COVID-19 SAFETY AND SECURITY UPDATE

Exposure: if an employee has been exposed to an individual with COVID they will need to wear a mask for 10 days, while around others at all times.

• • Exposure is 15 minutes or more, cumulative over 24 hours, and within six feet of the individual.
  • If an individual begins to experience symptoms, they need to stay home and test for COVID.
  • Individual needs to keep watch paying close attention to how they feel.

Testing positive for COVID: due to exposure or symptoms individual test positive for COVID.

• • Individual needs to stay home for five days.
  • If after five days symptoms are improving and individual is feeling okay, they may return to work, while wearing a mask at all times for five days.
    • If individual is still experiencing heavy symptoms, using acetaminophen, or running a fever they will need to stay home.
  • Home tests are accepted.
  • Individuals do not need a negative test to return to work.

In the event an employee is concerned about COVID (exposure or testing positive) they need to be sure and connect with their manager and Annette Payne or Abbey Brock.

Greetings team!

We would like to provide you with an update of the number of COVID-19 cases company-wide. With each case we have continued to follow protocol, including contact tracing, mask  requirements, and communicating with the individuals and their managers about when they are safe to return to work.

A break-down of cases by month is provided below, leading up to the total count as of
February 2, 2022.

We would like to provide you with an update on the number of COVID-19 cases company-wide. We’ve noticed an uptick following the holidays and that is in line with what is being experienced across the country.  With each case we have continued to follow protocol, including contact tracing, mask requirements, and communicating with the individuals and their managers about when they are safe to return to work.

Muncie:  36
Tulsa: 81
Sales/MDCs/Remote: 9
AMP: 22

With the rise in cases, leaders at Muncie Power Products would like to both remind you of safety protocols and to update some of our procedures.

COVID-19 is still going strong. We are doing all that we can to ensure the safety of our employees, while trying to allow employees to support their families and serve our customers.

We want to update you on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). On Friday, January 7, 2022, The US Supreme Court is hearing oral argument on whether the ETS will remain in effect. As of right now and until we know something different, we must comply with the ETS rules.

As you know, the ETS requires either a mandate of vaccination or masks and weekly testing for those unvaccinated; Muncie Power Products has chosen not to mandate vaccinations. Because of this, we must follow certain rules.

Effective January 9, 2022, employees who are unvaccinated (individuals who have not had two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccination or one shot of the J&J vaccination more than two weeks ago) must wear a mask in the workplace, including, but not limited to, employees with an office, in vehicles with others, at company functions, visiting customers, or on company business while around others. Masks provided by Muncie Power Products, which are ETS approved, surgical, and tight-fitting are required. Gators, Muncie Power Products branded cloth masks, and other masks are not permitted.

You are likely aware that the CDC recently updated its guidelines with regard to quarantine time due to exposure and positive COVID-19 cases.

We’d like to share with you Muncie Power Products’ guidelines as a result of the recent CDC announcement.

Update on Incentive:
As of November 10, our COVID-19 company-wide vaccination status is 60%. Thank you to those who received the vaccination and submitted your cards to us. While that moved us in the  right direction, we did not meet our goal of a 75% vaccination rate of all employees by November 5. Therefore, we will have no drawing.

Update on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS):
Many of you may have heard that OSHA issued an ETS for COVID-19 vaccination and testing. This ETS applies to all private employers of 100 or more employees. Although private employers may mandate the vaccination pursuant to the ETS, Muncie Power Products has chosen NOT to mandate the vaccination. Because we respect every employee’s choice about COVID vaccinations, leadership has decided to incur certain extra costs and administrative burdens associated with not mandating the vaccine.

As promised, the Associate Outreach Committee and the COVID-19 Response Team continue to stay abreast of COVID-19 news/information. We have read and discussed at length information about vaccinations, tests, masks, and mandates. Most recently, we are reviewing President Biden’s plan directing the Department of Labor, via OSHA, to develop rules in response to the pandemic. Part of President Biden’s COVID-19 plan that directly impacts Muncie Power Products is a mandate requiring employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. This mandate applies to private employers employing 100 or more employees. Because President Biden’s plan was recently announced, there are many unanswered questions and emerging legal challenges. We will be following the process and the outcome of this directive. Once a clear and legal directive is established, we will formulate a policy that follows the law, supports our business, and most of all protects our employees. As we learn more information, we will communicate further.

Each day we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant to ensure the health and safety of our employees, customers, and guests. 

Below are statistics for the counties in which a large population of employees work--comparing this week with last week--and our company statistics.  

We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.  Below are statistics for the counties in which a large population of employees work--comparing this week with last week--and our company statistics.

Reminder: Protocol When Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

• If exposed or experiencing symptoms, notify your supervisor and HR immediately; and consult your physician, medical provider, or OC24.

• Register for testing, particularly if symptoms are present or a member of your household tests positive. Be sure to consult with Human Resources before testing. How soon you should test depends on whether or not you are vaccinated.
• Note: rapid tests may have a degree of unreliability associated with them. As such, we may not be able to use those results to support a negative diagnosis.

Since our last communication to you about the lift of our workplace mask requirement, the Associate Outreach Committee has been monitoring trends surrounding COVID-19 in areas where our facilities are located. In counties with the highest population of employees like Delaware County, Indiana (Muncie) and Tulsa County, Oklahoma (Tulsa), we have noticed an uptick of overall cases in those communities.

We are happy to report that we have zero new COVID-19 cases, thus we are continuing to make forward progress with easing some of the guidelines and practices surrounding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In mid-May, we announced the decision to lift the mask requirement for fully vaccinated employees.  After careful analysis of the outcome of that change, in mid-June, carry-ins/potlucks and non-essential visitors were permitted.

It has been just about a month since we updated our guidelines regarding masks and social distancing for those who have been fully vaccinated.  We appreciate your willingness to adhere to these changes and procedures.          

We are happy to announce more good news.  The COVID Action Team met this past week and continued to discuss areas in which we could advance our progress.  Employee carry-ins/pot-lucks and non-essential visitors are no longer restricted beginning Monday, June 21.

We want to make sure all employees are aware of the latest information about the number of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Here is a breakdown of cases by location: 

All Muncie locations: 23
MDCs and remote employees: 4 
All Tulsa locations: 47

COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Locator tool link on umr.com

The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Locator tool is now available on our public and secure member portals.

COVID-19 vaccine availability is changing quickly. Our top priorities in helping you and at this point in the vaccine rollout are 1) making sure you know there is $0 cost-share on vaccines through the national public health emergency period, 2) providing resources to help you find key COVID-19 vaccine information and 3) providing tools to help you navigate when and where to receive a vaccine.

Scope:
All Delaware Building employees, tenants, and visitors administer a temperature check when they enter the building.

We want to make sure all employees are aware of the latest information about the number of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Here is a breakdown of cases by location: 

All Muncie locations: 18 
MDCs and remote employees: 3 
All Tulsa locations: 43

As COVID-19 evolves and new developments occur, we continue to evaluate our policies and procedures accordingly. We work hard to evaluate all scenarios, including an instance when we learn that one of our co-workers tests positive for COVID-19.

Naturally, we will send home all employees who have had close contact of 15 minutes or more with that employee in order to pay attention to their health, and ensure the infection does not spread.   

We want to make sure all employees are aware of the latest information about the number of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

As we navigate the beginning of 2021, we remain appreciative to everyone doing their best to keep our facilities and our people safe.

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to be on the rise throughout the nation. There are two new virus strains which have shown to be 50% more contagious and could potentially make positive cases increase even more. These ongoing statistics force us to revisit our company’s guidelines. Masks are mandatory while working at Muncie Power Products. When you enter the building a mask is required in all common areas or any areas where you may interact with employees, customers or the public. In the plants, specifically the Tulsa and Muncie shops, a mask is required at all times while working unless you are in an individual office.

Consistent with our commitment to transparency and open communication, we wanted to update you on our latest instance of COVID activity from the Pershing facility. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPAA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts with you.

Consistent with our commitment to transparency and open communication, we wanted to update you on our latest instances of COVID activity from the Muncie, Pershing and our Columbus MDC facilities. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPAA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts with you.

COVID updates, events and changes are moving at 1000 mph. However, consistent with our commitment to transparency and open communication, we wanted to update you on our latest instances of COVID activity from the Muncie, Pershing and our Columbus MDC facilities. Earlier this week, we were made aware of three instances of employees testing positive for COVID—19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPAA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts with you. 

This weekend, we were made aware of two (2) instances of employees testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPAA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts with you.

This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation that we needed to share with you. We have learned that an employee on our first shift in our Tulsa operation has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts. 
 

This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation that we needed to share with you. We have learned that an employee on our first shift in our Tulsa operation has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts. 

This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation we need to share with you. We learned an employee on our first shift in our Tulsa operation has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts.

This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation that we needed to share with you. We have learned that an employee on our first shift in our Tulsa operation has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts.

The employee has not been in the facility since the afternoon of September 22, 2020. We learned they were exposed to ta 3rd party on the evening of September 22, 2020, who had tested positive for COVID-19. The employee has not been in our facility since the exposure. 

We recognize the continuing hardships, challenges and frustrations that remain with us since the beginning of the year. What is even more exasperating is that a solution or relief is not in clear sight. We understand that, completely.

However, simple solutions and safe practices are not unreasonable or difficult to adhere to. Unfortunately, many of us are unable or unwilling to keep our safe workplace guidelines in mind, keep the safety of our co-workers in mind, or comply with instructions that have been put in place to minimize exposure to hazards and, particularly, COVID-19.

This morning, we were made aware of a situation that we needed to share with you. We just learned that an employee on our first shift in our Tulsa operation has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts.

The employee has not been in the facility since July 10, 2020. On July 11, 2020 the employee discovered they were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and shortly after started to experience symptoms. We requested the employee be tested and to isolate until the results of the test were received. The employee received the test results this morning. The employee shared a list of employees they had been in contact with prior to July 11^th and those employees are being notified.

This morning we were made aware of a situation that we needed to share with you. We have learned that an employee on our first shift at our Pershing facility has received a report of testing positive for COVID-19. Although we are unable to share complete details related to the situation due to HIPPA and privacy regulations, we can share these details and facts.

The employee has not been in the facility since July 31, 2020.  One July 31, 2020 the employee started feeling symptoms of a fever. The employee received the test results this morning (August 4). The employee had symptoms of a fever Saturday and Sunday and was tested Sunday (August 2).

As you are all aware, positive cases of COVID-19 are on the rise throughout our nation. The health and safety of employees is our highest priority. Therefore, following guidance from the CDC and other government authorities and to further protect our people as we continue to operate our business, we have decided to take an additional precaution, requiring all employees who cannot social distance, to wear face masks while working effective Monday, July 27, 2020. Recently, more cities and businesses are requiring face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face masks may offer some protection to you (the person wearing them), but are proven to protect others from viruses that you may spread without knowing it. We will require the use of masks not to protect any one person, but to protect all employees and their families who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
 

As our communities begin to open back up, the executive team at Muncie Power Products has begun review of a gradual and methodical plan for resuming normal business. The company’s plan will be in accordance with state and local health departments and CDC recommendations. That being said, we first and foremost, want to thank all of our employees for continuing to support our business during this most unprecedented time in our work history.

As circumstances continue to evolve we remain committed to keeping you, our valued employees, up to date on our decisions and responses. We appreciate you and want you to know that we are here to support you.

As promised, we wanted to update you on our latest efforts in monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This memo is simply an update on issues our crisis team has either pushed out already, or taken up for consideration.  

As part of our work monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and our efforts to minimize any impact in our workplace, we are providing additional guidance as it relates to Muncie Power Products information and updates.