Coronavirus (COVID-19) update Executive Letter from Don Casey
Dear Dentsply Sirona Team,
As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, it has impacted all of us on some level – whether as individuals, families or as part of our Company. Governments at all levels are reacting in a number of ways, all designed to try and stop the spread of the virus. As a result, we have seen our customers shut down or reduce office hours. Our manufacturing plants and offices face restrictions on operating. With the situation very fluid and the level of anxiety high, it is critical that we keep communication lines open with all our employees, customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders. It is also critical that we all recognize that, at some point, the situation will normalize and that Dentsply Sirona will emerge, as we are starting to see in China. In the short term, however, there are going to be numerous challenges as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
From the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, our priorities have always been protecting the safety our employees, serving our customers and making smart decisions about how we operate our business in these extraordinary times. Some updates on where we are:
- Employee Safety: At this point, we have had employees report being exposed to people outside the company that have the virus. So far, the number is relatively small. We can say that as of today less than a dozen employees in a few sites have tested positive for the virus. Everyone needs to continue to be vigilant and follow the procedures we have outlined in terms of reporting potential contact, positive testing and the requirement to take action.
- Office and Manufacturing Plant Operations: This is a complex situation. We need to manage supplying customers that are open, recognizing some changes in demand among customers that are required to reduce hours or close, while complying with government requirements. The entire leadership team and the Supply Chain team are working to make sure we can meet our customer needs. However, we have seen in multiple places in Europe and the US, governments have asked that non-essential activity work stop or become very limited. In non-manufacturing sites, we have asked people to continue working from home.
- Managing the Business in the near term: Over a week ago we asked that everyone in the Company focuses on eliminating non-essential spending. We introduced the “10 Rules” for operating during the current pandemic. Hopefully, the entire company is committed to operating under those rules. It is absolutely critical that people eliminate all non-essential spending. If the situation continues to deteriorate, there will need to be additional actions required to reduce costs.
Going Forward
Obviously, the situation is changing on almost a daily basis. We are asking people to do a few things to:
- Stay safe – you are our most precious asset
- Deliver for our customers
- Follow the “10 Rules” we announced last week – expense management is essential
- Understand and follow local guidelines
We also want to remind you that you continue to go to DS Community for both the latest information and guidance to maintain your health. Also, please continue to send us questions you might have to coronavirus@dentsplysirona.com. You will find answers in the “Employee Q&As” posted on the DS Community.
The Management Committee is meeting on a daily basis and is developing plans designed to address the situation with our employees and customers in mind. We will continue providing regular communication.
Yours,
Don Casey
Chief Executive Officer
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