Jeffery R. Nelson, president, Nelson Laboratories, has issued a statement following the earthquake in Salt Lake City and the coronavirus pandemic.
The earthquake in Salt Lake City, Utah experienced a magnitude of 5.7, as well as several smaller aftershocks. Following this earthquake, Nelson commented that the, “buildings operated as designed and weathered this event very well.
“We sustained only minor cosmetic damage (some drywall cracks and a broken pipe, which is now repaired).”
After the earthquake, Nelson claims that operations remain unaffected and testing is able to continue.
The organisation has also implemented additional measures to enable minimal disruption to the business during the coronavirus pandemic. These measures include:
- Each laboratory location will employ a rotating shift schedule with divided teams. This division of labour will aim to minimise the risk of an infection disrupting an entire service line.
- All possible non-laboratory staff are now working from home to increase social distancing and to minimise the risk of infection of staff. Key, on-site personnel will remain on-site to perform testing.
- The Salt Lake City location cafeteria has been closed to increase social distancing and to minimise infection risk in compliance with Utah State expectations.
- All suppliers will be co-ordinated with to ensure a consistent supply flow to sustain testing.
Nelson states that, “our continuity plan is constantly being re-evaluated by our team and we are taking whatever measures we can to minimise the risks associated with this outbreak—without negative impacts or disruptions for our customers.”
He concludes: “Please know that we realise the products you produce are as important as the patients they represent. That is why we are committed to working through this challenge as seamlessly as possible. “