COVID-19 Update for Ingeniux Employees Round Two

We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation of the 2019 novel coronavirus and what has now been officially classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our primary focus remains on the health and well-being of the Ingeniux team. The situation is changing rapidly, and we recognize the disruption and concern this is creating in people’s personal and professional lives. We also recognize that your response must be guided by where you live and your personal circumstances.

We have a company meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at 11 am PT to discuss in more detail the current crisis, how the company is responding to the crisis, and to address any concerns or questions from Ingeniux employees.

Below is an update on Ingeniux policy concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, current news and resources, and information on how you can keep yourself and others safe.

Ingeniux Office Policy as of March 12, 2020

Anyone who would like to work from home is welcome to do so. If for any reason you feel concerned or uncomfortable coming into one of our offices to work, by all means coordinate a remote work schedule with your manager.

If you fall into one of the below “at risk” categories, or if you are in regular contact with those who are at risk, we strongly recommend you work from home until further notice:

• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

Do not come into the Ingeniux offices if:

• You are sick
• You suspect you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
• You have been in direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is being evaluated for COVID-19
• You have recently visited any ‘high impact areas’ and need to self-quarantine for 14 days

Ingeniux Customer Communication

Attached to this email you will find a letter from CEO Jim Edmunds that went out to all customers yesterday. The letter addresses our business continuation and resiliency program.

COVID-19 News and Resources

As many of you will have heard, the US has suspended most travel from Europe for 30 days in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the state department has issued an advisory telling Americans to “reconsider travel” to all countries given the global effects of COVID-19. Across the country, conferences, sporting events, parades, higher education classes and other large gatherings are being closed or held virtually.

In Washington State, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to climb. As of yesterday, there have been 26 deaths, 23 of which have been linked to LifeCare Center in Kirkland.

Seattle Public Schools, Shoreline Public Schools, Lake Washington School District, and Bellevue School District will close until April 24, 2020.

Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee has announced limits to large events and other emergency measures in Washington State.

In Walla Walla, WA there have been no (0) confirmed cases of COVID-19 found. Two individuals who contracted COVID-19 in Umatilla County, OR are being hospitalized in Walla Walla.

What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Exposed or Have Symptoms of COVID-19

Attached is a CDC Fact Sheet on what to do if you get sick or test positive for COVID-19.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing. At this time, hospitals are asking that people who suspect they have COVID-19 do not go to the emergency room unless they are experiencing serious complications as a result of the virus. The ER must remain open and available to those in critical need.

For those in Washington State, the Washington State Department of Health has established a call center for the public. To reach them, call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

Seattle COVID-19 Recommendations

• King County Department of Health COVID-19 Recommendations
• Washington Governor Jay Inslee Website
• Proclamation by Governor Jay Inslee on State of Emergency and Additional Restrictions
• Information on Seattle School Closures

Walla Walla COVID-19 Recommendations

• Walla Walla Department of Community Health
• Walla Walla Union Bulletin COVID-19 Coverage

Other Resources

• New York Times COVID-19 Coverage
• CDC Risk Assessment
• CDC Home Care Guide
• CDC COVID-19 FAQ

Reminder: Here’s How to Keep Yourself and Others Healthy

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to practice impeccable hand hygiene, respiratory (sneezing, coughing) etiquette, avoid large crowds, remain mindful of what you touch and who is around you, and to self-quarantine when necessary.

Here are ways to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and protect others:

• Stay home when sick, do not return to the office until you have not experienced any symptoms for at least 48 hours (2 days)
• Stay away from people who are sick, if possible
• If you are caring for someone who is sick, monitor your symptoms and isolate yourself from others until you can receive a clean bill of health from a medical professional
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into a tissue or elbow, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth
• Avoid large crowds (e.g. conventions, sporting events, concerts)