Is Social Distancing the new normal?
Not forever, but at least for awhile.
As we learn more about the novel coronavirus, the reality becomes clear that this virus will not just simply disappear overnight. Scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to find effective anti-body therapies and develop vaccines but all of it will take time, likely a year to 18 months for a vaccine.
As safety professionals we must continue to stay vigilant and be planning to ensure safe work environments. Essential workplaces have implemented strategies to maintain social distancing, instituting rigid and regular cleaning policies, taking employee temperatures each morning, and have posted signage about everything from hand washing to revisions in the attendance policy.
We all need to take note and be ready to put these practices into place. Now gaining national attention is the path forward and the consideration that a phase in to normalcy is likely. Meaning that our world will operate in a state of semi normalcy for quite some time before we return to what will be considered "normal". As Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton, have stated many times, safety measures taken to help mitigate the spread should not stop once the Stay at Home Order is lifted.
We have compiled a list of some things we encourage you to be thinking about especially if your business is on temporary shutdown. Now is the time to be creating a plan, developing policy and gathering materials needed to make your restart a safe one. Call on your fellow council members who are essential businesses and learn from their experiences and use best p
ractices. Check out the
CDC Recommended Strategies for Business
and the resources from
OSHA on preventing worker exposure.
We are here to help during this time. We are all in this together and we are safety professionals, we've got this!
