COVID-19 Information

Home » COVID-19 Information

Message to All Mercury Team Members

June 3, 2020 - COVID19 Update

(YouTube videos are unavailable from some company locations; if the video doesn't display, please watch on your mobile phone)

Please continue reading for the latest information as it relates to Mercury updated regularly.

Accrued Vacation

April 1, 2020

Fellow Mercury Employees,

Hoping that you and your families are safe and healthy despite this terrible virus that has afflicted our country and the world.  Most of our company’s businesses have been seriously impacted and we may experience even more business deterioration going forward.  But, we are taking the necessary measures to get past this downturn and I thank all of you for your dedication and support that you’ve provided in so many ways. 

We have reduced hours for some fellow employees and reduced salaries for others. In order to continue reducing expenses to weather this storm, we will stop providing paid time off (PTO)  for all Mercury and subsidiary employees  effective today, April 1, 2020 until further notice, except for the requirements mandated by governments, legal and labor agreement. This does not mean that you will lose any accrued vacation or PTO through March 31, 2020. You will just not be accruing more PTO going forward.

Additionally, I encourage every employee to use your accrued vacation especially those who have accumulated more on the books in excess of 120 hours. Please contact the H.R. Dep’t with any questions. 

I personally thank you for all your efforts, sacrifices  and commitments to helping Mercury get past this crisis.

Faithfully,

Joe Czyzyk

 

"Safer at Home" and Mercury

March 21, 2020

Dear Mercury Team Member:

As you are aware, a “Safer at Home” Order stopping non-essential activities is in effect until April 19, 2020 for all City and County of Los Angeles residents.  The Order calls on all residents to stay inside their residences, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely essential to limit the spread of COVID-19.

How the Safer at Home Order Affects Your Work at Mercury

Mercury’s companies are Essential Businesses and are exempt pursuant to Section 13, (i) (n)(o)(p)and (q) of the Order and are also exempt from the similar Executive Order issued by the Governor of the State of California as part of the transportation services sector.  Accordingly, Mercury’s employees should continue reporting for scheduled work.  We are taking all the required infection control precautions which includes staying at least six feet away from others, providing hand washing facilities with soap or sanitizer, and posting signs for the members of the public to not enter if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory virus, including fever or cough.  We are monitoring the Health Department’s website and will adhere to any additional precautions.

The Safer at Home Order Outside of Work

The order asks residents to leave their homes only when necessary.  Residents can leave their homes for critical tasks such as visiting grocery stores, pharmacies or doctors or for outdoor exercise.  Food delivery and pick-up will remain available. All residents are permitted to continue to care for children, elder adults, family, friends and people with disabilities. Non-essential businesses, including clothing and some other retail stores, are ordered to “cease operations that require in-person attendance by workers at a workplace.”

Under the “Safer at Home” Order:

YOU CAN … 

  • Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
  • Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
  • Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
  • Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
  • Care or support a friend or family member
  • Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others in the community. 
  • Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
  • Help someone to get necessary supplies

YOU SHOULD NOT … 

  • Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by the Order
  • Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
  • Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
  • Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility

 

As we adjust to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19), Mercury is committed to providing the resources and information necessary to address the needs of our employees during this unprecedented time. Although, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted daily life for everyone across the United States, we must remember that we are in this together. 

The well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We have created a website http://mercuryair.com/virus  for the latest COVID-19 developments and helpful information.

Sincerely,

Carolina Gutierrez        

Vice President-Administration

 

Phase 2 Aid Package Passes Senate

March 18, 2020

Late this afternoon the Senate passed a multi-billion “phase two” aid package to combat economic impacts of the coronavirus.  In a final vote of 90-8, the Senate sent the aid package to President Trump for signature.

Included in this bill is relief for sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to those impacted by the coronavirus.

A third phase, which is already being negotiated by the White House and Congressional leaders, is anticipated to include:

  • $50 billion to aid the hard-hit airline industry,
  • $150 billion for other distressed sectors of the economy,
  • Two rounds of direct payments of $250 billion each (April 6 & May 18), and
  • The creation of a small business interruption loan program

Mercury Update March 17

March 17, 2020

Dear Mercury Team Member:

As the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to develop in our communities, maintaining a healthy work environment for our employees and slowing the spread of the virus is our top priority.

If you are feeling sick or have a serious underlying health condition (for example conditions that impairs your lungs or heart or weakens your immune system), you should stay home from work.

Top priority is your health and the health of those around you. If you have concerns about your exposure to the coronavirus or someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, call your healthcare provider for information about how and where to seek care. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department, and follow any instructions provided by your provider and the health department.

For further information, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/ and/or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.

Additionally, many school districts have shut down campuses for several weeks attempting to reduce the spread of the virus. Mercury provides its employees 40 unpaid hours per year for SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE PARTICIPATION LEAVE SCHOOL/EMERGENCY. The employee must give reasonable notice of the time off to his or her supervisor and obtain supervisor approval and may use accrued Paid Time Off, such as CTO, Vacation or Sick Time.

The Federal government is considering a law which will provide additional leave for the coronavirus to help employees and their families and also to assist employers in paying for this leave. Mercury will notify you when and if this leave is approved.

For now, Mercury will continue existing Paid Time Off and Leave Policies for employees who are sick, need to take care of a sick immediate family member or otherwise plan to be off work. You will still need to coordinate with the Human Resources Department and your supervisor if you are or will be absent. If you have questions, contact the Human Resource Department by calling (310)215-5728 also check your ESS through PAYCOM for alerts and updates.

Sincerely,
Carolina Gutierrez
Vice President, Administration

Blue Shield of California is Waiving Cost-Sharing and Prior Approval for Coronavirus Testing

March 13, 2020

To remove any barriers for appropriate testing, starting immediately Blue Shield is waiving all cost-sharing and any prior approval for Covid-19 testing prescribed by a physician. This includes cost-sharing for hospital, urgent care, emergency room, and office visits where the visit is to screen or test for the virus. Blue Shield also will not require prior authorization for medically necessary emergency care, consistent with their current practice.

When a member cannot access their current supply of medication or requires additional supply, a member or their provider can call-in and request an early refill of their prescription. Blue Shield is also closely monitoring impact to prescription drug supply and will take immediate steps to ensure members have access to medications. In the event of a drug shortage, Blue Shield has a standard process to ensure members have access to available medications to treat their condition.

Blue Shield of California is encouraging members to use Teladoc services.  Last week you were provided with information on the Teladoc service offered to Mercury’s employees who are insured through Blue Shield of California.   As a Blue Shield HMO or PPO member, you have access to Teladoc, telephonic or video call visits with providers 24/7, for minimal copays.  If you are a PPO member, in the greater Los Angeles area, you have access to in-home provider visits with Heal.  This is a reminder to set up your profile now at www.teladoc.com/bsc 

Click her for Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions and What you need to know about Coronavirus from Teladoc.

If you have any questions, please contact Liz Alvarez at LizAlvarez@mercuryair.com  or through your Employee Self Service account on Paycom the “Ask Here” feature allows you to ask the Human Resources, Payroll and Benefit departments questions about topics such as policies, payroll, benefits, employee services and much more by simply logging in to your Paycom account via your computer or mobile device.

We hope you find this information to be helpful.

Best regards,

Carolina Gutierrez
Vice President, Administration

Important Employee Health and Safety Information - Flu and Novel Coronavirus

March 2, 2020

With the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) reporting continuing seasonal flu activity and the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Mercury Air Group, Inc.  would like to share the following important health information. We also remind all employees to stay at home if they are sick.

Important Employee Health and Safety Information
Flu and Novel Coronavirus Prevention

Influenza (Flu) and 2019 Novel Coronavirus are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses.

Influenza A and B viruses typically infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Common symptoms of the flu include cough, fever, headaches, sore throat, and vomiting.

To learn more about what’s happening with the seasonal flu, please see DPH FLU FAQ2019   

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) is a new virus, not previously found in humans, identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Common symptoms of 2019-nCov include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC and DPH believe, at this time, that the symptoms of the 2019 –nCoV may appear within 2 -14 days after exposure.

To learn more about what’s happening with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, please see attached, CDC2019 nCoV  information.


Prevention Tips for Flu and Coronavirus:

The CDC and DPH stress the importance of practicing good public hygiene during flu season.

The following every day preventative actions may help prevent the spread of these viruses:

  • Avoid / Stay away from sick people.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaner.
  • Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Disinfect public counters, desks, common areas, phones, keyboards, etc.
  • Use disinfectant wipes identified for use against Influenza A&B and Coronaviruses. These will be supplied to each department/division.
  • If you have symptoms (fever, cough, vomiting, difficulty breathing) stay home and call your doctor.
  • Remain home until you have spoken with your doctor or heath provider and are cleared to return to work.
  • Cover your Cough and Sneezes (please post attached flyer in employee and public areas).


Travel - Important Note about Novel Coronavirus Prevention:

If you have traveled to/from China, Italy, South Korea, Japan or Iran; have direct contact with someone who has traveled to/from these Countries, or have direct contact with someone with 2019-nCov, please follow these instructions:

Contact Human Resources at (310) 215-5728 for a confidential discussion regarding your potential exposure.

  • Watch for any changes in your health or the health of someone with direct contact for 14 days after leaving a country that  has been is issued a travel health notices with COVID-19 transmission (currently, China, Italy,  South Korea, Japan and Iran)
  • If you get a fever or develop a cough or difficulty breathing during this 14-day period, avoid contact with others.  Call your doctor or health provider to tell them about your symptoms and your recent travel.
  • Follow your health provider’s instructions.
  • Don’t travel while you are sick.
  • Follow the preventative actions outlined above.

If you have symptoms (fever, cough, vomiting, difficulty breathing) stay home and call your doctor.  Remain home until you have spoken with your doctor or heath provider. If you have any questions or concerns about any of this information, please contact Human Resources.

Additional information or updates regarding what is happening with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus may be posted your Paycom ESS or APP, therefore, please check it regularly,

Best regards,
Carolina Gutierrez,
Vice President, Administration

Go to top