As the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly, frustration abounds as we seem to be moving backward in the battle against the virus. Case in point: Restrictions are cropping up again, and the ever controversial mask mandate is front and center.
The CDC recently suggested that everyone – including the vaccinated – should wear masks indoors in areas of high spread, which is essentially the entire U.S. This means employers should seriously consider reinstating a mask mandate in the workplace.
3 good reasons
The changing rules cause frustration among employees, and you may receive more pushback than last time about wearing masks.
Here are some points to drive home with your employees to encourage mask wearing, courtesy of a variety of Yale Medicine infectious disease specialists.
- Children and immuno-compromised are at risk. Many vaccinated people might be less inclined to wear masks because they believe the unvaccinated made their own choice. However, it’s important to remind employees that children under 12 and many people with compromised immune systems can’t get the vaccine. We need to help protect these groups.
- Breakthrough infections happen. Vaccinated employees aren’t 100% protected against COVID-19. Breakthrough infections can and are happening, and a mask adds an extra layer of protection.
- Masks protect against more than COVID. Last winter, cold and flu cases plummeted because of mask wearing and social distancing. Masks don’t just help prevent the spread of COVID – they’re crucial in stopping the spread of less severe – but still irritating – illnesses. Nobody likes being sick.
