I wanted to share a quick update with you on what we at Accion are doing to protect our staff and continue our work during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have restricted all non-critical travel, as well as ensured that everyone is equipped and ready to work remotely. As well, we are encouraging all staff worldwide to work from home to minimize risk and spread of the virus. We also put in place a policy to ensure that all guests to our offices have not recently been to the CDC’s restricted countries nor exhibit symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other flu-like symptoms.
Accion is a mission-driven organization focused on empowering underserved individuals in the U.S. and around the world, and we are aware that those populations are acutely vulnerable to the impact of a global pandemic. They are less likely to have access to quality, affordable health care and paid leave to care for sick family members. Their microbusinesses – and therefore their livelihoods – are particularly vulnerable to the business interruptions likely to result from COVID-19; and they are less likely to have adequate savings, insurance, or credit that can help them weather economic downturns.
As we assess how COVID-19 affects our partners, we are looking at ways we can help them prepare and adapt for disruptions that may occur in the communities where they work. All of us at Accion remain focused on achieving our mission of a financially inclusive world while ensuring the safety and security of our staff and our partners in this challenging time.
