On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

"WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction," WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on March 11. 

Flexible and printed electronics companies have responded, taking steps including limiting or canceling nonessential travel, having employees work remotely (where applicable) – or staggering shifts for those on-site – social distancing and increasing on-site cleaning measures. 

Brewer Science said customers’ orders are being fulfilled safely and on time.

"To serve our customers while protecting the health and safety of our employees, we have implemented both work-from-home protocols, where security and confidentiality are assured, and a work-from-a-company office or facility policies where specialized processes have been enacted including social distancing and the highest standards of sanitization," the company said in a statement.

Arkema said it has decided to repurpose a production line to manufacture 20 tons of alcohol-based solution per week to be distributed free of charge and as a matter of urgency to hospitals in France.

"During the current health crisis, ARMOR’s organic photovoltaic activity is maintained with reinforced preventative measures being put in place to limit the spread of the virus," the company said in a statement. "Therefore, our production, sales and logistic activities remain operational."

Thales, in a statement, said it is taking every possible measure, as a matter of priority, to ensure the health of its employees, their families, its customers and the population at large. 

"Thales plays a critical role in many fields, both civil and military, and the Group is, therefore, making every possible effort, within the health authorities’ guidelines, to ensure the business continuity of its customers, many of which are also involved in fighting the epidemic and its negative effects."

"I want to assure you we are dedicating the fullest extent of our resources across our Commercial & Residential Solutions business to these two priorities: First and foremost, to the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities; and second, to maintaining business continuity so we can support you as comprehensively and seamlessly as possible during this time," Bob Sharp, Emerson's executive president, Commercial & Residential Solutions said.

Canon Medical Systems Corporation (Canon Medical) started the development of a rapid genetic testing system for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced. 

According to Chairman and CEO Mike Roman, 3M has doubled its global output of N95 respirators to an annual rate of more than 1.1 billion per year, or nearly 100 million per month.

The company is also maximizing the production of hand sanitizers, disinfectants and filtration solutions, he said. 

"We are doing all we can to support public health and especially our first-responders and those impacted by this global health crisis," Roman said. 

According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is the infectious disease, which can be spread from person to person, caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.

The coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or postponement of trade shows and conferences worldwide, including LOPEC and drupa. 

The next LOPEC will be held March 23-25, 2021.

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