Dear Friends,

On June 8th our office officially reopened for business and, as we all continue to adapt to the many challenges and uncertainties of the COVID-19 crisis, Richard E. Jones Associates would like to update you on the procedures we have implemented as New York State moves forward. We are following New York State Department of Health guidelines for re-opening, and have completed a Safety Plan outlining COVID-19 prevention.

Over the last several months we have been actively preparing a reopening plan that promotes a feeling of safety for our employees and visitors while they are in the office. The following are some of the actions we have taken to help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors, our team members, and their families. Collaborating with our team will look different moving forward, but we feel the proactive approach we have taken in implementing our plan allows us to continue to serve our clients well, all while responding to state and federal guidance that limits the potential for virus transmission.

Below are policies our firm has implemented as NY State moves forward with reopening:

• Our staff has the option to work in-office or from home during the remainder of this crisis.
• All meetings will be conducted via telephone and video conferencing to reduce contact.
• Desks and work-spaces will be occupied to allow for social distancing.
• All employees and visitors will be required to complete a Health Screen Form. This Form is required as part of Richard E. Jones Associates’ COVID-19 Safety Plan and New York State Department of Health guidance.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures, including cleaning of our work spaces and common areas daily.
• Hand sanitizer is available in common areas and we are following CDC hand washing procedures.
• Staff has been directed to sanitize common area technology and appliance surfaces after each use.
• Staff will additionally sanitize their work-space at the end of the day, prior to leaving.
• Our staff is required to wear protective gear for everyone’s protection. Staff members will wear face coverings when entering the office, walking through circulation routes, occupying common spaces, and any other time social distance cannot be maintained.
• If staff or visitors are not feeling well, we kindly ask that they stay home and rest until feeling better.

Moving forward, we will continue to stay informed and implement guidance from our local health and government officials as the response to the pandemic progresses. We wish everyone the best and continue to hope for a quick return to normal operations. Most importantly, please stay safe, and be well during this difficult time.

Best Regards,
The Entire Team at Richard E. Jones Associates

Effective Monday, March 16, Richard E. Jones Associates will become a fully remote workplace, continuing to operate at full capacity. Our entire staff is prepared and equipped to work remotely and remains reachable by phone, email, and teleconference. We value the collaborative nature of our practice and have ensured that our team has the tools to continue to work together, and with our clients, efficiently and with no disruption.

We will operate consistent with our existing projected schedules and do not foresee project delays at this moment. Also note that, whenever possible, meetings will be conducted virtually. We are committed to working with our clients and consultants to accommodate this disruption and confident that our projects can move forward successfully.

Our proactive approach to these changes allows us to continue to serve our clients well, while responding to state and federal guidance that limits the potential for virus transmission. We are following public health advice and establishing social distancing and hygiene measures that protect the health and wellness of our staff, clients, and community. We encourage others in our industry to do the same.

We wish everyone the best and a hope for a quick return to normal operations. Most importantly, please stay safe, and be well during this difficult time.

Regards,
The Entire Team at Richard E. Jones Associates