24 November 2021 | J.D. Mowery
Hello U.S. Team,
This is a reminder that the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Policy goes into effect on Wednesday 01DEC21.
What this means to you:
If you opt for weekly testing instead of the vaccine, or you have not yet completed your vaccination cycle, be sure to schedule a COVID test over the next few days in order to comply with the 01DEC21 deadline.
Please note: while the session on Monday 29NOV21 will address the practical application of the new policy and answer questions you may have, waiting until then could also pose a tight timeline for test results which can take as long as 48-72 hours. Please use the resources below to find testing and vaccination locations near you.
Where to get vaccinated:
Where to get tested:
Digital Vaccine Record:
Send proof of vaccination and/or negative test results to COVIDRECORDS@agcbio.com. Visit www.agcbio.com/covid-19 for more information and FAQs.
Many thanks,
J.D.
22 November 2021 | J.D. Mowery
Hello Everyone,
This message is intended to inform all employees that beginning 01DEC21 you will be required to provide proof of completing a full vaccination cycle or a negative COVID test result on a weekly basis to enter our facilities in the U.S. The policy will apply to all employees at all sites, as well as any visitors, contractors, consultants, and customers (future and current). The structure of this policy is aligned with what we expect to be released from the U.S. authorities in the coming weeks. We believe advancing this policy now is the best means for keeping everyone at our sites safe.
Over the next few days, you will have ample opportunities to gain information about the change and the application of the policy. We strongly encouraged to ask questions frequently in order to be fully informed and educated on the policy.
Another key point to remember – the application of this policy does not supersede or negate our need to continue our social distancing and COVID best practices. We will maintain enforcement these policies and continue to assess essential onsite activities as infection rates change.
Please utilize the following channels for gathering information:
During the week of 29NOV21 our General Managers in the U.S. will host a joint 30 minute Q&A session to allow for direct dialogue as well. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact John Fauver, EHS Manager (SEA) and Jen Wingard, Sr. Manager, EHS (BLD and LGT interim (until 29NOV21)).
Take care and stay well,
J.D.
2 November 2021 | Message from Jen Wingard
Attachment: Boulder County Public Health Advisory
Dear Colorado Sites,
As your safety leader, I ask you to please take a moment to read this message. We at AGC Biologics care about the health of our employees and their loved ones. With that in mind, I would like to share the Public Health Advisory released on Oct. 29 by Boulder County Public Health.
Per the Advisory, Boulder County has seen a recent substantial increase in COVID-19 cases. This is in addition to the high transmission rate the county has experienced over the past month. In three days, Boulder County’s case rate jumped from 127.5 to 177 cases per 100,000.
Flu season has not yet begun this year, and when it does begin, BCPH expects it to put extra stress on the healthcare system which is already at over 90% capacity as of last week with 30% of facilities reporting anticipated ICU bed shortages in the coming week and 36% reporting staffing shortages. Taking COVID-19 precautions now will not only prevent additional COVID-19 hospitalizations, but to make sure our hospitals can also provide critical non-COVID emergency and routine care for those who need it in a timely manner.
Boulder County Public Health recommends the following for safer fall and winter festivities:
Vaccines remain the most effective way to control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent disease and hospitalizations. Per Public Health Orders 2021-08 and 2021-07, masks are required in all public indoor spaces for all people 2 years or older. BCPH strongly recommends that all individuals take the following additional precautions:
Thank you for taking time to read and acknowledge this guidance. If we all take steps to ensure our personal safety, we help the wellbeing of our community.
Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Jen Wingard, CSP
Senior Manager, EHS
Boulder On-site M/W/F
Longmont On-site T/R
1 November 2021 | Message from David Steinbacher
Dear AGC Biologics U.S. Employees,
Various government agencies and private companies are either mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees or planning to do so in the near future. As a result, many employees have asked what actions AGC Biologics is planning to take to address this important topic.
While the specific details are not yet available, it is anticipated that OSHA will issue a rule within the next several months which will require employers to ensure that their employees be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or show that they have had a negative COVID test on a weekly basis. Provided that the final OSHA rule contains this vaccination alternative, AGC Biologics plans to also adopt the weekly COVID test option as part of a new COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy will be finalized and communicated once OSHA issues the details of its vaccination standard. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your EHS Department.
Seattle EHS
John Fauver
425-501-5629
Boulder EHS (and interim Longmont EHS)
Jen Wingard
303-886-6410
__________
David Steinbacher
Director, EH&S
7 September 2021 | Message from Jen Wingard
All Colorado Employees,
As we are well aware, the COVID 19 virus is still affecting our friends, family, community and our workplace. As such, it is important for us to take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of ourselves and our coworkers while we are on site. Please familiarize yourself with the following protocols that cover both the Longmont and Boulder facilities.
Health Decision Matrix and COVID-19 Screening Checklist: AGC Colorado attached.
Site Mask Mandate (Effective Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM):
COVID Daily Screening Protocol:
Checking-in On Site:
Reporting Illness/Exposure:
Jen Wingard, CSP
Senior Manager, EH&S
2 September 2021 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19 Updated 2 September 2021
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
The AGC Biologics COVID-19 Guidelines and Health Decision Matrix have been updated (please see attached). The updated guidelines take into account various changes in protective measures made by country and regional health authorities based on vaccination rates and infection rates. We will continue to provide updates as conditions change.
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, please contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher
Director, EH&S
3 SEPTEMBER 2021 | Message from EH&S
To support the safety of all the community members, including children who are not eligible for vaccination, Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) issued Public Health Order 2021-08.
The order, approved by Board of Health on Sept. 2, requires mask wearing in all indoor public spaces for all individuals 2 years and older regardless of vaccination status and went into effect on Friday, Sept. 3.
Boulder County Public Health is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) comprehensive data tracking system to determine transmission levels. The CDC’s system tracks COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, testing and other metrics to define four levels of community transmission (low, moderate, substantial/significant and high), based on the percentage of positive tests and the number of cases per 100,000 people. The County Level View displays this information for Boulder County.
View Boulder County’s current status.
11 MARCH 2021 | Message from EH&S
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19 Updated 10 MARCH 2021
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Requirements and Guidance which contains the following addition:
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
David Steinbacher
Director, EH&S
12 JANUARY 2021 | Message from Eddie Zuno, EH&S
An update to our bullpen capacity and a reminder of our conference room limits.
**Managers, please be sure all contractors are aware of the room capacity limits.**
All Boulder Employees and Contractors,
Due to the recent Public Health Department COVID-19 severity level change from Level Red to now Level Orange, we have updated the capacity limits for our Conference Rooms and bullpens as follows:
The purpose of this email to remind everyone that our bullpens do have maximum capacity limits in order to maintain a safe environment for social distancing.
Below are the Bullpen Maximum Capacity Limits in order to maintain 6 feet of distance:
First Floor:
Second Floor:
Conference Room Limits:
All Collaboration Room Limits: 2
All Individual Office Limits: 1
In addition to these limits, individuals should also take the following steps:
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me and/or Cliff to discuss.
Best,
Eduardo Zuno
Manager, EH&S
20 DECEMBER 2020 | Message from EH&S
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19 Updated 20 December 2020
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Requirements and Guidance. Social Distancing requirement #5 has been updated to reflect the following:
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher
Director, EH&S
15 DECEMBER 2020 | Message from EH&S
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19 Updated 15 December 2020
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Requirements and Guidance which contains several changes:
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
9 DECEMBER 2020 | Message from J.D. Mowery
Hello All,
Please note the update to our current Travel Policy to align with the CDC guidelines in the U.S.
If an individual travels for non-essential reasons outside of the state of Washington and Colorado, then they have the following options:
There is additional information available at https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/FrequentlyAskedQuestions
We will also discuss this in the Q & A tomorrow, please let me know if you have any questions.
Take care and stay well,
J.D.
1 DECEMBER 2020 | Message from Eddie Zuno
All Boulder Employees and Contractors,
As we continue to establish safety protocols to help our employees, contractors, and guest remain safe and healthy while on site, we must strike the right balance between conducting “business-as-usual” and continuing to leverage appropriate mitigation tactics during these times of COVID. Social distancing is key!
Our offices, conference rooms, and collaboration rooms pose a specific risk to social-distancing.
Any given office, conference room or collaboration room poses a risk to social-distancing by gathering a group of people in an enclosed space for the duration of the meeting. To counteract this, the solution is straightforward: allow fewer people in the room to ensure more flexibility in maintain social distancing.
To help our teams establish safe practices while in these enclosed spaces, we have set capacity limits that are lower than current capacity limits on all conference and collaboration rooms. Please review the new limits and safety protocols below:
Conference Room Limits:
All Collaboration Room Limits: 2
All Individual Office Limits: 1
In addition to these limits, individuals should also take the following steps:
Each of us have a personal responsibility to do our part to keep our team and workplace safe. If you have any questions regarding these steps or any COVID related item, feel free to reach out to me or our HR team (Cliff and Laura).
Stay safe and healthy!
Eddie
18 NOVEMBER 2020 | Message from Sarah Wakefield on behalf of BLD Leadership and EH&S
Links:
Boulder County Testing Resources Page
BLD Team,
Please see below. You may already be aware that Boulder County moved to “Severe Risk” on the state dial resulting in new restrictions this Friday, 20 November. Please expect follow-up messaging from Boulder Leadership and EH&S soon.
Boulder County Moves to
New restrictions go into effect this Friday, November 20
18 NOVEMBER 2020 | Message from Eddie Zuno
Attachment: Working From Home Tips
All Boulder Employees,
Over the past several weeks we have seen an increase in the number of individuals infected by the COVID virus.
Here in Colorado, infection rates are increasing and many communities have progressed to a level 4 – High Risk status and some will soon progress to a level 5 – Extreme Risk. As we continue to monitor the updates from the State and County Public Health Departments, we want to act quickly and mindfully to ensure we are taking all precautions to manage any risks and ensure our employees, vendors, and guests are safe.
Over the past few days, the Boulder Site Leadership Team and members of management have been working with their teams to identify which roles and individuals need to continue to be onsite and which can work effectively at home. That work has been completed and shortly, managers will be reach out to each employee to communicate their specific work plan.
As you begin to transition into the new work plans, please keep the following items in mind:
At this point, we cannot tell you how long we anticipate these plans to remain in place. We will be monitoring infection rates over the next several months and will as things improve, we will communicate the return-to-work plan and logistics.
These are trying times, but we will get through this safely together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager, Cliff Pacaro in HR, or me directly with any questions or concerns.
Eduardo Zuno
Manager, EH&S
17 NOVEMBER 2020 | Message from Peter Vilby
Dear All BLD Employees and Contractors,
As the number of people on site is growing and as the infection rates are unfortunately growing, we are in the process of taking further actions to reduce the risk for everyone.
We will be dividing people into three categories, Essential on site, Hybrid and working from home. The status of each person may change over time.
Within the next couple of days there will be much more detailed information shared by EHS and HR to ensure that everyone is aligned with how we move forward and how we manage requests for changes and exceptions.
We have already asked the SIA consultants to work from home to the extent possible and you are welcome to discuss with your manager if you can work from home the next couple of days until we have the new situation fully mapped. In addition we will increase the number of wipes and hand sanitizers distributed across the site.
To further reduce the risk please avoid in person meetings with more than 2-3 participants and please choose a meeting room rather than a small office if you are having 1:1’s.
Let’s keep each other safe
Best regards
Peter Vilby
Interim Site Head & General Manager, BLD
13 NOVEMBER 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19 Updated 12 November 2020
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Requirements and Guidance which contains a change in our daily temperature check requirement found in requirement #4. This change is being made due to the increasing rate of COVID infections being observed in all global regions and the need to ensure the safety and health of all employees at each location.
It is mandatory that each employee check their body temperature at the start of the day when arriving onsite using the temperature kiosk station or hand-held thermometer provided.
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
24 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory. Requirement #3 in the Quarantine Requirements; Air Travel section has been added.
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
20 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory which contains a change to section: Quarantine Requirements; Air Travel ( requirements 1 and 2). As COVID conditions and country restrictions are frequently changing, we are continuing to monitor the pandemic situation closely and will provide future updates as necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
17 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Message from Sarah Wakefield on Behalf of US HR
SEA and BLD Teams,
Please find links to Employee Assistance Program documents, as discussed in yesterday’s Town Hall meeting, below:
Employee Assistance Program Summary
Navigating an Uncertain School Year
Managing Daily Life During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Contact your HR Business Partner with any questions. Thank you!
Sarah Wakefield
Director, Employer Brand and Internal Communication
27 JULY 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
In order to be consistent with our efforts to prevent transmission of COVID-19 at each of our locations, we need to exercise the same degree of diligence during business travel and when considering after-hour facility activities. Country and local regulations pertaining to restaurant dining and social gatherings has been shown to vary widely depending on regional infection rates and reopening stages. The risk of transmission increases as restrictions are relaxed which runs contrary to the strong measures we have taken at each site to prevent infection.
For this reason, effective immediately, dinners and social gatherings involving groups of AGC Biologics employees alone, or in association with contractors or clients, are not permitted due to the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or your site EHS representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
22 JULY 2020 | Message from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Hello,
I wanted to take a minute to touch base with you on Governor Polis’ statewide mask order of Thursday (EO D 2020 138), which requires that individuals over ten years old must wear masks over their mouths/noses when moving in an indoor public space and when using public or non-personal transportation. Related to the Governor’s EO, I’ve attached a couple of informational documents which you might find useful information to share with your colleagues, employees, customers and others--simply put, wearing masks is a proven way to significantly reduce COVID transmission, which directly impacts Colorado’s ability to keep our businesses open, our citizens safe, and to reclaim our healthy economy.
Based on our past work together, I know that you are committed and working hard on Colorado’s overall economic recovery effort, including re-employment and job training and skills development, workplace and worker safety, and economic development and business revitalization efforts in multiple sectors of our economy. While these complex core functions of CDLE and our partnership with you require sustained and focused effort, there is meanwhile one easy contribution each of us can make-- wear a mask in public! It makes good economic sense--to keep Colorado businesses open and to save and restore Colorado jobs.
Hopefully, the attached information will be helpful in sharing this message, and in advance, thanks for pitching in with this effort. Here is the Q&A Fact Sheet and a link to the press release from the Governor’s website, please share with your respective stakeholder groups.
Sincerely,
|
Joe M Barela Executive Director
We Keep Colorado Working. Mailing Address 633 17th Street., Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80202 |
22 JUNE 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics General Guidance COVID-19
Attachment: AGC Biologics Travel Policy and Advisory
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached are updated “AGC Biologics Requirements and Guidance: Response to Worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic” and “AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory”. We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation closely and will provide additional updates as necessary.
This update provides additional clarification and information on:
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
31 MAY 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory UPDATED
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory which includes new guidelines on travel between countries by ground transportation. If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
21 MAY 2020 | Message from David Steinbacher
Attachment: AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
Attached is an update to the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory which contains a change to the domestic business air travel requirements. We continue to monitor the pandemic situation closely and will provide future updates as necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns, or require additional clarification, do not hesitate to contact your site EHS Department representative.
Best regards,
David Steinbacher, MPH, CSP
Director, EH&S
25 APRIL 2020 | News Coverage (U.S.)
KOIN 6 in Portland featured our AGC Biologics partner CytoDyn and the work we are doing together on Leronlimab. You can view the feature story here.
24 APRIL 2020 | Press Release
We announced our partnership with AdaptVac to develop and produce a COVID-19 vaccine. Read the press release here.
3 APRIL 2020 | News Coverage (U.S.)
On Friday, 3 APRIL 2020, we were featured in a local Seattle news segment for KIRO7 because of the work we are doing with CytoDyn on Leronlimab, which is currently being tested on 10 critically ill COVID-19 patients in New York.
24 MARCH 2020 | Message from Learning & Performance
Hello, Seattle Team!
With the number of our global employees now working remotely, we’d like to offer some training and resources to help. Please see below for training offerings and calendar links. If you’re unable to attend the training below, we'll make recordings available afterwards. Simply click on a calendar link to add it to your calendar.
If you have questions about this training or would like to request specific training, please contact Krista Lewis at krlewis@agcbio.com.
TRAINING: “Effectively Using Zoom”
MARCH 26 (10am) or MARCH 31 (2pm)
Want some tips and tricks on virtual meeting etiquette? If so, click here to see best practices. Want a step-by-step user guide for using Zoom? If so, click here for instructions and troubleshooting help.
TRAINING: “Hosting Successful Virtual Meetings”
RESOURCES
LinkedIn Learning is now offering free online courses on topics such as:
• Maximizing Efficiency and Productivity of Remote Work
These online classes typically require an expensive yearly subscription, so take advantage while you can! Click here and then scroll down to see all of the available courses.
Finally, here’s an article that you might find helpful: “How to Work From Home Without Losing Your Sanity.”
23 MARCH 2020 | In the News
Governor Inslee issues ‘stay at home’ proclamation for Washington state
Gov. Inslee address Washington state residents on Monday, March 23, 2020. (TVW screengrab)
13 MARCH 2020 | Message from our CEO
Dear AGC Biologics Employees,
As you know, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a classified pandemic. Several drastic actions have been taken by authorities worldwide to mitigate the spread of the virus. This is an emergency situation and we must act accordingly.
My primary concern is the health of our team members here at AGC Biologics, and those who work closely with us (employees, vendors, and contractors). As responsible individuals, we must take care of ourselves first. This is our TOP priority! Please take every precaution to minimize contact with others and apply proper hygiene and disinfecting measures.
In addition to taking care of our own health, we have a responsibility to the patients who depend on us. The newly established Business Continuity Committee, which I am part of, is responsible for the actions and policies put in place to ensure that we continue to operate. The Committee is in constant surveillance of the situation and we are implementing new measures every day. Please make sure to read all communication and follow the guidance provided by your site leadership team.
I am confident that we will overcome this situation soon. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves – your health and wellness comes first.
Kind Regards,
Patricio E. Massera
President & CEO
