The challenges facing America during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. As directors of public companies work to fulfill their oversight responsibilities during this difficult time, there are a number of considerations that need to be addressed by directors and senior management teams working together.

Though it is the job of management to develop and implement the corporation’s response to the crisis, directors should not hesitate to reach out proactively to request information or ask to schedule a virtual board meeting to receive updates from management as needed under the circumstances. Similarly, management teams may want to consider scheduling regular board updates to keep the board informed of management’s response to the crisis. In its oversight role, the board should do its best to ensure that management is prioritizing the safety and well-being of the company’s employees as well as those who depend upon the company for essential services. Board members must be careful, however, not to usurp or interfere with management’s handling of the day-to-day operations of the company.