To: Toppan Interamerica Inc employees in Georgia and Pennsylvania
March 25, 2020
All,
I realize the anxiety and stress related to the current developments about COVID-19. Honestly, I am also feeling some stress related to the decisions I have to make as a result of this situation as I must consider protecting employees, their families, our company and our community. The actions we are taking are intended to balance all of these as they are all intertwined for our future success. This includes actions which allow for temporary leeway in our policies to ensure we can pay people for time off as long as possible due to sickness, family care issues, government directives, etc. related to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
We are basing our actions on guidelines from the CDC and WHO which we have already published. It is very important that we all follow the hygiene guidelines regardless if COVID-19 has been identified in our facilities or not. Practicing and creating these habits are the best prevention methods available at this time.
In addition, we will be basing our actions on facts about COVID-19. Please read page two of the attached Situation Report from WHO which spells out facts related to COVID-19 as well as similarities and differences with seasonal flu/influenza. Recognize that COVID-19 is worse in some ways and better in others compared to the flu.
Briefly, here are some additional actions we are taking:
- We will be issuing an adjusted attendance policy which includes how we will determine potential COVID-19 infected employees and what will be done.
- Also, we are restricting all non-essential business related travel (mode of transportation does not matter). Essential business travel must be pre-approved by me.
- Also, we are restricting all non-essential business visitors to our facilities. I am asking each Manager to approve or seek approval for visitors.
- We are also working to implement certain work from home options where it is possible and appropriate. Your managers will be determining how this might be possible.
Obviously, these are uncertain times and situations will change daily as we move forward which will require us to adapt accordingly. However, this most difficult part is temporary and we will overcome by working together. As COVID-19 is not acting fair in who it attacks and to what degree and where, recognize some of the actions we take may not seem fair either (for example, who might be able to work from home). I assure you that we are trying to follow the CDC and WHO guidelines in combination with the facts being published about the disease while trying to balance the needs of employees, families, TIA and our community.
Your managers will be able to provide you more detailed information and answer questions. I ask your support, patience, understanding and efforts to help us work together in a measured way to successfully navigate this temporary but unpredictable situation. In the end, you need to make the best decisions for you and your situation related to work based on the decisions we make as a company.
Sincerely,
Bob