January was by far the deadliest month of the pandemic in the U.S., with more than 95,000 COVID-19 deaths reported. Variants of the virus are showing up across the U.S., and these mutations appear to be more highly contagious. If you do not feel well, stay home and contact your supervisor. Do not come to work if you are feeling sick. 

To stop the spread and mutation of the virus, everyone needs to be vaccinated as quickly as possible. Chief Medical Advisor, Anthony Fauci explains, "viruses don't mutate if they don't replicate. And if you stop the replication by vaccinating widely and not giving the virus an open playing field to continue to respond to the pressures that you put on it, you will not get mutations."

The safety of our associates and their families is our number one priority. We continue to follow protocols provided by the CDC. Nonetheless, we've seen a significant rise in the number of COVID cases within our distribution facilities. Please continue to do all you can to avoid contracting and passing along COVID-19. Please, when you have the opportunity, get vaccinated.

SOCIAL DISTANCE | WEAR A MASK | WASH YOUR HANDS | SANITIZE | VACCINATE

 

 

Taking Action

This is the latest list of actions we are taking to ensure communication to all stakeholders:

• President Rob Doyle continues his bi-weekly video address to associates.
• Summary of new protocols:
  • Testing: A negative test is required to return to work if an individual self-quarantines or is part of a Track and Trace.
    • The CDC suggests the median time of 4-5 days from exposure for symptoms to onset (11/3/2020), therefore we encourage and remind individuals to not test until a minimum of 4 days off from work. This is still the associates' decision, and although this action is not required, it is highly recommended.
    • A return to work should take place no earlier than 7 working days from the last day worked with a negative test.
    • Results must be returned no later than 10 days after the last day worked.
  • Age: Those over the age of 60 are allowed to self-quarantine without testing on a case-by-case basis. Notify Diane for review.
  • Exposure: If someone has had direct contact with someone who has tested positive, they must self-quarantine and be tested (see testing section above).
  • Testing Centers: TSG will make it a priority to provide detailed information regarding testing locations near the office/facility.
  • Important reminders:
    
    • If you do not feel well, STAY HOME. Call your manager and let them know you are experiencing signs of COVID-19
    • Remember to SOCIAL DISTANCE yourself from other workers. Notify management if you feel this is not occurring at your site.
    • Wear your protective MASK, SCARF, or BANDANA always. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose. Masks are required at all TSG sites.
    • Wash your hands and sanitize several times a day, especially after touching hard surfaces.
    • Disinfect your work areas. If you need supplies to clean your equipment, desk, or any other surface, let management know immediately!
  • Sites are maintaining the proper level of PPE to ensure replenishment of items given ongoing shortages and lead times for some PPE.
  • Managers are stressing that associates stay hydrated, which is a key to a healthy immune system. Associates are allowed water in a clear bottle on the warehouse floor to aid in maintaining proper hydration. 
  • Practice getting plenty of rest, exercise, and good nutrition.

"Viruses don't mutate if they don't replicate."

Get vaccinated.

We are #3PLStrong. We are essential. We are TSG. View COVID-19 Resources

Americans are weary of the virus, but now is not the time to let down your guard. With vaccine distribution underway, we have reason to be optimistic in 2021 that we are only a short time away from getting the spread of Coronavirus under control. Until that time, please remain steadfast to take the appropriate precautions.    

If you have any questions about our COVID-19 response efforts, please contact Diane Villafana, VP of Human Resources and Safety Compliance.