Although the virus at this moment has not touched Mexico or the norther Baja region nearly as significantly as, for example New York or Seattle, or as the U.S. in general, it nevertheless makes complete sense to prepare defenses and have plans to minimize casualties.
For example, every one of the 2000 employees have completed a health questionnaire, administered by ABC’s resident medical team. The object is to identify those who have pre-existing medical conditions, even extending to diabetes. Decisions for who to isolate are made based upon health issues in conjunction with age. For example, those aged 60 with a condition may be deemed more susceptible to complications should they get the virus, than a 25year old.
Those determined to be most at risk are being provided with an initial three weeks of paid vacation.
Wadih Kuri, President and CEO, speaking about this today, said: “Our mission here at ABC is to do everything to achieve continuity in manufacturing, and maintain supply to our many loyal customers who depend upon us; in order that they can sustain their ability to operate as normally as possible during this difficult time. Yet, our employees equally are our most valuable asset, and it is imperative that we do our utmost to ensure their safety from this virus. If at greater risk to severity of illness should they become sick, I believe we owe them a duty to ensure they isolate at home or leave the city. They will be paid, and their co-workers, because we are a team and view ourselves as the ’ABC Family’, are happy to cover positions temporarily vacated by their colleagues.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the company for their flexibility and dedication during this period of challenge and uncertainty. Together, we will come through this”.
