Anthrax Raises Cover Questions

A subscriber to The FC&S Bulletins received a call from an insured whose employees had opened a container from India. When the container was opened a puff of white powder flew out onto the employees and onto the floor. The local Hazardous Materials Response Team was called in. The business was closed, and the employees were sent to be tested. The subscriber wanted to know how workers' compensation coverage would respond, and if business income coverage would reimburse the employer for the time the business was closed. However, because there are many issues to address, we have broadened the scope of our answer beyond the original question.