Over the summer, we experienced a large decline in COVID cases and watched Massachusetts loosen restrictions to a level that was safe, while approaching normal. Despite weeks of below 1% infection rate , we have not been able to maintain a low number of positive cases in recent weeks. Cases are surging through the country with the onset of winter and although we have not yet reached the levels of transmission seen this past March, we are slowly making our way up there.
In the state of Massachusetts, positivity rates have been about 2.7% and are increasing each week. During the week of November 9th, there was an average of 2,147 new cases reported daily, which is an 80% increase from the cases of the past two weeks. If the virus continues to spread at the current rate of transmission, we are looking at hospitals at capacity, exhausted healthcare workers, and the possibility of a second national lockdown. As of November 13th, the mayors of Chicago and St. Louis have declared stricter restrictions and governors in Oregon and New Mexico have placed stay at home orders for their citizens.
Governor Baker and other local officials, showed great concern surrounding the traditional travel for Thanksgiving. During the holidays, families and friends travel across state lines to gather, give thanks, enjoy each other’s company, and eat lots of delicious seasonal food. The issue for this 2020 Thanksgiving season is that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and nothing is more dangerous than being within six feet of a large group with no masks. Small household gatherings have played a large role in the increase of cases of COVID-19. Trusting in their families and friends’ health, people tend to let their guard down.
A Somerville resident recently described feeling awkward wearing a mask amongst his family members, especially his grandchildren. He worries that if he wears a mask on the one day a week he takes care of his granddaughter, it could jeopardize their relationship. This mindset is not uncommon.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of new coronavirus cases stem from one person spreading it to a cluster of people who continue to spread it to others. These are called spreading events. Gatherings such as weddings, dinner parties, friendly get-togethers, and other events where many people are close together and not wearing masks or social distancing are examples. One way to think about spreading events is a child’s party that involves crafting and glitter. Everyone goes home covered in glitter regardless of whether you are directly using it or not. It floats in the air and is impossible to remove. This is what it is like for the virus, it floats similar to an aerosol and lands on everyone who is present.
Thanksgiving celebrations fall into the category of a likely spreading event and with thousands of possible dinners and family get-togethers. So what can you do to prepare your business for the possibility that your employees will be celebrating and be at risk for contracting the virus? Make sure to warn your employees of the risks that come with spreading events and encourage safe practices. Additionally, have a plan for after the holidays to keep your employees safe and in the event that many employees are exposed and unable to come into work, or work at all if they are very sick.
Evans’ Brothers Consulting can help you figure out your plan and help your employees comply with protocols to keep each other healthy and safe through our training and compliance programs. Give us a call anytime at 617-545-1500 and we will make sure your business is doing everything possible to remain safe.