ADVISORY 1 – COMMUNICATION TO EMPLOYEES & STAKEHOLDERS ON COVID 19

(Formerly the Regulatory Division of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica)

19 Hope Road, Kingston 10

Tel. (876) 926-3140/5; Email: info@ncra.org.jm

Dear NCRA Employees and Clients:

ADVISORY 1 – COMMUNICATION TO EMPLOYEES & STAKEHOLDERS ON COVID 19

The National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) has been participating in discussions with our ministry, employees and clients about the global impact of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Please be assured that our primary focus remains the health, safety and fairness in trade for employees, clients and stakeholders.

The Crisis Management Team  of the NCRA is actively monitoring the situation and will implement and recommend measures to minimise the risks to our employees, to our clients and our operations.

In our efforts to help keep employees and customers safe, the NCRA:

• has disseminated the posters on Good Hygiene as received from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to all our offices
• partnered with the National Quality Infrastructure agencies to host an information session from a medical doctor and virologist on COVID 19  
• has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan, which outlines the NCRA’s response to the outbreak – including measures to minimise health and safety risks to employees and members
• is distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and hand sanitizers to all employees
• will be installing sanitization stations for all employees and stakeholders
• will be conducting enhanced cleaning measures at all our offices for the duration of the outbreak
• will continue to provide ongoing awareness information and updates to employees and stakeholders
• is asking all our employees and stakeholders to maintain the recommended 3 feet distance in our face to face conversations
• is asking employees and stakeholders to observe all new sanitization protocols we have in place

We wish to advise that we continue normal operations but will be guided by the Government of Jamaica and will advise our stakeholders of any changes in our schedule.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as at March 10, 2020, there have been 113,702 confirmed cases of coronavirus reported worldwide. Of this number, the vast majority, 96.47 per cent (109,690), have since recovered and approximately 87 per cent of the reported cases were classified as mild. We continue to monitor the situation in Jamaica.

As we go through this period, please exercise due care and adhere to all travel and health advisories issued by respective government agencies, and where possible, limit non-essential overseas travel.

You are encouraged to ensure awareness regarding COVID-19 symptoms and preventative actions, which include:

• Washing your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your face

The NCRA is committed to meeting its duty of care to take measures to ensure the health and safety of our employees, clients, and stakeholders.

I encourage you and your families to do all that you can to stay safe.

Lorice Edwards Brown

Chief Executive Officer
The National Compliance and Regulatory Authority

March 13, 2020

ADVISORY BOARD:  Derrick McKoy, Ph.D. C.D., J.P.– Chairman; Marcia Roye, Prof.; Faye Sylvester, C.D.; Sandra McLeish; Vincent Wellesley; Michelle Parkins, Lorice Edwards Brown – Chief Executive Officer