Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic

OMRON Healthcare update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

OMRON Healthcare is responding to the ongoing global Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in accordance with our mission to improve lives and contribute to a better society.

We strive to ensure continued supply and distribution of our healthcare devices and to protect the safety and wellbeing of all our employees around the world. After initial reports of the Coronavirus outbreak the OMRON Healthcare Group has constituted a global task force to address, monitor and mitigate the impact.

Since the Coronavirus outbreak reached the pandemic status, the entire global supply chain has been impacted, leading the disruption in logistic capabilities and production capacity. We monitor the situation carefully and implement measures to safeguard the supply of our products and maintain quality standards.

We are seeing a shift in demand for our consumer product portfolio in the most affected regions with an increase for our respiratory and thermometer device categories. To fulfil the needs of our customers and health care providers, we are working vigilantly with our partners across the world to ensure product availability.

To help protect the health and wellbeing of all our employees, and contribute to limiting the spread of the virus, we have promptly implemented temporary measures to help reduce the risk of infection. Guidance for working-from-home, as well as restricting business travel, off-site meetings and external visitors were implemented in the early stages of the outbreak. Our guidance is aligned with local government authorities.

Leveraging our technological expertise in respiratory disease treatment, we are mobilizing our R&D teams to rapidly deliver solutions and provide guidance to health care providers. Answering to the needs created by Coronavirus pandemic we are accelerating the development of Remote Patient Monitoring programs for hypertension aiming to relief the strain on healthcare providers globally.

As a company tied closely to the health and wellness of those we serve, our thoughts are with our consumers and our dedication and resolve continues toward our Going for Zero mission to save lives.

Sincerely,

Isao Ogino
President and CEO
OMRON Healthcare Co.,Ltd.

OMRON Healthcare recommends people who measure their blood pressure at home to continue monitoring themselves in the usual way as was recommended by their doctors. The current situation with the COVID-19 virus does not provide a medical need in changing the usual monitoring behavior. Regarding the usage of your blood pressure monitor we recommend respecting all the hygienic advices as indicated by the national authorities and preferably not to share your personal blood pressure monitors with others except for family members who share the same household.

• Research shows that viruses, including the seasonal flu, may be more severe for those with hypertension and can increase the risk of health complications.
• If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your physician to manage your condition. Take steps to adopt healthy habits like regularly monitoring your blood pressure, eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising.
• If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms like fever, chest pain or trouble breathing, please contact your physician.

Sharing Data with Physicians

• Many people might be apprehensive about taking themselves or loved ones to a healthcare provider’s office with concerns about exposure to the COVID-19 virus. OMRON connected blood pressure monitors allow users to share blood pressure readings with their physicians remotely.
• Sharing this data can help you and your physician understand if your blood pressure treatment plan is effective. However, if you feel unwell, please contact your physician.
• If you own an OMRON connected blood pressure monitor, you have access to the OMRON Connect mobile app, which allow users to store, track and share their heart health data with their physician.
• Pairing your device is easy. Simply download the OMRON connect and follow the on-screen instructions to sync your device.

OMRON Healthcare recommends people who have allergies and asthma continue treating themselves in the usual way as was recommended by their doctors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed asthma as one of the chronic illnesses that may increase the chance of a severe case of COVID-19. Here is what you need to know if you or a family member suffers from asthma:

• Respiratory viruses are the most common trigger for asthma exacerbations (severe worsening typically requiring oral steroids to relieve symptoms).
• Not all viruses affect asthma patients equally. Some viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus are more likely to trigger asthma flares than others.
• Right now, we don’t know if COVID-19 is one of those viruses that tends to trigger asthma exacerbation.
• There is no clear evidence that patients with asthma are at any higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
• Asthma is an “underlying medical condition” that may be associated with more severe disease if you are infected with COVID-19.
• There is no evidence that asthma medications (inhaled steroids, oral steroids, montelukast, biologics, etc.) used to prevent symptoms increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.
• If you become infected, use caution and avoid experimental treatments unless the treatment is specifically recommended by the physician caring for you.