Leading up to the new year, many employers and the public in general have tried to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind them and focus on looking forward to the so-called “new normal.” Unfortunately, we begin 2023 with a reminder that it’s not over yet. A pair of Omicron subvariants, XBB and XBB.1.5, have been informally referred to as “Kraken” by some scientists due to them being the most transmissible strains we’ve seen. Additionally, XBB.1.5 has a mutation that helps it get past the immune system. The good news is that these variants are not impervious to immune defenses and have not been seen to have any worse symptoms than many of the other variants.
Safety Protocols
These highly contagious subvariants do not necessarily mean employers must return to or keep in place the same safety protocols they had in 2020. However, basic practices such as handwashing, frequent cleaning of shared surfaces, staying home when sick, isolating/quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines, etc. are good practices to continue.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
As we prepare to enter the fourth year of the pandemic, employers should recognize that not everyone feels the same way about it. Some people choose to continue wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings, while others are relieved the laws and rules around those have been relaxed. Before changing protocols, employers should consider. They must balance safety, business needs, and employee sentiment to determine the best course of action.
No Blanket Guidance
Safety varies by industry, workforce, location, and many other factors. As we’ve seen, for example in the EEOC’s revised guidance, as the potential danger of the effects of COVID wanes, so do employers’ rights to take certain safety measures. Businesses and their workforces are each unique in their particular set of factors, so there is no blanket guidance that applies to all employers. Each employer must make the best decisions they can with the internal and external information they have available.
HEC members may contact their HR Consultant or call our hotline at 808-836-1511 to discuss specific situations.