Maintaining Workplace Safety and the Delta Variant

1.5 minute read

The coronavirus’ Delta variant has caused an increase in active cases nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the Delta variant is twice as infectious as other variants. And people who are unvaccinated are significantly more at risk of contracting it, having severe symptoms, being hospitalized, or dying from it.

Many employers are wondering how the Delta strain will impact their return-to-work plans or their ability to keep employees, clients, and vendors safe. To safely reopen, here are some workplace precautions employers may want to follow.

• Review local case numbers and transmission rates when determining whether to reopen.
• Encourage vaccination and review workplace vaccination plans for on-site employees.
• Reestablish or reinforce workplace preventive measures. For example, continue to observe social distancing requirements and adjust the office layout to encourage this practice.
• Continue to require masks in your workplace. Remember that state and local mask ordinances continue to evolve.
• Review HVAC systems and focus on improving workspace ventilation.
• Evaluate ongoing coronavirus testing strategies.
• Keep employees up to date about the status of your reopening and the evolution of different safety practices.

Even though the spread of the Delta variant remains a concern for employers, there are many steps employers can take to reduce the risk of transmission among their workforce and the public.

Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.