Questions and answers about the corona pandemic
The global coronavirus (COVID-19) affects ours and our customers’ daily lives in many ways. To this article, we have gathered questions and answers we hope can ease the uncertainty caused by the exceptional situation.
Our Finnish, over 170 years old family business, has experienced both World Wars, our country’s independence and several economic recessions, and a disease outbreak. As a company operating in long-term, a good future for people and the environment is of importance to us. We build our future together with our customers and partners.
We believe that life goes on also after this epidemic – and in this situation, we want to make sure that our service is easy and safe for our customers.
Hopefully, you will find an answer below to your question.
People’s safety
How are you prepared and how do you prevent the spread of the coronavirus in your operations?
We have comprehensive hygiene guidelines for all staff, including hand hygiene, properly targeted and used protective equipment such as gloves, work clothing, and possible respiratory protection. We follow government communications to keep our travel, remote work, and telecommuting policies up to date. Naturally, people at Lindström do not come to work if they are sick.
What guidance and measures do you currently have in place for transport personnel and equipment?
For transport personnel and equipment, the management of microbiological cleanliness is part of our normal operations.
Maintenance and laundry processes
How do you ensure that clean textiles coming from your laundry are not infected by the virus?
Textiles are disinfected during the washing process and handled according to our hygiene principles. Our processes are based on microbiological cleanliness management (in accordance with EN 14065), where guaranteed hygienic results are achieved either by thermal or chemical disinfection.
Do you wash the bags that are used to carry the textiles?
Yes, we do wash those with a washing program with disinfection.
Products and deliveries
How are you prepared for arranging food and freight transportation if your warehouse, transport or other personnel become ill or is subject to quarantine?
In both the laundry and distribution service, we have deputy staff plans to ensure that we have sufficient personal capacity in each situation. Any quarantine situations that would have to be carried out by the decision of the authorities are always communicated to our clients.
Does the current corona situation have an impact on product availability? How do you see product availability changing as the corona situation progresses?
We have already started supply chain continuity planning at the turn of January and February. It is possible that some product groups may face accessibility challenges. We are actively monitoring the situation and informing our customers of any availability issues. For textiles that are in use, there are no challenges in the availability. There are also no challenges is detergent availability and washing the textiles that are in use.
Do you think that coronavirus has an impact on your workwear services and what do you think the impact is?
Coronavirus can influence textile supplies to our central warehouse and, consequently, new product deliveries. We are actively monitoring the situation and informing our customers. The products we supply meet microbiological purity standards, so our customers do not have to worry about the virus being transmitted through our products.
How do you plan to avoid or compensate for these potential impacts?
In the event of any lack of product, we will try to supply a replacement product and we will inform the customer accordingly.
Which of the above products or services can the coronavirus have an effect and to what extent and at what cost?
In the short term, Lindström ensures the smoothest possible operation. Special arrangements may have cost implications, which we notify in advance and agree with our customers.