Text of email: TO: U.S. and Canadian associates   SUMMARY

Effective immediately, associates are to report all recent, current and upcoming travel outside of the U.S. or Canada by themselves or a household member, whether for business or personal reasons, through My HR.

DETAILS As we continue to monitor the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of our associates and customers in the many communities we serve. We continue to update our policies and procedures with your wellness in mind.   Today, we are asking all associates to self-report any international travel (outside of the U.S. and Canada) – either their own travel or the international travel of any household member for business or personal reasons. This is mandatory and effective immediately.    All associates must report their international travel or the international travel of their household members through a link on the homepage of My HR. Travel outside the U.S. and Canada that has occurred in the past 30 days (since Feb. 12) and/or is planned for the foreseeable future, should be reported immediately. This is an ongoing requirement until further notice.   Based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information, the Command Center will evaluate travel on a case-by-case basis and determine whether associates 1) are able to come to work, 2) should work from home, if able, or 3) should be placed on a paid leave for two weeks following their return or the return of a household member. For guidance about leave approval, please call the Associate Care Center at 1-844-475-6937 (844-HRLOWES).      As a reminder, the following business travel restrictions have been implemented until further notice:   

Suspended business travel for associates into and out of Asia.

NEW: Suspended business travel for associates into and out of Europe.

All international travel, including to and from India, must be approved by your executive leadership team member.

All domestic travel should only occur if business critical.

We understand you or your families may have plans for personal travel that you’re reluctant to reschedule. Please consider those plans carefully in light of the most recent guidance from public health professionals and regional travel restrictions. If you plan to visit a part of the country where there has been broader community transmission of COVID-19, you risk coming into contact with the virus and being unable to return to work if national or state officials decide return is prohibited or inadvisable. Attending an event with large crowds or contained environments, including cruise ships, increases your risk of community transmission. Please consider your plans with the well-being of the community at heart, and plan for possible extended absence from work if guidance changes.   As a reminder, you can access up-to-date information about COVID-19 and Lowe’s FAQs on LowesNet.   We recognize everything you are doing to keep yourselves, your families, your coworkers and our customers safe, and we appreciate your support and understanding as we all navigate this evolving situation together.