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Data centres and COVID-19 Update
DCMS dedicated team and mailbox for data centres.
Data centre operators are facing a number of COVID-19 related challenges but the main one is to limit routes for infection whilst providing continuity of service. We are working closely with Government to ensure that data centres are factored in when key policy decisions are made. This page summarises progress and provides links to information and other resources.
Key workers: Data infrastructure is formally included in the key workers list published by Cabinet Office and the Department for Education on Thursday 19th March 2020.
Critical staff list: Government is not currently planning to issue a list of specific exemptions due to the risk of guidance being too narrow. Employers therefore decide who their critical staff are. Things may change, however, so we are working on a sector-specific list of critical staff.
Critical staff travel: There is no formal requirement for documentation yet. However, widespread checks are in place and people are being stopped and questioned, so companies should issue staff with appropriate collateral (eg letters of authority plus ID).
Letters of authority: There is confusion about who issues these. Government is not currently planning to introduce authorisation letters but this may change depending on how well guidance is followed. It is therefore the responsibility of employers to issue staff with corporate letters of authority.
Operational and economic risks: we are working on a risk timeline that covers operational risks and wider consequential risks from COVID-19 relating to data centres.
Government mailbox: DCMS has established a dedicated mailbox COVID-data-resilience@culture.gov.uk for queries from data centre operators, customers and suppliers.
Government data centre team: DCMS has established a dedicated team: The DCMS Data Infrastructure Resilience Team to ensure the sector is factored in when key policy decisions are made. They understand the critical role that data centres play and are ensuring that this is understood across government. We are working very closely with them.
Catch-up calls: Operator catch-up calls are held at least once a week to compare notes.
FAQs: see our list of Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 and data centres
Latest Bulletins and outputs:
3 April 2020: Childcare and key worker absences​
31 March 2020: Further clarification on movement
19 March 2020: Bulletin 1: Sector Position Statement
16 March 2020: COVID-19: Operational implications for data centres
Operator statements
Digital Realty: https://www.digitalrealty.com/coronavirus-statement
Equinix: https://www.equinix.com/lp/equinix-coronavirus-statement-to-customers-and-partners/
4D Data Centres: https://www.4d-dc.com/insight/4d-data-centres-covid-19-latest-response-plan-statement
Useful URLs
WHO Guidelines: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Latest Advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
PHE: Decontaminating non healthcare environments: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
For further information on techUK’s data centres programme see our programme overview: https://www.techuk.org/insights/news/item/272-data-centre-programme-overview
Or visit our website https://www.techuk.org/focus/programmes/data-centres
Original article link: https://www.techuk.org/insights/news/item/17115-data-centres-and-covid-19-update
