COVID-19 Group Update

Around the world…

China: Whilst most activities have returned to normal there have been concerns about an increase in numbers in the province around Tianjin. With these spikes, the government is looking at ways to minimise movement over Chinese New Year which is coming up in the next few weeks. We continue to follow strict protocols in the factory as well as monitoring the situation with the factory and offices working as normal.
Northern Europe: Restrictions continue to apply across Northern Europe with non-essential retail closed including curfew hours in Holland and restrictions on movement in Poland. No restrictions currently apply in Sweden, but they are now being considered. Remote working continues to apply with visits to the office limited.
North America: The case numbers continue to be high and more emphasis is likely to be placed on the wearing of face masks in public. We have continued to provide face masks in DC throughout the period and remote working continues to apply.
Southern Europe: Whilst there are some differences in approach between France, Spain and Italy, generally, lockdown restrictions remain in place with curfew hours applied and non-essential retail closed. Our factory in Le Mans remains fully operational with strict protocols and remote working continues to apply across all offices.
UK: Lockdown restrictions remain in place with non-essential retail closed and limitations on movement. Our operations in Lowestoft and Kidderminster remain open with most of our people in Snazaroo furloughed – due to the impact on face paint sales as a result of the restrictions. Remote working for offices continues to apply.

Whilst most governments have given dates for review, there remains no definitive situation and much emphasis is being placed on the impact of vaccination rollouts to help the situation. Thankfully, the number of cases arising in Colart employees and their families remain low with just three people affected recently.

Hot desking tool being tested …

With the picture in our minds that life will get back to some sort of normal with a return to the offices, one of the outputs from the Futurescope Project was to introduce a hot desking tool that could:

1. Support the decision to maintain flexible working
2. Enable a reduction in the office space in London
3. Provide an over-layer of safety to show who has been in and where
4. Be rolled out across the group to other offices as appropriate.

I would like to update you on the progress being made and can confirm that the tool is now in the testing phase. Training videos have also been produced in preparation for the launch which will take place once the movement restrictions have been lifted. The tool can be used on your computer or your phone and here’s a glimpse of what it looks like:

Safety first

Earlier this week Mark Brindle posted on the Wall about a visit from an HSE inspector to Lowestoft site for the purpose of reviewing their safety protocols. In case some of you missed it, I’d like to share Mark’s words as they really deserve repeating:

“… we welcomed a surprise HSE visit focusing on COVID Protocols on site. Thankfully we have a great team, who have been (and continue to be) fantastic at following the on-site procedures aimed to minimise COVID risks to all.
As standard practice here, the inspector was welcomed with a thorough COVID safety check, including symptoms check and issuing of clean face mask. Then onto a site tour where the placement of PPE, screens, sanitisers, clear evidence of social distancing, 5-day rotation of reusable masks), appropriate signage and, of course, our brand new COVID friendly washrooms, led to the visit being cut short with the feedback ‘I do not need to see more, it is evident that you have extremely good practices in place….this is the best (COVID) protected facility that I have been to.’ A big shout out to all for the continued support through these challenging times.”
Great recognition of the protocols and measures that Colart has put in place with People First being a priority and more importantly the discipline that has been respected and sustained by everyone.

Little Elephant art classes …

Hopefully, you will have all heard about the little Elephant classes arranged for any of our children who are being homeschooled during this restrictive time. This week was another great week with 85 seats taken over the three days and a clear pattern of dedicated regulars emerging!

We have received some great feedback on the Wall such as:

“Big thumbs up from the Kersey household, Lauren loving the 10 am slot and our house is slowly filling with amazing new pictures. Thanks for this great initiative” said Jake Kersey

“We’ve been enjoying every minute of Little Elephants Art classes, 4–6-year-olds, last week and this so far we’ve made fans, hands, spiders and jellyfish, finger painting and bunting with crowns tomorrow! Thank you for some calm time to look forward to every day!” Said Nicola Shaw

Zoom is working well and everything is running smoothly and we are progressing with the concept of product packs, curated for each age range. We are also looking at recording the tutor during the class so that we can share the content and the potential of an online exhibition. Watch this space!

Please keep your feedback coming and sharing the photos of the wonderful artwork created. Also please remember you can forward the link on to friends and family anywhere in the world. We are limited to 100 students per class within our Zoom licence but if we need to expand, we will.

You can share the Zoom link with friends and family. (https://zoom.us/j/94251161228?pwd=QzhIRzQzeVAyQ09Pay9GTWpieXhoQT09)

From Tuesday to Thursday (all hours are GMT):

• 10 :00 to 10 :45 – 4 to 6 year olds

• 11 :00 to 11 :45 – 7 to 10 year olds

• 14 :00 to 14 :45 – 4 to 6 year olds

• 15 :00 to 15 :45 – 7 to 10 year olds

• 16 :00 to 16 :45 – 11 to 15 year olds