Merit Family,

As we enter the autumn and spring seasons, depending on where you're located, I want to acknowledge the fatigue we are all experiencing from the pandemic. It has definitely been an uphill battle—one that we must continue to fight. That being said, I also want to point out what an excellent job each and every one of you is doing to help keep fellow employees and our communities safe. 

With weeks now turning into months, I can understand how it's getting more difficult to be patient and practice the precautions we know to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a mask at work and in public places. I encourage you to embrace these precautions. Instead of finding them a nuisance or unnecessary, think of each person you're helping to protect every time you put on a mask. If everyone moves forward with this mindset, we'll be able to navigate the coming months knowing we're all in this together, protecting each other, helping one another. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put out a new webpage that explains how to select, wear, and clean your mask. To help ensure you're using your mask correctly, I've included this information in this newsletter. Please use it as a guide as you go about your daily activities.  

HOW TO SELECT, WEAR, AND CLEAN YOUR MASK

The CDC recommends wearing masks in public settings around people who don't live in your household and when you can't stay 6 feet away from others. Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. 

Overview

• Wear masks with two or more layers
• Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Masks should be worn by people two years and older
• Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
• Do NOT wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators

How to Select

When selecting a mask, there are many choices. Here are some dos and don'ts.

How to Wear

Wear a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.

• Be sure to wash your hands before putting on a mask
• Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it

Do wear a mask that . . .

• Covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Fits snugly against the sides of your face

For more information, visit the How to Wear Masks web page.

Do NOT wear a mask . . .

How to take off a mask

How to Clean

Masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

Include your mask with your regular laundry Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry

For more information, visit the How to Wash Masks and Masks webpages. For information on the sources for CDC mask guidance, see Recent Studies.

HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE WEEK

To help you get through the season in a COVID-19-friendly way, in each newsletter I'll provide a new healthy recipe to try. This week?

No Bake Energy Balls These fun treats are delicious, bite sized, and easy to make. They're naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten-free, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Also convenient, these little guys can be made in advance and popped in the fridge or freezer for later use. Enjoy! Find the full recipe here.

SILVER LINING STORY

It seems like every day (COVID-19 or no) we're bombarded with frightening and worrisome news. But the truth of the matter is, good things are happening all around us—we just have to look.

When Tyler and Melanie's wedding downsized due to the pandemic, the couple decided to donate the dining resources for their intended 150-guest reception to The City Mission, a crisis center for women and children in Cleveland, Ohio. After they said "I do," Tyler and Melanie showed up in suit and gown ready to start serving food to more than 130 hungry children.

"The happiness that we received walking in was awesome, but as far as working in the kitchen and seeing all the smiling, appreciative faces, that was fantastic," Tyler said.

"Whether you donate your time, the food, or have a small ceremony, you still get to marry the person you love," Melanie added.

The couple said they hope their experience inspires other couples to keep in mind what's most important and focus on that. Read the full story here. 

UPDATE ON COVID-19 AT MERIT

We've now identified 104 cases of COVID-19 among the Merit family of approximately 5,900 (78 in the United States, 15 in Mexico, four in Sales-EMEA, two in Ireland, two in Sales-LAM, one in The Netherlands, one in Sales-APAC, and one in South Africa). Employees are recovering at home or at the hospital. Many employees who have recovered have returned to work.

All facilities have implemented stringent COVID-19 protection measures to prevent any spread of the virus among Merit employees.

Please visit the Merit Metro (for employees who have Merit email addresses) or www.merit.com/covid-19-response-resource-page/ for the most updated information on Merit and COVID-19.

Please stay safe. Please stay positive (and keep smiling from 6 feet). I look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Regards,

Dr. Nicole Priest, MD

Merit Medical Chief Wellness Officer

This communication is for internal distribution only. You may discuss appropriate content of the communication with individuals outside of Merit, but may not distribute the communication itself to individuals outside of Merit.