DMMI – COVID-19 Task Force Weekly Diagnoses Update, including new DMMI cases

While the situation in each state and country is slowly improving, COVID-19 has not disappeared, and we need to remain vigilant. Although the great majority of those who become infected are able to recover, this is still a contagious and dangerous virus. We must keep up our commitment to following safety precautions—social distancing, hand washing, face coverings—top of mind at work and at home.

Please remember it is essential that you pay close attention to your personal health. If you are feeling symptoms—fever, dry cough, new loss of taste/smell—stay away from other people and do not come to work. DENSO has a leave policy specifically for associates with COVID contact, symptoms or diagnosis.

Each company, including DMMI, will continue alerting local associates to new positive COVID-19 diagnoses as soon as possible. Beginning today, Friday, June 19, DENSO will also start communicating about all positive COVID-19 cases reported in North America each Friday.

Unfortunately, this week’s message contains both types of announcements—new local cases at DMMI as well as a weekly report of all new cases at DENSO group companies in North America. Across all DENSO group companies in North America, there have been 12 new positive COVID-19 diagnoses from May 28-June 19. We wish each of these associates a speedy recovery.

This brings the total number of positive COVID-19 diagnoses in DENSO in North America to 25, including 4 total cases at DMMI in Battle Creek.

New DMMI Cases

On Friday, June 19, DENSO was notified that an associate in HVAC manufacturing (auto-line 2) tested positive for COVID-19. This is the second individual from this line to test positive this week, but our contact tracing investigation does not lead us to believe the cases are connected through work. The HVAC associate diagnosed today was last on campus on Wednesday, June 17 during second shift. Additionally, a second shift associate working in Global Innerfin Condenser (GIC) vision area has also tested positive. This associate was last in their work area on Wednesday, June 17.

Facility cleaning per DENSO’s Safety Policy, including third-party disinfection, has been completed. All areas the associates had prolonged contact with, including break areas, hot corners, restrooms and work stations, have been professionally sanitized by an outside cleaning contractor.

We consulted with the Calhoun County Health Department and our medical professionals and ensured proper notifications were completed. Because of DENSO standards for social distancing, physical barriers and face coverings, other associates are not considered to have been in close contact with the diagnosed individuals at work. This means the Health Department has not recommended that any associates isolate. We do ask that associates continue to closely monitor their personal health at home, follow screening procedures before entering the facility and stay home if they are having symptoms.

Please respect confidentiality, even if you believe you know who these individuals are. Both people are in quarantine at home; join us in wishing for their quick recovery.

Safety First at Work & at Home

Maintaining the highest safety standards at work and home is critical. Everyone must do their part to prevent the spread of this virus. DENSO will continue the safety protocols that are already in place, including health screening and temperature checks, social distancing markers and barriers, cleaning and disinfecting regularly, etc. Each of us needs to take responsibility for personal safety, including wearing a face mask or shield; maintaining social distancing when we can’t wear a mask, like when eating or smoking; washing our hands for at least 20 seconds, and cleaning our work spaces before and after our shifts.

Even as restrictions are being lifted in some communities, we encourage you to follow these same safety measures outside the workplace as well, until this virus is eradicated or a vaccine is available to all.

Finally, one final reminder that all associates should continue to closely monitor their personal health at home and follow screening procedures before entering the facility. Stay home if you have symptoms and contact a medical professional.