Over the last few weeks, the world has been monitoring details surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and what it means for individuals and businesses. Recently, the tone has shifted and more and more organizations are issuing statements to establish procedures that will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of their consumers and employees.
Una has been following along and we know how important it is to put safeguards in place against COVID-19 and heed the warnings with care. While much is still to be learned about the coronavirus, we do know the virus is highly contagious and easily transmitted, which means we should be extra vigilant and take the proper precautions to avoid getting sick. Stay home if you’re feeling ill, cover your mouth when sneezing and/or coughing and make sure to wash your hands with soap often.
As you can imagine, businesses are feeling the impact as well. Factories have shut down, corporate travel has been thwarted and the stock markets continue to plummet after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Like us, organizations need to adapt and respond to such a crisis in a way that allows the business to continue while protecting the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers.
To an extent, the show must go on.
Caring for the community
Many of Una’s trusted partners have issued statements in response to COVID-19. Our strategic supplier, Lyft, is dedicated to caring for those in their community by implementing a plan and following CDC recommendations to keep both drivers and riders safe.
Lyft has partnered with the makers of Everyone to distribute more than 200,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies to drivers, at no cost. Lyft drivers will have what they need to safely and effectively clean their vehicles after each rider. Lyft will also compensate drivers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or put under quarantine by a public health agency as a means to financially support drivers and protect the health of others.
Popular events are being canceled to prevent large groups of people from gathering and further spreading the disease. If you do have someplace to be, however, Lyft is recommending riders use their services over other means of public transportation due to the extended health safety measures they've put in place. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone exhibiting symptoms, the CDC suggests speaking with your doctor to discuss transportation options to seek medical attention as using rideshare services and taxis is not advised.
Supply chain disruption
You may have noticed your local store is running out of hand soap, sanitizer and toilet paper. Officials are advising people to be prepared, but don’t panic. It’s important to have these items on hand but keep in mind you only need a realistic amount. Supplies may become limited and if we snatch up the last of the face masks to prevent us from catching COVID-19, it’s possible there would be a shortage for those who truly need them - sick people and healthcare workers.
Businesses will continue feeling the effects of COVID-19 trickling down as supplies are held up overseas and suppliers carefully allocate their inventory. While hopefully temporary, it could take several weeks before factories are back to working at full capacity and risk of supply chain disruption is diminished.
Una is committed to monitoring the situation closely for our internal operations and staff and the relationships we have with our members and suppliers. We've compiled a list of resources and will pass along any pertinent information as it becomes available. If you are in need of assistance please feel free to contact us today.
