Complete Story
03/16/2020
Coronavirus Update
Graphic Media Alliance continues to assess the recent developments and recommendations from federal and state agencies regarding the spread of COVID-19. In response to this evolving situation, we wanted to update you on our efforts to ensure the health and safety of your employees, as well as ours, while ensuring business continuity.
A number of GMA members have contacted us wondering how the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic may impact their operations and how to formulate a response plan.
While some members are seeing a slowdown in their work others are starting to feel the effects of absenteeism because of self-quarantine, influenza, and parents coping with school cancellations, a few are now looking for potential partners for outsourcing work.
You may hear that we have cancelled nonessential travel for our team members as many companies have. However, we have not precluded our Business Development Directors (BDDs) from making calls on your facilities, if requested and the situation is safe. We have simply asked them, in accordance with recommendations from the CDC, ODH, NKYHealth, MDHHS and other agencies, to evaluate each situation to determine if an in-person meeting is warranted or whether a phone call of video conference could be used. Obviously, we will adhere to any policies or guidelines you and your organizations put in place.
We have put together this resource page with links to informational sites and articles as well as helpful downloads:
• Michigan Stay Home, Stay Safe Order
• Kentucky Governor Orders Closure of All Non-Life-Sustaining In-Person Retail Businesses
• Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
• Northern Kentucky Health Department (NKY Health)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Printing Industries of America COVID-19 Resources
• FAQ from Fisher Phillips for employers as well as the article "House Passes COVID-19 Coronavirus Law: Prepare For Paid Sick Leave."
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Claims FAQs provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
• Coronavirus Workers' Comp Update
• Coronavirus Unemployment Update
• CDC Posters to share with employees:
• GMA's Disaster Mutual Assistance Plan (DMAP) guidance as a reminder for current participants and for others to sign up at no cost to participate.
Disaster Mutual Assistance Plan
When disaster strikes, it's good to know that there is someone to lend a hand just around the corner. Several times over the past few years, Association member companies quickly came to the aid of their fellow printers, offering their facilities to assist those who were shut down by storms, power failures or other disasters, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
• Updated content and informational articles from GMA's Teladoc program, as well as an option to sign up for the telemedicine program.
Teladoc
The coronavirus (COVID-19): Be prepared COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that was first identified in China. The virus is airborne and spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
U.S. officials have advised that Americans should be prepared for disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Teladoc doctors can answer questions about the disease, evaluate your risk, and provide support by phone or video and help relieve symptoms for affected patients.
We hope you find this resource page useful.
Finally, as more information continues to come to light, our plans may change. However, please understand our goal is to protect the health and safety of all of our employees and their loved ones in addition to maintaining the continuity of your businesses. If you have any questions or specific concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your partnership and your continued support of GMA.
Take care,
Jim Cunningham | President
Graphic Media Alliance
