Provenio Consulting Inc.
Provenio Consulting contributed to this blog

Due to this pandemic, N95 masks have become a piece of required PPE in industries where they have not been needed before. We wanted to remind companies that N95 masks are considered respirators and as a result, fall within OSHA's respirator guidelines. It is important that companies train their employees on how to properly use N95 masks, ensure that the employees are medically able to wear a respirator, and perform a fit test. While OSHA has temporarily issued guidance lifting annual fit test requirements, initial fit tests are still required. We asked Brad Kramer of Provenio Consulting to provide some additional information about what those fit tests entail as well as additional details about respirator policy requirements. Brad shared the following regarding respirators:

This is a guest blog post from Greater Mankato Growth member, Mayo Clinic Health System.

As the impact of COVID-19 increased in the United States, and Minnesota and Mankato began to brace for the impact in our area, a number of changes began in the lives of members of our community – at a relatively quick pace. Many people are working from home. However, many are working to juggle the demands of work productivity while also trying to help children complete virtual schoolwork and find meaningful activities during a time of social distancing. This can be a stressful juggling act. Here are some thoughts and suggestions about strategies for managing work from home, while also trying to provide support for children and schoolwork, deal with a lack of personal space, or support of other family members as we all navigate these difficult times.

This is a guest blog from Greater Mankato Growth member, SERVPRO of Mankato/Owatonna.

As our community continues to navigate these challenging times, SERVPRO of Mankato/Owatonna wants to stress the importance of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in the workplace and at home. The CDC encourages daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Below is a member guest submission from Lutheran Social Services via their blog.With change and uncertainty around COVID-19, you may feel greater anxiety, worry and stress — especially around personal finances. Some of us are facing the possibility of reduced income with fewer hours at work. Parents are scrambling to find child care or cover shifts so they can stay home because their child’s school has closed. Many households are stocking up on food staples and supplies, creating a strain on budgets. And, there is turbulence in the stock market.This is a perfect time for you to take a good look at your personal finances and put plans in place for the weeks and months ahead.

The following is a guest blog post submitted by Greater Mankato Growth member, Eide Bailly. The blog post is about creating an exit plan for business owners and how they should best prepare themselves.

Are you part of a Greater Mankato member business and have an interest in writing a guest blog for us? Send 500-800 words to [email protected] or reach out to Greater Mankato Growth with further questions.

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