Blog

In its most recent COVIDView weekly update, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that levels of COVID-19 “virus circulation and associated illnesses” have been rising nationally since September 2020. The CDC has also issued a “COVID-19 Alert,” noting that “COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the United States are rising.” In the context of such rising cases and increased scientific knowledge about the virus, the CDC made significant changes to its critical infrastructure sector guidance on November 16, 2020. In the revised guidance, the CDC urges employers to allow exposed but asymptomatic critical infrastructure personnel to continue to work only as “a last resort and only in limited circumstances.” [Emphasis in original.]

As we discussed in a previous post, employers have already been planning for the arrival of a vaccine—and for good reason given the array of issues to consider when implementing vaccination-related policies. Although mandatory vaccination policies are legal (possibly subject to two limited categories of exemptions and variations in state laws), implementing such policies may prove challenging, at least in the near term.

This year has been challenging for a number of reasons, not least of which is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace. After months of isolation and remote operations, many employers and employees are eagerly looking forward to opportunities during the approaching holiday season to come together (in person or virtually) to share festive spirit and reflect on the good times from this past year despite the setbacks. Nevertheless, we remain in the midst of a global pandemic, and many communities are experiencing an increase in the number of cases. While employers may welcome the opportunity to celebrate and strengthen employee morale this holiday season, they may want to assess the state of the pandemic in their respective communities and consider practical strategies for making holiday gatherings and celebrations as safe as possible.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has refined its guidelines regarding what is considered a “close contact” exposure to COVID-19.

As the pandemic continues, a segment of individuals who contracted COVID-19 reports that they have not experienced a quick recovery. Rather, they are continuing to suffer symptoms months after initial onset of the disease. Known as coronavirus “long-haulers,” these individuals report that they endure effects such as chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and other symptoms far down their road to recovery. While recuperation from a typical cold or flu lasts between 7 to 14 days, long-haulers are reportedly experiencing the consequences of COVID-19 for a far longer period and months after diagnosis.