Information on Metropolitan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic
is posted on the IntraMet and in this Hightail folder
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT MET THIS WEEK

A weekly newsletter by and for Metropolitan employees
March 30, 2020
Met Board Hears Report on COVID-19 Actions
With unprecedented changes being taken at Metropolitan to protect employees and Southern California’s water supply, GM Kightlinger last Tuesday updated the board on the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GM's presentation took place at the board’s first virtual meeting, just one of many efforts to promote social distancing at the district.

Even the district’s Emergency Operations Center is operating in virtual mode.

As of last week, 49% of Metropolitan employees were working in the field or reporting to facilities, 45% were teleworking, and 6% were on paid administrative leave.

Operational changes have also been implemented to protect those in the field, reduce exposure and increase the pool of backup staff. For those teleworking, the IT Group continues to increase capability and improve VPN protocols to accommodate increased capacity.

The district also hit pause on its Capital Improvement Program as it determines which of the 26 current projects can move forward. At the same time, the district continues to ensure it has needed supplies and chemicals to keep the water flowing to Southern California.

“Right now we have low water demands, at roughly 2,500-3,000 acre-feet per day. That is going to mean chemical and fuel storage will last longer,” GM Kightlinger said. Click here for the full audio of the board presentation.

This Bloomberg news article also reports on Metropolitan's actions to respond to this crisis.
Benefits Update: Keeping Mind and Body Healthy
“Dealing with changes in our lives can be stress-inducing and we want to make sure Metropolitan employees and their families have resources to help maintain good mental and physical health during this time,” says Diane Pitman HR Group Manager. Here are a few resources that can help.

Mental Health and Well-Being
The Employee Assistance Program is easy to use and paid for by Metropolitan. It provides confidential, professional assistance 24/7 through a toll-free line: (800) 227-1060. Employees and their family members can receive up to six free consultations.

The National Association on Mental Illness has also produced a resource document with strategies for handling stressful situations. 

METitation Moment
Need a calm moment? Watch this video , the first in a series of water-themed videos created by Met staff to help us all take a moment to reflect.

Online Medical Services
There are many online medical services Metropolitan employees and their families can access, using their insurance, for non life-threatening illnesses or injuries. 

One is LiveHealth Online through Anthem Blue Cross. It provides a video appointment with a doctor or therapist using a smartphone or computer (with a webcam.) Evening and weekend appts are available and currently, co-pays are being waived.  Diane recently used this service for a troublesome bee sting, and found it very easy to use. 

The Intramet has a list of options based on your health care plan - or call the Benefits Hotline, 213-217-5505, option 1.
Even a World Away, They Are Staying Connected
When Manju Nair and Suresh Radhakrishnan traveled to India last month, following the death of her father, the couple never imagined how the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic would change their plans. “We expected to come back in late March. Our older son returned to the U.S. on March 15.”

But India and its 1.3 billion people are now locked down, except for essential services, to break the chain of transmission.

Manju , an associate engineer in Engineering’s Power System Design Unit said it’s challenging to be so far away from their sons, friends and co-workers. She and Suresh , an HR Strategic Partner stay connected using text messages, WhatsApp video chats and Facebook.

Manju even continued her Master’s course work in Leadership and Management.
“I’ve completed one of my courses at the University of La Verne during this time,” Manju said. “The 21-day lockdown in India is daunting but has brought comfort with our family being together during a difficult loss. The internet speed here has also been a surprise blessing,” according to Manju .

Suresh echoes that he’s been in regular communication with his HR team and friends. Tweets from @mwdh2o and others, including GM Kightlinger (@8thGenCA), have also helped him stay up to date on Metropolitan news.

“I may be 9,000 miles away, but in many ways, I’m just as connected as if I were telecommuting from home,” says Suresh . The clincher was when Meena Westford (@h2oexecutive) asked me on Twitter whether my son in San Diego needed any help.” Now that’s H2Love!
New hires, transfers, promotions & retirements are posted here each month.
NEXT LIST: April 6
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