Muddy’s Blog

FYI: Covid Contingency Plans, Jan 2022

FYI: Covid Contingency Plans, Jan 2022
Below is from an email I sent to my team this morning. No one really knows what the next few weeks are going to look like, but it is VERY clear that a lot of businesses are going to be disrupted (again).
It's important to me that our customers & community know first, that we do have contingency plans, and second, what those plans might look like. If we need to change our operation, we will update this article and post on Instagram & Facebook, so check there first.  Otherwise, safe to assume that it's plan A... business as usual. 
Questions? Contact me directly at kat(at)muddysbakeshop(dot)com
Thanks y'all! 
-Kat

PS. Masks are STRONGLY PREFERRED when in the shop and REQUIRED for classes/events. Please do not crowd others in the shop-- when in doubt, err on the side of more space rather than less. 

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Muddy's Omicron "What If" Plan
The Omicron strain of Covid-19 is the fastest spreading virus in recorded history. Many organizations are having operational difficulties due to staff being out sick or quarantined.  The good news is that vaccinated individuals who catch it seem to experience very mild illness, so while yes, we may run into operational issues and have some challenges to tackle, I am deeply grateful that our team (100% vaccinated!) will likely escape severe illness.
I've outlined below 4 scenarios, if needed.  These plans assume staffing as the driving factor, but we may also make adjustments due to supplies (groceries, food plants, farmers, etc will also be impacted).  Obviously these plans are flexible and in-the-moment decisions will also take into account all the factors.

Plan A. Business as usual :)
If at least 10 staff can work, we should be able to operate mostly as normal.  
Menu as planned. Open usual hours for both pickup and walkin. 

Plan B.  If only 7-9 staff can work...
Preordering will be strongly recommended and will get top focus. Walkin will be stocked as we are able. We may reduce our hours/menu a bit. Adjust schedules as needed.

Plan C. If only 4-6 staff can work...
Open for preorder pickup only; limited hours. Reduce menu to a selection we can manage with the team. Adjust schedules as needed.

Plan D.  If fewer than 4 staff can work...
Close until staffed appropriately. Make the existing preorders as we can. Get other work done as needed (ie: cleaning, organizing supplies, etc).  

Other Items of Note:
  • Testing as a group: 
    all Muddy's employees will take a rapid test (provided) upon returning to work after the holiday.  Possibly additional testing, depending on virus spread in our community.
    *Of course this depends on my ability to acquire enough tests.  I'm working on it, but as of Monday morning still no luck.  

  • Individual Testing:
    Public testing capacity is limited right now; that's outside our control so we're just gonna do our best :)  If you have symptoms, please try to get tested.  If you can't, take every safety precaution you can, assuming you may be contagious.

  • Quarantine:
    the CDC has reduced quarantine from 10 days to 5 days. If you're symptom-free after 5 days, you may return to work provided you wear a close-fitting mask for an additional 5 days (we do anyway).

  • Continue our Wellness Practices:
    Wash hands frequently. Bleach rounds at least every 45 min. Staff wear masks. Limit 1 person unmasked in lunchroom. Maintain 6' distancing.  One-way flow as much as possible in the kitchen. Etc.

  • Boosters:
    Better to think of it as the third dose in the series. Most of our team has been boosted, but if you have not yet, please do so ASAP (it takes a couple weeks to take effect). It significantly increases your protection from this Omicron variant.  "Fully vaccinated" will soon mean "has received all recommended doses" (rather than "has received 2 doses").
Info Resources:
Coping Resources:
It's been a stressful 22 months.  We've had a lot of wins too and everyone has stepped up a lot, but it's understandable if you feel anxious. It's hard to maintain crisis mode for an indeterminate amount of time.  Please ask for help if you need it.  I'm here, but here are some additional resources available to you.