” Argus said. “This will allow their doctor to assess their risks and determine if there is a need for treatment.”They urged clients who have experienced a health issue while travelling overseas to immediately contact their overseas healthcare administrator, One Team Health, on 1-905-532-2954 or via their US toll-free number 1-855-691-8240. They can also e-mail overseascare@argus.bm for assistance. “We urge everyone to adopt basic protective measures against the coronavirus as suggested by the World Health Organisation www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public. Frequent hand washing with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and maintaining distance from anyone with symptoms of coughing and sneezing are all recommended measures.”A spokesperson from BF&M stated said their coverage for Covid-19 would be the same as for any other infectious disease or medical condition, per each insured’s current health insurance plan.For people who do not have health insurance in the community a spokesman from the Ministry of Health said on Friday: “Anyone tested under the direction of public health authorities will not be subject to any charges.”