This fall may look a little different, or a lot the same, compared to what we expected six months ago.
In June, it seemed that we were emerging into “normal” life from the pandemic. For many businesses, it was the first time they were able to welcome employees back to the office and gather with team members whom they may not have seen for months. Organizations were starting to plan and announce the rebirth of in-person conferences and travel.
News broke that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave the okay for vaccinated people to no longer wear masks indoors, even as COVID-19 vaccination rates grew across the country.
Then it seemed like overnight, it all shifted. The Delta variant gave rise to the fourth wave of COVID-19. As of September 2, all 50 states are maintaining high community transmission rates. Just like that, it feels like we are right back to asking ourselves the same questions we were last fall about what to do, whom to see, and how to work.
We face ongoing uncertainty as public health professionals work on the latest guidance. Schools are back in session and kids under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for vaccination, return to big classrooms. Some businesses are requiring vaccination for workers and mask wear and others are not.
What questions are businesses and management teams asking TODAY that need answers?