The Delta Variant: What Does This Mean For My Organization? - Part 2
The Delta variant took the world by storm, quickly becoming the most prevalent variant globally. It caused renewed outbreaks worldwide, pushed nations back into restrictions, and challenged our hopes that that vaccine would end the pandemic. In our previous post we discussed why the Delta variant was so concerning to experts and the public alike. In this article we will explore the impacts that Delta is having on the pandemic itself, and what that means for your organization.
What Does Delta Mean for the Pandemic?
Before we get into what the Delta variant means for organizations, it’s important to understand how it is affecting the pandemic as a whole.
Contact Tracing Has Become More Difficult… And More Important
Due to it’s short incubation period, contact tracing has become more difficult. Those who are a contact of a Delta case can become infectious themselves more quickly, meaning it is important that all contacts of an infected person are identified as quickly as possible. Additionally, because Delta is more transmissible, it is likely that one case of Delta will result in more infected contacts than other variants.
Getting Tested is Important for Everyone
Because Delta spreads more easily, and those infected become contagious more quickly, identifying cases will be incredibly important for preventing further transmission. Also, the Delta variant seems to be presenting slightly differently than with the original strain, meaning that the symptoms we have come to “expect” are no longer applicable. Additionally, as breakthrough cases are possible among fully and partially vaccinated individuals, even those who are fully vaccinated should get tested if they are exhibiting symptoms.
Social Distancing and Masks Are Here for the Long Haul
As shown in Israel, Delta can spread even in areas with high vaccination rates. Given that, it is recommended that even vaccinated individuals in high-transmission areas take additional precautions. Additional layers of protection, like masks, avoiding crowded places, and social distancing, will continue to be important to prevent spread. Thankfully, these measures are still effective against transmission of the Delta variant.
We May Never Reach Herd Immunity
Herd immunity is achieved either through vaccination or through infection. Because of how quickly Delta reproduces, higher numbers of breakthrough cases are being seen with the Delta variant, ruling out vaccination as an effective method of herd immunity. Because individuals can become infected with COVID-19 more than once, infection will also not result in herd immunity.
Vaccinations Are Still Important and Effective
Even though breakthrough cases are being reported, nearly all hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated. Also, the highest spread of cases and most severe outcomes are in places with low vaccination rates. Although many hoped that the vaccine would be a silver bullet, the primary aim was to prevent severe disease and death: which is exactly what it is doing.
In the future, we may see new vaccines that are even more effective. However, it is likely a few years before this is possible, as none of these more effective vaccines are in human trials yet.
What Does This Mean for Workplaces?
Given the impact that the Delta variant is having, many organizations are revisiting their COVID-19 safety plans. Due to the information above, organizations may consider reinstating their mask mandates, especially in arrears of high contact or in rooms with limited ventilation. Given the highly transmissible nature of Delta, ensuring that your organization’s contact tracing procedure is effective and efficient will help prevent the spread, and reduce the impact to your workplace. Investing in contact tracing technology can help ensure the safety of your on-site team. Additionally, social distancing measures can be reintroduced in order to provide an extra layer of protection against transmission.
Given the fact that the COVID-19 vaccination still offers heightened protection against the Delta variant, some organizations are considering requiring their on-site employees to get vaccinated before returning to work. Major employers in the States, such as Walmart, Google, Facebook, and Uber, as well as smaller organizations, are requiring vaccination of some or all of their employees. The Federal Government of Canada is requiring vaccination for all federal employees and for all employees of federally regulated transportation services.
Employees also have opinions on their workplace’s COVID-19 policies. In the US, 57% of adults believe that employees should be required to wear masks when working on-site, even if they are fully vaccinated. Additionally, two-thirds believe that they should be informed of their coworker’s vaccination status. This second statistic required additional caution when navigating as an employer - some regions may consider vaccination status as health information and prohibit the collection or dissemination of that information.
Even prior to the Delta variant’s rise, many employees were feeling record levels of stress and anxiety. One of the most efficient ways employers can help their team feel more confident and comfortable is to maintain a clean and organized workspace. And this organization is not just in reference to the physical space; also ensuring that your team feels protected by the COVID-19 procedures in place and that they trust the efficacy of the measures being taken will help reduce stress and anxiety. Going above and beyond with your social distancing measures and other safety practices will help your team maintain productivity and feel more secure in their environment.
Do you want to read about other organization’s experiences with keeping onsite workers safe? Check out these case studies: