Intuitive Provides Update on Supporting Customers, Communities & Employees during COVID-19

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive (Nasdaq: ISRG), a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, today provided an update on its efforts to support customers, communities, and its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to global health care systems, care teams, and communities,” said Intuitive CEO Gary Guthart. “Intuitive is focused on the health and safety of our customers, our communities and our employees, through policies and initiatives designed to help.”

Communities

Intuitive and the Intuitive Foundation are working to assemble, donate, and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals and healthcare facilities. To date, more than 100,000 pieces of PPE have been sourced or built, and then donated for distribution throughout the U.S. The company’s goal is to manufacture and donate 1 million more face shields globally.

The Intuitive Foundation is also connecting employees with opportunities to volunteer in their communities. This includes a DIY face mask initiative and engagement with healthcare and essential service-oriented non-profits and organizations. The Foundation (established in 2018 with a $25 million gift from Intuitive), has also started a COVID-19 specific employee matching donation drive.

Employees

Intuitive has taken numerous measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide essential services and support to customers. Intuitive implemented a work-from-home policy for the majority of employees globally. For employees who cannot work from home, Intuitive has implemented additional health and safety measures, including maximizing working space, changing shift schedules, and instituting mandatory screening and temperature checks.

Intuitive has implemented an expanded paid and sick leave program to support employees who are unable to work due to family care responsibilities, underlying health issues, connectivity issues, or other unique circumstances. The company is also providing premium pay for essential team members who continue to supply customers with the products needed to care for patients. In addition, there are Employee Assistance Programs that have been developed or expanded to provide services and resources specific to the needs of employees at this time.