COVID-19 Update (May 22, 2020)

May 22, 2020

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the lives that have been lost due to COVID-19 and express our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, Olympus has set up a global task force to ensure business continuity and enacted measures to maintain stable supply of our products and services to our customers, while maintaining the top priority of protecting the health and safety of our employees, healthcare professionals, patients, and communities.

In response to the Government　of Japan's declaration of a state of emergency, Olympus Corporation and Olympus group companies have advised employees in all areas of the country to work from home until May 29; however, we will gradually lift commuting restrictions beginning on May 25 for employees in the 39 prefectures where the state of emergency was lifted by the government on May 14.

With regard to lifting the commuting restrictions, we will ensure operational systems are in place to protect the health and safety of employees and to prevent the spread of infections. Our new workplace behavior guidelines have been established in accordance with the government’s request for people to adopt “new lifestyles” and with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) anti-infection guidelines.

In Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures (where the state of emergency was lifted on May 21), and in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures) and Hokkaido, where the state of emergency remains in effect, all employees will continue working from home until May 29. This period will be reduced or extended upon further evaluation of the situation.

As a medical device manufacturer, we will continue to ensure the stable supply of medical devices and services needed by patients and healthcare professionals around the world, while ensuring the safety of our employees during this period. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause our customers and partner companies and appreciate your kind understanding.

We continue establishing comprehensive and coordinated plans across our global footprint to navigate these situations, both with a focus on employee health and safety and operational resilience. We will continue to take the utmost care and closely monitor this fluid situation.