COVID Update 5

I wanted to update everyone on our current operating procedures surrounding COVID over the next few weeks.

I think it is fair to say that, at this point, we feel there is a high likelihood that we may have a confirmed case of COVID at MWG in the coming weeks.  It’s really a numbers game and with 150+ employees and 500+ family members we feel that there is a substantial risk.  So…all decisions we are making from this point on are to minimize the effects of a confirmed case and to keep the number of affected employees to a minimum.  Up to this point the overall effects to MWG and our operations have been minimal.  Some of the changes discussed below may not be convenient, they may cause stress and disruption to your normal routine.  Please know that we are not taking these steps lightly and we are doing this so that we can remain operational throughout this entire pandemic.  We simply can’t afford to have lax procedures result in the quarantine of our business.  That would be catastrophic to MWG and our ability to maintain employment for all  the 150+ families that are counting on us.

So here is the game plan:

8. Wear gloves when possible, leave doors propped open when practicable, minimize the sharing of tools, postpone all meetings or do them remotely.

1. The bullet points in Section 1 will outline our response to someone who may have contracted COVID-19.  Everything below is done to minimize the impact of a positive test.

2. We are looking to modify our workforce from a three shift operation that overlaps between shifts to a two shift operation with no overlap.  We are going to work to eliminate non-traditional schedules that will cause overlap between shifts.  We may also ask for volunteers to help us level load the work between shifts.  Mark and Jesse will be in contact with you regarding the new working hours.  We will implement this week.

3. We will require that all employees that are off work for any reason to have their temperature checked upon arrival at MWG.  We have four thermometers that can take your temperature on your forehead.  You will do this to yourself and the temp will be verified and then you will be cleared to work.  Your temperature must be less than 100.0  All other employees must take their temperature every day.  You can use the thermometers here if you would like or you can do it with your own.  You must be fever free for 48 hours before returning to work.

4. In order to reduce congestion in the cafeterias we will be splitting lunch into two breaks.  For those that want to eat there every day we will do our best to determine who that is and split the groups up so that everyone who wants to, can eat there.  Mark Wolber and Jesse will have more details on how this will be split up.

5. We would ask that after each shift, each employee will wipe down the machine controls and any other high touch areas.  There are wipes around the shop and we have plenty of them.  I do this every morning.

6. We are sending home more employees that can effectively work from home and we are adjusting shifts for other office employees to reduce density and to maintain the six foot distance.

7. We are posting signs in certain rooms/areas that list the maximum number of employees we want there.  Please respect these limits.

8. Wear gloves when possible, leave doors propped open when practicable, minimize the sharing of tools, postpone all meetings or do them remotely.

9. Above all else please keep your six feet distance from other employees, wash your hands and don’t come to work if you are not feeling well.  COVID symptoms include general body aches, persistent dry cough, shortness of breath and a fever.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate the constantly changing environment surrounding this situation.  All changes outlined above are temporary and we expect to be back to normal working conditions as soon as we can practically do that.  As always, if you have any questions please let me know.  Stay healthy!

-Doug Watts