The US is seeing its highest death toll, more than 344,000 people have now died of the COVID-19 virus.
With many states reporting their hospitals are being overrun with the virus, some have tightened their reopening plans to help stop the spread.
In Massachusetts, these restrictions include reducing capacity limits to 25% statewide for most industries, and 10 persons for indoor gatherings, 25 persons for outdoor gatherings to both private homes and event venues and public spaces.. Additional safety measures will be applied to restaurant dining as well.
Rhode Island will be hitting pause for three weeks, ending December 20th. The pause is intended to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 by dialing down overall mobility and reducing social gatherings. These reductions are key to stemming Rhode Island’s recent increase in cases and hospitalizations over the winter months.
Even as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has gained Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval and shipments are being received by hospitals, the virus is still as deadly as ever. While the general population await their time to be able to take the vaccine, the flu season upon us, and with Christmas fast approaching, there is concern among health professionals that people will let down their guard.
Though there is now light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel is still very long.
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Plan
Every state will have their own plan for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it’s most likely that many will follow a similar path for continuity.
For instance, in Massachusetts, according to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Public Health, they have developed a vaccine distribution timeline which provides 3 Phases.
Phase 1 timeline is December 2020 – February 2021, and will include:
- Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
- Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
- Police, fire and emergency medical services
- Congregate care settings (including corrections and shelters)
- Home-based health care workers
- Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care
Phase 2 timeline is February-March 2021, and will include:
- Individuals with 2+ co-morbid conditions (high risk for COVID-19 complications)
- Early education, K-12, transit, grocery, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works and public health workers
- Adults 65+
- Individuals with one co-morbid condition
Phase 3 timeline starts in April 2021 and is expected to be available to the general public.
CDC Safety Guidelines are Still Important
Though the COVID-19 vaccine is now being distributed and administered, the risk for infection is still high. Now is not the time to stop adhering to safety protocols. These are in place to help keep you and everyone around you safe.
While we wait, be sure to:
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands often
- Maintain social distance of at least 6 feet
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you feel sick – stay home
We’re Here to Help
In these challenging times, the risk of exposure is more prevalent than ever. We offer the following safety service options:
COVID-19 CONSULTING BUNDLE – Written directive/policy on requirements which can be either a corporate policy or a site-specific policy.
COVID-19 TRAINING (INFECTION CONTROL WEBINAR) – We offer Open Enrollment Classes and Private Company Sponsored Classes made available at your convenience.
COVID19 TESTING – We now offer COVID-19 Testing Services For Colleges, Universities, Private Companies, And Public Agencies
If you have concerns about your workforce and coronavirus, please contact us today to learn about steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your employees.