Announcements

AIRPHX

As the temperatures drop and dining moves indoors, our top priority remains our commitment to providing a safe, clean and healthy workplace.  That’s why we are excited to implement technology developed by AIRPHX (“pronounced “air-fix”) into all of our restaurants nationwide (excluding Big Bowl Chinese Express) and our corporate offices.  AIRPHX features “cold plasma” chambers intended to kill harmful airborne and surface organisms throughout the day. Used in hospitals, healthcare facilities, Olympic training centers, universities, police and fire stations, and casinos, the AIRPHX technology is designed to eliminate 90-98% of influenza, coronavirus, norovirus, hepatitis, salmonella, listeria, E.coli, and over 30 common bacteria and viruses both in the air and on surfaces.  After extensive research and with the advice of experts, we’ve concluded that this is the best system for us.

We began installing AIRPHX air purification units in early October and will be completed in the next 4 weeks. This is just one more important step that we are taking to continue improving health and safety in our restaurants and workplaces.  Thank you for doing your part by following all sanitation protocols, including regularly washing your hands, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and reporting symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness so that we can take appropriate action.

COVID-19 Health and Safety in the Workplace

We continue to receive great questions about how we handle reports that a working employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  Although not a lot has have changed since I shared some of this information with you in July, here are answers to some of your most frequent questions:

• • When we learn that a working employee has tested positive for COVID-19, we inform the entire working staff at the affected workplace.  During this time, we review COVID-19 prevention procedures and self-monitoring for symptoms.

• • In order to protect employee privacy, we do not share the identity or any personal information about a COVID-19 positive employee unless doing so becomes necessary during our contact tracing efforts and/or to protect the health and safety of others.

• • We require COVID-19 positive employees (and employees with COVID-19 symptoms) to remain away from the workplace and we advise them to consult a health care professional.  We follow CDC guidelines, which advise a minimum of 10 days of self-quarantine.  The employee is allowed to work only when they have met all three of the following criteria:
    • At least 10 days have passed since the date that symptoms first appeared, or 10 days after the COVID-19 testing date for a positive employee who is not experiencing any symptoms.  This is the minimum time away; it may be longer depending on the next two factors.
    • The individual has been fever-free for 3 days (72 hours) including at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
    • The individual reports that other symptoms have improved.

• • It is important to note that the CDC does not recommend or require retesting for an individual who has been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19, unless the individual’s healthcare provider recommends retesting.

• • Before they are allowed to work after being quarantined for a COVID-19-related reason, employees are required to self-certify that they meet appropriate CDC guidelines for returning to work.

• • We conduct interviews and review work schedules and shift assignments to identify others who may be at risk due to close contact with the positive employee.  If we identify close contact employees, we will meet with them individually to discuss their individual situations.
    • Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a sustained period of 15 minutes or more.

• • Close contact employees are directed to quarantine for 14 days in accordance with CDC guidelines, which are based on the incubation period for the COVID-19 virus.

• • We follow local health guidance when it comes to reporting to a health department or other governing agency.  For example, City of Chicago Health Department advises that we report if there are 2 positive COVID-19 cases associated with a restaurant in a 14-day period.

Flu Shot Reimbursement

You can also help protect yourself, your family and your teammates by getting a flu shot this flu season.  Even healthy people can get sick from the flu, and it can be serious.  The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccinations as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.  For more information, including a flu vaccine finder, click here: CDC RESOURCE CENTER and CDC INFUENZA.

If you’re enrolled in the Lettuce or an ACA-compliant health plan, your flu shot is covered at no cost to you when you see an in-Network provider.  Present your Blue Cross Blue Shield card to your physician or your OptumRx card to your pharmacist for coverage.  Several pharmacies provide flu shots, including CVS, Walgreens, Osco Drug, Target and many more. Regardless of your health insurance coverage, Lettuce will reimburse you up to $20 towards your out-of-pocket expenses for the flu shot.  All you need to do is write your name, location and employee number on your receipt and send it to us at BENEFITS@LEYE.COM .

Remember to consult with your physician if you have any questions about vaccinations and call your pharmacy location for complete details and to confirm vaccination times.  As always, if you do get sick, please stay home and take very good care of yourself.