Message to employees regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The executive team continues to discuss the potential impact that the Coronavirus may have on our employees, customers, and business in general and what we can do to mitigate the risks. The virus is having a significant impact on two fronts: concerns of general health and well-being, and now clearly, its growing negative effect on the economy.  Our company has been through many economic cycles over our forty years in business.  We are as well prepared to weather the economic storm as we have ever been.

On the health front, we are certainly navigating new waters. It should go without saying that looking out for the wellbeing of our employees and their families is the top priority.  In an effort for us to move forward together as a team, and to provide some guidance, please review the following.

Sick Employees

Employees who are sick should stay at home. Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay at home and not come to work until they are free of fever, signs of fever, and any other symptoms for 24 hours. Employees who need time off and don’t have sick or vacation days available, please speak with your manager.

Testing for Employees

For anyone on our health insurance plan, testing for the Coronavirus will be covered 100%. Additionally, for any employees who do not have insurance coverage through us, their spouse, or some other alternative, please speak with your manager and he will give you guidance and/or resources.

Recommended Actions supported by Dr. Blink and guidance from the CDC

In addition to the CDC recommendations to frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your cough or sneeze, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with regular cleaning spray.  We specifically suggest the following:

• Be aware that COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They do not include a sore throat or head cold.
• Notify your supervisor if someone has symptoms and needs to be sent home to see their doctor.
• Maintain six feet from others as often as possible.
• Clean and disinfect truck cabs twice daily –trucks to be wiped down each morning and afternoon.
• Sanitize office high-traffic areas several times a day; bathroom, door handles, phone, etc.
• If you have symptoms, you should go home immediately, and call your supervisor letting him know. If you are unsure about needing a test or seeing a doctor, call your manager and he can put you in contact with doctor Blink (if you need someone to translate, we can have someone assist you).
• If/when we have someone who tests positive for COVID-19, we should call Dr. Blink (855-365-2431), who, on a case by case basis will instruct us as to who should be quarantined if necessary. (Trying to keep crews consistent vs. mixing them will lessen the risk of required larger quarantine groups in the case of a positive test.) Additionally, he can advise on any required actions to contaminated areas.

Our priority is to focus on the health and well-being of our employees as we serve our customers as best and creatively as possible.  We are confident in each of you and thank you for your cooperation to keep each other safe through these unique circumstances.  Please communicate any hardship you have as we are one team and we want to support one another.

Thank You,

The Ruppert Landscape Executive Team