The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way that most businesses operate; and while it is still too early to measure the full impact of what a ‘hybrid’ way of working will have on how we communicate, connect and create, we can already see that the workplace is evolving. Work-from-home policies that were meant to be temporary are being considered for long-term implementation. But while the virtual office is becoming more acceptable across many industries, retail businesses still have a need to create and maintain safe and secure customer interactive spaces. What does that mean for jobsite security? How does a business protect its customers and employees from COVID-19? What can we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic to build better and safer retail spaces and work environments?
What does the COVID-19 vaccine mean going forward for businesses?
While there has been a growing understanding of COVID-19, as well as herculean advances made over the past 10 months with the development of the vaccine, there have also been recent developments which are reigniting concerns and uncertainty. Here are some thoughts regarding the questions that you may have about COVID-19 and what it will mean for your business in 2021.
Do I need to worry about the UK or South African COVID-19 mutations?
In addition to the frightening explosion of new cases globally is news from the UK and South Africa regarding a mutation in the virus that seemingly makes it more contagious. This mutation was first observed last weekend, however, it is thought to have been present since at least November. This same variant was found in South Africa in 90% of the samples where genetic sequences have been tested since mid-November.
The UK variant consists of 20 separate mutations that include several that affect how the virus locks onto human cells and infects them. These changes may also allow the variant to replicate and transmit more effectively; possibly making it 70% more transmissible. While scientists and researchers are focused on understanding this, they have explained that the single most significant driver in the spread of the virus is not the mutations, but rather human behavior.
As for the impact the mutations will have on the vaccine, researchers are still attempting to determine if it could have any impact. However, immunologists believe it would take years for the virus to evolve enough to render current vaccines ineffective. The technologies employed in Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines are relatively easy to adjust and update in contrast with conventional vaccines. They noted that these vaccines generate a massive immune response. As such, the virus would need to produce many more mutations to overcome this effect. To deal with mutations moving forward, experts advise that more than 60% of the public must be immunized in a year, and case numbers need to be kept low, to keep mutations at bay.
I was vaccinated so can I go back to my old way of living?
The answer is no, not yet. Experts point out that there are some realities that need to be taken into consideration regarding not only the vaccine itself, but also what is not known. The vaccine, while 95% effective, is not 100%. As such, 5% of the population receiving it will still be susceptible. While an amazing accomplishment by the pharma industry, 5% of 300 million people is still 15 million people, which is roughly the size of two New York Cities. Researchers are still unsure if people vaccinated can spread the virus. The rapid spread of the virus will not be abated by the vaccine at this point. Rather, a large population of the country will need to be vaccinated for such an effect to take place. This is not expected until late Spring or the Summer.
With these issues in mind, it is important to realize that despite the hope provided by the virus, not much has changed. While those inoculated are safer when they travel about doing errands or come to work, uncertainties remain. Those truly impacted by the vaccine at this point are front line workers who deal with the disease on a daily basis.
Furthermore, there remains concerns about socializing and gathering since it will remain for some time unclear who does and does not have the virus. Once herd immunity is achieved (which is estimated to be at 70-80% of the population having the vaccine and antibodies), it will be easier for governments and society to start letting their collective guards down.
Can my company compel our employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The answer is yes. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has determined that employers will be allowed to require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If they refuse, employers can block employees from entering the workplace.
The EEO Commission added that this decision does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, which forbids employers from performing medical exams on employees. The difference is that the employer is not seeking information about an individual’s impairments or current health status.
What will dealing with COVID-19 look like for businesses and business travel?
Even with herd immunity, the likelihood of this disease and its mutated offspring going away is small. As such we are likely to see the following changes taking root for the long term:
- Mask wearing in public, especially during influenza season.
- Hand washing and personal hygiene protocols.
- Active screening, especially for those traveling.
- Travel cards noting a person has been vaccinated. This is something the International Air Transport Association is currently working on with governments around the world. This would be similar to the yellow fever requirements many countries currently have.
- Vaccinations will become mandatory for students, the elderly (especially those in long term care facilities), travelers, and government employees. It will also likely gain a great deal of traction in the private sector, especially in service industries.
These rules will have a likely secondary impact of causing strife among different groups; those racially, ethnically, and economically at odds or disadvantaged should the protocols be not universal and perceived as not being fair for all.
What new is being learned about COVID-19?
Recent studies appear to show a link between sleep and COVID-19. The research initially came to light by those studying the impact of melatonin on the ability of an individual to develop the disease. People taking the supplement were seen as being less likely of getting sick, and those who were already ill were less likely to die.
While there are currently eight clinical trials being conducted to explore melatonin’s effect, experts in the substance believe it is not likely melatonin that is causing the effect, but rather the fact that melatonin is helping people to sleep.
It was noted that among the long-term symptoms of COVID-19 is insomnia. 75% of people in the UK have witnessed changes to their ability to sleep due to the pandemic. In some cases, it is due to the disease, but in others it is the stress from fear of contracting it and/or the impact the pandemic will have on them and their families.
While not definitive, research points to the positive impact of sleeping on empowering the body’s immune system to fight off the virus.
What are the security concerns for COVID-19 Vaccination Centers?
Early in the national COVID-19 vaccination program, especially during the recent spike in infections, the level of risk perceived by the public may be extreme. In these circumstances, state and local public health officials should be prepared for a high level of demand for vaccine by the public. Likewise, state, local and contract law and security agencies should be prepared for increased traffic and crowd control near vaccination clinics.
If you are running a COVID-19 Vaccination Center (pharmacy, hospital, clinic, temporary vaccination center or mobile vaccination site) and would like to learn more about the security issues that should be considered in administering the COVID-19 vaccine, please download the Vaccine Security Checklist for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Center.
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Download the Security Checklist for COVID-19 Vaccination & Distribution Centers
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