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Emergency Preparedness

Information and Updates for Employees about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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UPDATES

The Company aims to provide accurate and timely information to its employees about COVID-19. Please check this web-page regularly for periodic updates. Company and employee information as it relates to the coronavirus will be housed on this page throughout the company's preparations and response to COVID-19, to ensure every employee always has access to this information.

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As everyone is aware, this is a fast-moving situation. And we recognize that many individuals and families have been impacted deeply by these events, so we are committed to working with all of you.

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In addition, we've communicated with our clients to let them know our plans moving forward. We also asked to be contacted directly by our clients if any of their employees or tenants test positive for the virus. This way we can inform any employee that may have come into contact with the infected person to immediately get tested if warranted.

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NOTE: No communication  on this or any other Transcend Security web page is intended to be legal advice and each reader should consult with its advisors regarding this communication (or any other Transcend Security communication) as to its own particular facts and circumstances.

JUNE 29, 2020

Gov. Ducey orders Arizona bars, gyms and theaters closed again; large gatherings restricted​:

Facing mounting pressure to respond to Arizona's ballooning COVID-19 numbers, Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday announced he would again order Arizona bars, gyms and theaters to shut down.

 

The directive, which also covers water parks and tubing, will take effect at 8 p.m. and apply through at least July 27. It limits outdoor gatherings at swimming pools to 10 people and gives local governments the authority to enforce closures and restrictions. For more information, click on the following link.

JUNE 22, 2020

REGULATIONS REQUIRING FACE COVERINGS IN MARICOPA COUNTY:

Due to the Declaration of a Public Health Emergency related to COVID 19, effective June 20, 2020 and until further notice, all Transcend Security Solutions employees are required to wear a face covering when on duty. Employees may provide their own face covering of plain color, or they may request a face cover from Transcend Security Solutions utilizing the “Officer Equipment Needs” form in TrackTik.

 

Face covers should be work when arriving on-site and exiting your vehicle, and should be worn until completion of your shift and returning to your vehicle. Face covers should fully cover a person’s nose and mouth. Face covers may be removed to drink a beverage and eat, but should only be done while safely following social distancing protocols per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disciplinary action up to, and including termination.

JUNE 1, 2020

Gov. Ducey imposes week-long curfew after protests, Scottsdale mall looting:

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide curfew starting Sunday evening and expanded National Guard efforts after several days of skirmishes between protesters and authorities. Click on the link below for more information:

MAY 20, 2020

Uber’s new Door-to-Door Safety Standard:

Because Transcend Security sets-up Uber rides for some of you to and/or from your site, we would like to make you aware of the new Uber policy due to COVID-19.

 

Uber want to be sure people feel safe riding with Uber as the community starts moving again. That's why today Uber is introducing a new Door-to-Door Safety Standard. Starting today, all riders and drivers must wear a face cover or a mask when riding or driving with Uber. Uber is also asking riders to only sit in the back seat, in order to leave more space between you and your driver.

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In addition, after each time you ride in an Uber vehicle please clean your hands. You or your Uber driver can both cancel the ride for any reason, including if the other person isn’t wearing a face cover or a mask.

 

Asking you to rate your Uber ride isn’t new, but you’ll now be able to leave feedback on health and cleanliness issues, such as a driver not wearing a face cover or a mask. This helps us improve and holds everyone accountable. 

MAY 13, 2020

All Retail, Pools & Gyms Opening Up in Arizona:

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced yesterday that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15th and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. The “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” order effective May 16th is a “policy that promotes physical distancing …and allows businesses to gradually and safely open in compliance with federal guidelines as the state continues to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19”.

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With this order, all retail is open, including retailers located in indoor shopping malls.

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The new policy stresses the need to protect vulnerable populations, and guides the reopening of businesses with enhanced physical distancing and safety measures in place based on CDC guidelines, among others, to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, the Governor announced that:
 

  • Pools, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13th.

  • Gyms & Fitness Providers, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13th.

  • Spas, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13th.

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Click on the link below for more information.to read the full executive order

MAY 07, 2020

Reminder to Watch for Symptoms:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: Click on the link below for more information.

APRIL 30, 2020

Governor Ducey makes room for partial retail reopening as he extends Arizona shutdown:

Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday said that some small retail businesses in the state will be able to partially reopen next week and that he's working with the restaurant industry on plans to open some dine-in operations as early as May 12. Click on the link below for more information.

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APRIL 27, 2020

Transcend Security Masks:

Transcend Security is expecting delivery of washable face masks (SEE BELOW) within the next 2 - 4 weeks. They will be delivered to our static sites throughout the Valley. If you don't work at a static post, but would like one, please reach out to Pam at admin@transcendsecurity.com.

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APRIL 21, 2020

CDC: COVID-19 Can Spread 13 Feet, Travel on Shoes:

The novel coronavirus can travel 13 feet through the air and be carried around on people’s shoes, according to a new report from the CDC. The airborne distance is more than twice the recommended social distancing guidelines to stay 6 feet away from others. The new research, published in the agency’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, may help to explain how the virus is being spread.

APRIL 20, 2020

Here’s How to Clean Your Groceries During the COVID-19 Outbreak:

The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has many people staying at home except for essential activities like seeking medical care, exercising, walking their dog, or shopping for groceries. You can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 whenever you leave your house by taking precautions such as practicing social distancing and washing your hands thoroughly and often. Shopping for groceries, though, carries extra risk.

APRIL 15, 2020

Arizona Economy May Start to Reopen in a Few Weeks:

Testing, treatment, social distancing and other health safeguards remain top priorities for stemming the new coronavirus outbreak in Arizona. But government and business leaders are starting to look toward the day, possibly within a few weeks, when the state’s economy might start to reopen. Click on the following link for the full article.

APRIL 14, 2020

First Arizona COVID-19 patient treated with ECMO therapy survives:

PHOENIX, AZ — HonorHealth announced the survival of the very first Arizona coronavirus patient placed on a special therapy machine.

The medical group says the patient received an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (or ECMO) treatment. The ECMO therapy removes blood from the body, pumps it with oxygen, and replaces the blood back into the body. The machine relieves strain on damaged organs, like the lungs and heart, according to a press release from HonorHealth. For more information, click the following link.

APRIL 7, 2020

THE WEARING OF PROTECTIVE MASKS:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a protective face covering (mask) in public. However, due to a lack of supply, we are not able to provide them in a timely manner. So for those employees wishing to wear them, we encourage you to manufacture your own following the CDC guidelines. Masks of plain color ((preferably black, white, gray, or blue) or “traditional” bandanna type pattern may be worn while on duty. Homemade masks should not contain graphics representing any promotional material or any graphics that may be considered offensive. The link below is from the CDC and outlines the use of cloth face coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19.

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In addition, the video below is from the Surgeon General of the United States. The video shows him easily creating a protective mask.

Mask Guidelines

APRIL 4, 2020

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF & WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK:

This area has already been posted in one form or another, but again, we STRONGLY suggest that you click on the following link, and follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick.

APRIL 2, 2020

If You Have Any Questions or Concerns: 

These are challenging and uncertain times as the situation within our geographical region continues to experience growing numbers of those affected by COVID 19.

 

Please feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns you might have concerning the information contained within our website or any other questions or concerns not specifically addressed. We’re doing our best to provide you with as much current and updated information as possible to keep everyone safe and healthy.

 

Remember to practice social distancing and good hygiene (hand washing) to minimize your chances of contracting the illness, These two factors alone have been determined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to be a person’s best-defense from becoming ill to COVID19. Remember, if you’re not feeling well and experiencing any flu-like symptoms to include those specifically noted as being indicators of COVID 19, take the responsible approach and stay at home until your symptoms have cleared so as not to, potentially, unnecessarily jeopardize those around you.

 

Let’s make sure good judgement and common sense play a role in how we as individuals contend with this situation beyond the information you’ve been provided to keep yourself safe.” We have to look beyond ourselves as individuals and consider those around us as well. It’s a responsibility each of us has to assume to do our part to be safe and remain healthy.

APRIL 1, 2020

LIST: Essential Services in Arizona: 

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has imposed a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. But he said grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services will remain open. The following link  outline those essential services.

MARCH 30, 2020

Arizona Leaders Decide Schools Won’t Reopen This Year Because of Virus: 

Arizona’s schools will not reopen this school year because of the continued coronavirus outbreak. Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman on Monday announced the decision to keep the state’s public district and charter schools closed for the remainder of the scheduled year.

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They issued the following joint statement, saying the decision was made now to “give parents and educators as much certainty as possible”: On Sunday, the White House extended its guidelines for physical distancing through the end of April.

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The Arizona Department of Education website has information about meals for kids, child care, special education and learning resources. Monday’s decision doesn’t apply to private schools, although they must stay closed in alignment with federal guidance through at least April 30, according to the governor’s office.

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Arizona schools were initially closed starting March 16 for what was to be a two-week period. That was later extended another two weeks, but with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreading at an increased rate in Arizona and the country, state officials deemed it necessary to cut the year short.

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As of Sunday morning, there were 919 cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths reported in Arizona. The statewide assessment for the 2019-20 school year was previously canceled due to the extended closure.

MARCH 26, 2020

MVD NEWS: TRAVEL ID DELAY AND CORONAVIRUS CHANGES - AZ TRAVEL ID DEADLINE: 

The October 1 deadline for the new federal TSA REAL ID rules to take effect has been delayed ONE YEAR to October 1, 2021. As a result, MVD customers should postpone plans to get the AZ Travel ID. With this delay and the need to reduce customer traffic at MVD locations, all AZ Travel ID appointments have been cancelled.

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The MVD apologizes for the inconvenience, but the ongoing Coronavirus situation requires MVD to significantly limit the number of people in offices. Only essential services that must be done in-person are being offered by appointment. Because the REAL ID timeline has changed, getting a Travel ID immediately is less vital for the time being and appointments are reserved for other crucial in-person services.


More than 2/3 of MVD services are available anytime at www.servicearizona.com. REMINDER: Anyone with a license or permit set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1 has had that expiration date automatically extended by six months and updated on your motor vehicle record. You do not need to get a new license. 

MARCH 25, 2020

NITRILE GLOVE DELIVERY:  We have begun delivering Nitrile Gloves to our static sites. Please review and acknowledge the Transcend Glove Protocol Post Order for your site. For your review, we attached it below.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements: Please review H.R.6201 - "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" by clicking on the link below. It has established protocols that may affect you as an employee of Transcend Security.

MARCH 24, 2020

CORONAVIRUS WEBINAR: We'd like to announce that Transcend Security Risk Manager Jim Brown will be participating in a Coronavirus (COVID-19) webinar this coming Friday, March 27, 2020. The webinar is titled, "The COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal and Human Resources (HR) Implications For Employers and the Workforce"

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Overview of the webinar is as follows: In a global effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, many state and local governments have issued orders mandating residents to stay at home. As a consequence, businesses that are non-essential and not critical infrastructure are experiencing massive shutdowns, layoffs, transitions to a remote workforce, and a multitude of legal and employment implications that accompany these changes. A one-hour primer on some of the most pressing issues facing these businesses and their workforces includes:

  • H.R. 6201: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

  • Work-from-home policies and practices.

  • Identifying essential services or businesses under stay-at-home orders.

  • Cal/OSHA regulations for a safe work environment.

  • Employee privacy and temperature checks.

  • Leave policies (FMLA, vacation, sick leave).

  • Cyber-security requirements for remote workers and how to handle breaches remotely.

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Jim will be able to update us next week on what he has learned.

MARCH 23, 2020

In the Event of a Mandatory Quarantine: To start, Private Security Organizations ARE an essential service per the Department of Homeland Security. The following is taken verbatim from their website (a clickable link is below):

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The 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors

There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21): PPD-21 identifies 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The 16 are:

  • Chemical Sector

  • Commercial Facilities Sector

  • Communications Sector

  • Critical Manufacturing Sector

  • Dams Sector

  • Defense Industrial Base Sector

  • Emergency Services Sector (Transcend Security falls under this classification, see below)

  • Energy Sector

  • Financial Services Sector

  • Food and Agriculture Sector

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES SECTOR
The Emergency Services Sector (ESS) is a community of millions of highly-skilled, trained personnel, along with the physical and cyber resources, that provide a wide range of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery services during both day-to-day operations and incident response. The ESS includes geographically distributed facilities and equipment in both paid and volunteer capacities organized primarily at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels of government, such as city police departments and fire stations, county sheriff’s offices, Department of Defense police and fire departments, and town public works departments. The ESS also includes private sector resources, such as industrial fire departments, private security organizations, and private emergency medical services providers.

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MARCH 21, 2020

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) suggests keeping yourself informed. So we urge you to visit the CDC website on a daily basis. Below is a link to the CDC's frequently asked questions web page.

MARCH 18, 2020

ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Due to the nature of our business and the services that we provide to the community, we are considered an essential service. This means that Transcend Security will continue to operate and provide security services to our clients until we hear otherwise. Many cities have been implementing night curfews and Shelter in Place orders that require all individuals to stay at home during non-critical hours. This does not apply to our business or industry as we provide an essential service to our community. We take pride in keeping our cities safe during this critical time and the sacrifice our guards make on a daily bases.

MARCH 17, 2020

OFFICE VISITS: Until further notice, only employees with scheduled appointments will be allowed inside  our offices. This is for your protection​..

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R.A.T.
From: Jim Brown, Risk Manager - Transcend Security Solutions

If you look at COVID19 as a pest, then the following acronym has practicality. I think we’ve done our part to keep each of you, our valued employees, informed and educated as it relates to protecting yourself.  R.A.T. is the basic foundation, the starting point for our employees. Keeping yourself safe, from a bare bones perspective, really boils down to three things:
 

  • Recognition – which consists of knowing the signs and symptoms of the virus. Click below for more information from the CDC.

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  • Avoidance techniques – how to protect yourself, including washing your hands,, keeping a safe distance. Click below for more information from the CDC.

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  • Treatment – what to do if you suspect you’ve contracted the virus and when to seek medical attention. Click below for more information from the CDC.

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 NOTE: These recommendations by Transcend Security, are based on recommendations by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), as evidenced by each link.

Protection

MARCH 16, 2020

Arizona Schools Closed Statewide: Arizona’s governor and school superintendent on Sunday ordered a statewide closure of schools through at least March 27 as authorities rush to contain the outbreak of the new coronavirus. For more information, click on the following link.

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If You Suspect an Employee has COVID-19: The health and well-being of our family of officers is paramount. In that vein, in the the event that you feel that a fellow employee is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact Kelly Swick, Human Resources at (480) 620-4819 or kelly.swick@transcendsecurity.com OR Jim Brown, Risk Manager at (480) 865-4167 or jim.brown@transcendsecurity.com.

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Real-time International and State-by-State Coronavirus Statistics: Click on the following link for real-time statistics regarding the Coronavirus a nd the number of confirmed cases, number of diseased, number of confirmed cases, etc. 

MARCH 13, 2020

These are unique and uncertain times with a call for caution and prudence for all. To that end the safety, health and well-being of our employees, clients, and the greater community is critical.

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We understand the concern and uncertainty many of us may be experiencing surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19). While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Transcend Security at this time, as an employer of approximately 300 employees, we know that we're not immune to the risk. Therefore, we've taken actions to enhance safety for all that we come into contact with so that we can continue the reliable delivery of security services to you, including the creation of an internal web-page for our employees that contains information regarding the virus, periodic updates, video links, and more.

PROTECT YOURSELF VIDEO

Protecting yourself against the coronavirus (COVID-19) starts with getting the right information. By watching this 9-minute course, you will be able to identify how coronavirus spreads, recognize its symptoms, explain how to prevent and treat the virus, and determine what to do if you become sick with coronavirus.  This short 9-minute course features critical information about the coronavirus, including:

•    How coronavirus spreads
•    How to recognize symptoms
•    How to prevent and treat the virus
•    What to do if you become sick with the virus

We strongly encourage you to share this video resource with your employees, friends, and family members so that we can collectively take proactive steps to stay healthy and prevent illness in the workplace and at home.

HOW THE VIRUS SPREADS

Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

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The information above was taken from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) For additional information, please go to the CDC website by clicking on the button to the right.  

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SPECIFIC TRANSCEND SECURITY CHANGES

  • Nitrile Gloves - We are attempting to secure nitrile gloves for our static sites. Once secured, we will distribute them ASAP. to our static sites, where human interactions occurs frequently. Gloves are simply another barrier of protection.

  • Confronting Individuals - While we advise in our Post Orders to "maintain a safe distance of at least three steps (10 feet) between yourself and the suspicious individual you are confronting", we recommend a further distance if you come across an individual that is NOT supposed to be on-site.

  • Limited Visits - We will be limiting face-to-face visits to sites by our Field Supervisors and other management staff.

  • Office Hours - While our office currently remains open, we are limiting visits to only those visits deemed essential.

  • Skype Interviews - When applicable, we will start new hire interviews via Skye, which is a telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, mobile devices, and smartwatches via the Internet! . 

  • Shared Areas - Please increase the frequency of cleaning our shared areas such as desks, podiums, door handles, etc.

  • Hand Cleansers - We will deploy of antibacterial hand sanitizers.

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