March 11, 2020
CORONAVIRUS
What you need to know
Note from Pete Thompson, Valliant Mill Manager
Valliant Team,
As the COVID 19 (Coronavirus) continues to spread throughout the United States I want to reiterate that ensuring the health and safety of all International Paper employees, contractors and visitors is our most important responsibility. We are committed to transparency and consistent updates as the outbreak grows.
There are currently two known cases within the state of Oklahoma-those persons are in isolation in Tulsa County and three in the DFW area. As of today, three International Paper employees at a Northern Italy Box Plant have been diagnosed with the virus.
At a time with so many unknowns, it’s important to focus on what you can control to protect yourself, your co workers and your families. Wash your hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. One Texas community is advising their residents to ‘wash your hands like you just cut up a bunch of jalapenos and need to take out your contacts’! High touch areas such as keyboards, control centers, vending machines, door knobs, etc. should be disinfected several times a shift. Please let your supervisor know if you need additional disinfectant supplies.
If you feel ill, please stay home from work. If you experience flu like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and/or cough, please contact your healthcare provider immediately and call your direct supervisor, Mill Nurse LuAnna Strickland or any of the medics before returning to work.
I encourage employees considering travel to check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices, remain alert for
symptoms of acute respiratory illness and promptly notify your supervisor should you or a member of your party become sick while traveling. Additionally, on a case by case basis and depending on the circumstances, employees who have potential exposure to the coronavirus while traveling could be asked
to observe a waiting period before returning to work.
International Paper’s Pandemic Team will continue to monitor impacts of the coronavirus and keep you updated about any changes.
-Pete