February 14, 2002 -- Covista Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: CVST) announced reductions in staffing totaling approximately 26% of the company's total workforce. The staffing cuts reflect the continuing effects of the events of September 11, when Covista lost the use of its New York City telecommunications switching facility for several weeks.

John Leach, Covista's President and CEO, said, "Covista has been experiencing, with many other companies, the challenge of sustaining its business in the aftermath of September 11. The cuts we have made bring our staffing levels more in line with our current business."

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