Easterns Updates About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Easterns Automotive Group is closely monitoring updates regarding COVID-19. We are open and practicing CDC recommendations. Maryland and Virginia are open and following state guidelines. There are several resources and internal documents we wanted to share with everyone to work together to stop the spread and support our community.
Effective immediately, all Easterns Automotive Group employees are required to wear a mask and patrons are requested to do the same. (VA- Executive Order 63 and MD- NUMBER 20-04-15-01)

We feel that it is essential to reach out and inform you that we are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding COVID-19. We are taking our entire Easterns family, which includes our people, our customers, our suppliers, and our communities into consideration with the measures we have implemented. We recognize the heightened concern, and we are doing everything we can to protect our customers and employees. There are several resources and internal documents we wanted to share with everyone to work together to stop the spread and support our community.

We are open and practicing CDC recommendations. Maryland and Virginia are open and following state guidelines. Reliable transportation is critically important right now, and we support customers who need to buy a vehicle. We are offering home test drives or in store test drives. Customers who would like to test drive a vehicle will do so alone. All customers are invited to use our express online process to expedite the instore experience if you do not to wish to complete the process from home and take delivery. We also offer home delivery, where customers can choose to complete the car-buying experience from home. We are currently “handshake-free” with customers and visitors. We continue to monitor updates while taking additional precautions.

For transparency here is an updated company policy and below is a copy of an internal memo sent to all employees:

Dear Easterns Family,

Virginia guidelines state that we fall under a non-essential business that can adhere to requirements to stay open. Those requirements are for 10 or less patrons (not including staff) in the location at any time, and maintain CDC recommended social distancing guidance.

Maryland guidelines require us to follow set CDC guidelines and we are allowed to remain open as an essential business.

We will be providing all stores with additional disinfectant supplies to include:

Sanitizing Wipes with Refillable Dispenser

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Do not dispose of the refillable dispenser.

Hand Sanitizer with Refillable Dispenser

• Mount refillable dispensers in the showroom, settlement office, and tower.
• Do not dispose of the refillable dispenser.

Based on the guidance from the CDC, please see the following information to reduce risk of workplace transmission:

Clean Your Hands Often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay Home if You’re Sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and Disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

We are committed to your health and safety, and we will provide updates on this rapidly evolving situation.

Thank you for your dedication to Easterns!

Yours truly,

Robert Bassam
Founder

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020