Essential Business Designation

Published by CoryWatkins on Fri, 2020-03-27 09:05

Date: 3/26/2020

 

To Control Concepts Valued Suppliers:

 

On March 25, 2020, Minnesota’s Governor issued Emergency Executive Order 20-20 directing all Minnesota residents to Stay-at-Home. This order is to end on Friday, April 10th, but may be extended.  This order mirrors the earlier orders issued by other states including New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio and we expect more states will follow.  We are writing to address questions about the applicability of these orders to Control Concepts operations and to those of our suppliers. 

 

We understand that our customers have identified themselves as part of “Essential Infrastructure” and as “Essential Businesses” under the State orders and as key providers of critical infrastructure, and as critical infrastructure providers under the Minnesota, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines.   These businesses are permitted to operate, and companies that provide essential products and services to them are permitted to continue doing so, subject to social distancing guidelines provided by the orders.  

 

Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Christopher Krebs issued a “Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response” on March 19, emphasizing that certain “critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations,” and provided a set of guidelines to assist companies in implementing their operational plans.  Among these essential industries are “Critical Infrastructure: manufacturers and supply chain vendors that provide hardware and software, and information technology equipment (to include microelectronics and semiconductors) for critical infrastructure.” and “Critical Manufacturing: Workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for medical supply chains, transportation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, emergency services, and the defense industrial base”.  (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce).  Control Concepts is a key supplier to multiple customers in both Critical Infrastructure and Critical Manufacturing and is therefore deemed an Essential Business.

 

Consistent with this guidance, Control Concepts is implementing plans to enable us to provide essential products and services in a safe and compliant manner, working remotely where possible and continuing onsite operations as necessary.   We encourage you to review these guidelines as you implement your plans and greatly appreciate your continued support to allow us to continue our essential operations.  Please keep us apprised of your plans as soon as they are in place, and as you may be required to revise them going forward.  

 

To ensure the protection of its employees, suppliers and public health, Control Concepts is implementing social distancing guidelines provided by the orders and requests your assistance with the following:

 

  • All work should be performed remotely when possible.
  • Employees should not come to Control Concepts premises if you (i) have been exposed to someone with the COVID-19 virus even if you do not have symptoms; or (2) are experiencing coughing, fever, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms of illness (please err on the side of caution).  We will be implementing point of entry screens at designated locations before allowing people into our buildings.
  • No visitors are allowed at Control Concepts facilities.
  • To the maximum extent possible, maintain at least a six foot distance from any other person
  • Do not shake hands with any other person; use non-contact greetings instead
  • Cover coughs and sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or use hand sanitizer.
  • Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly upon arrival and frequently throughout the day.
  • Sanitize workstation at the beginning and end of every shift.

 

We appreciate your support in ensuring continuity of essential infrastructure by maintaining Control Concepts’ essential operations in a safe and compliant manner.

 

If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please contact Cory Watkins, President, cwatkins@ccipower.com.

 

Thank you.

 

Cory Watkins

President

Control Concepts Inc.