Updated 6/8/2021
MSA recently updated its policies and procedures in response to COVID-19 and new recommendations put forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We have also implemented new preferred practices and etiquette for all people working in or visiting our corporate offices in order to ensure compliance, remain respectful of all parties and continue to operate in a safe and responsible manner.
First of all, we are pleased to welcome visitors back to our MSA corporate offices. Meetings may resume in person, whether in staff offices, conference rooms or common areas. Masks are no longer required, but we ask all visitors and staff to continue to respect personal preferences and the policies of other clients or vendors who may be present. Per CDC guidelines, if you are not vaccinated, it is still recommended that you wear a mask.
A couple of new guidelines for visiting MSA:
- Everyone is encouraged to carry a mask at all times in case another participating party would prefer mask-wearing.
- Disposable masks will be provided by MSA in all public conference rooms.
- Visitors and staff are welcome to wear a mask at any time, in any location, without question.
- MSA offices located in buildings that are shared by other businesses may still have mask requirements when entering or leaving the building or visiting shared spaces such as restrooms. In such circumstances, visitors should look for signage and follow the appropriate building policies.
- Hand-washing and physical distancing practices are still encouraged.
- Any visitors or staff (vaccinated or not vaccinated) experiencing any COVID-19, cold or flu-like symptoms such as temperature, coughing or sneezing, should please remain home and conduct any work or meetings remotely.
As we cautiously celebrate a return-to-the-old visitor policy at MSA, please know that the safety and health of our employees, clients and partners remains our top priority. We thank you for your patience and understanding during the past year and look forward to reconnecting with you in person soon!
Updated 11/6/2020
MSA continues to follow COVID-19 recommendations as set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our state Departments of Health as we work to meet the needs of our clients and protect the health and safety of our employees, clients and partners. We have also implemented internal protocols tailored to guide our essential business functions and support any medical, emotional or operational needs our team may have. In addition, MSA conducts frequent in-house virtual Town Hall Meetings where leadership shares updates about the pandemic and insights as to how we can best get through these trying times together.
Rest assured, we are committed to doing just that: getting through this together. We will continue to adjust our methods of business as needed, meeting virtually or via approved and safely distanced guidelines, and shifting our project approach to ensure our work gets done, and gets done properly.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Stay safe, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
Updated 6/9/2020
Three months into COVID-19 and many states are beginning to loosen restrictions and allow businesses to re-open in an augmented capacity. We remain hopeful that the tide is turning on this pandemic, yet remain dedicated to continuing to protect the health and well-being of our employees and clients. MSA is still acting upon the recommendations of the CDC and following state guidelines with adherence to safety precautions. We continue to wear masks while in public, in client meetings and on project sites if in close proximity to others—and maintain social distancing and containment best practices. As always, we’re here to support you and to answer any questions you may have.
Updated 3/25/2020
As governors across the country track changes in the COVID-19 pandemic and respond with stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, they are also defining which “essential” businesses and functions may continue with their regular functions.
Governor Pritzker of Illinois issued a shelter-in-place order for his state on Saturday, March 21. Governor Evers established a “Safer at Home” order for Wisconsin on Tuesday, March 24. Governor Tim Walz announced on Wednesday, March 25, that Minnesota will be under a “Stay at Home” order effective Saturday, March 28.
According to the classification of essential businesses thus far, MSA staff may continue operations to support the continuity of critical public works, infrastructure projects, construction sites and construction projects.
We commit to maintaining the highest integrity of safety and precaution as we work to meet the needs and challenges of our clients and partner communities. Our staff will continue to make every effort to work remotely and practice social distancing when remote work is not possible.
We’re in this together, and we’re here to help.
3/17/2020
There are a lot of unknowns about the COVID-19 pandemic. We do know one thing for certain; we’re all in this together. The best things we can do are maintain an open dialogue, be as prepared as we can, and keep trusting that the steps we’re taking together will yield positive results.
Out of an abundance of caution and to honor our responsibility toward the health and well-being of our employees and the communities we serve, MSA has made a few changes to our day-to-day operations. We are following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and our state Departments of Health. We will update this article should our response change moving forward.
- Remote Work Arrangements. Our commitment to delivering successful project outcomes and facilitating cross-firm collaboration is rooted in sound investments in technology that allow us to work wherever, whenever – including at times such as now. Our staff will be making every effort to work remotely when able and will continue to be accessible during traditional business hours.
- Revised Office Visitor Policy. Our offices remain open for staff who are unable to perform their job duties remotely and to receive mail and other deliveries; in-office staff will be practicing social distancing and following CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. For the safety of our office and field staff, we are temporarily restricting all other in-person visitors at this time.
- Ongoing Monitoring. MSA Leadership is closely monitoring the situation and will update this page with any new and pertinent information related to MSA’s business practices and our ability to serve you. We pride ourselves on our ingenuity and ability to develop creative solutions to your planning and infrastructure challenges; we’ll apply that same dedication and commitment to the road ahead.
Thank you for your understanding during this rapidly evolving situation. Your success is deeply important to us. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact us to get the conversation started. And learn more about how MSA can be a trusted partner in meeting your community or development goals. For survey requests, please click here to fill out our survey request form.