Brothers and Sisters,

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization has officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and the United States and other countries along with multiple state and local governments have declared public health emergencies.

Effective immediately, our H&W Trust Fund will waive all participant cost sharing (deductibles, copays, coinsurance) for all COVID-19 related testing and treatment when received by an in-network provider at an in-network facility.

This waiver will be in place through June 30, 2020. The Board of Trustees will assess the situation at that time, and may extend this waiver.

Below are some tips to help protect yourself and the spread of this virus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you feel sick, stay home and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, sleeve or elbow (not hands). If you use a tissue, discard immediately.
• Maintain social distancing when appropriate.

Additionally we are working on setting up a screening and testing protocol through the Union Family Health Center. As details get finalized we will communicate them to you through our messaging system.

In Solidarity,

Your IBEW 357 H&W Trustees