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A STATEMENT FROM THE ’TEAMSTER LOCAL 391 UNION ON FACEBOOK SAYS, THEY’RE WORKING WITH THE COMPANY TO FIND OUT IF THIS DEATH WAS DUE TO COVID-19. A UPS SPOKESPERSON TELLS WXII, THEY ARE WORKING TO NOTIFY COWORKERS AND MAKE SURE THE FACILITY IS CLEANED. HOWEVER, THE

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The Greensboro UPS facility notified the public health department and is cleaning its equipment after an employee died from illness Thursday. UPS would not confirm if the employee died from the coronavirus because of legal and privacy reasons. The following is the response given when WXII 12 News asked the company if the employee died from COVID-19:"UPS is saddened by the loss of our employee, and we extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends. We are sharing this news with our employee’s co-workers and we are making support services available to them, when requested. As a matter of ongoing policy, the company does not disclose personal medical information, including the cause of their death, for legal and privacy reasons. We are taking two big efforts. First, communicating with co-workers. Second, making sure the facility is cleaned before the work area is used again and employees are reminded about hygiene and other protocols.Communicating with co-workersWe are informing co-workers in the area that a case has occurred, without disclosing the identity of the ill employee. We are cooperating with public health authorities concerning the employee’s contact trace and are recommending to co-workers that they self-monitor and contact a physician if any symptoms occur.If an employee is exposed to a COVID-19 positive employee, we encourage them to discuss this with their healthcare provider. If their doctor recommends they quarantine, they are eligible for paid time off. In addition to their normal paid health care benefits, we offer an additional 10 days paid time off for workers who are required to self-quarantine for their personal health, or because their spouse/partner is tested positive.If there is a need to disclose information about the case to the news media for public health reasons, that disclosure will come from local health departments or other responding authorities.Cleaning before returning to workWe are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the areas where that employee worked according to public health department recommendations before work resumes. We are vigilantly taking steps to protect the health and welfare of our employees, customers, and the general public. We continue sharing hygiene protocols, social distancing information and protective equipment in line with the CDC’s guidance. We have also significantly increased cleaning and disinfecting our vehicles, equipment and work surfaces throughout our 2,800 global facilities. Further, we have modified our delivery processes so that our service providers do not have to come in contact with customers, thereby ensuring we continue to deliver safely.The ongoing health of our employees is very important to us, and essential for UPS to provide the critical services on which our communities depend."