As we are all aware, 2020 was a year like no other. At this time last year, many of us were scrambling to find masks and other PPE required to keep open in accordance with the lockdown. Some wondered if they would be open at all. Sadly, many of the businesses who could not open were forced to shut down altogether. Those that remained open toughed out the last 12 months through staffing and supply chain shortages, positive Covid cases and the aftermath that followed.
With the vaccine now available for everyone and states across the nation opening up, business in some sectors is starting to pick up. The question now on employee’s minds is when can we get back to normal. When can we stop wearing masks and social distancing? As employers, we must be prepared for that time. Without a well thought out plan as to how and when to return to normal, we run the risk of additional exposures within our facilities. Here at Taprite, we have communicated to our team that we are taking a cautious approach. Even though the state mandate has expired, we are still following the guidance of the CDC by wearing masks and social distancing. The safety and wellbeing of our employees is paramount and if that means continuing to wear masks, we will continue to do so. While we have encouraged all employees to get vaccinated, we have also polled our staff to determine the total number of vaccinations we currently have, as well as the number of individuals who will get it once available. As of today, we have approximately 25% either vaccinated or will be vaccinated. While there is no definitive percent to reach before the mandates can be relaxed, anything over 50% will give us a better piece of mind before considering lifting them.
While everyone is going to have their own timeframe for easing their internal mandates, one thing is for certain, Manufacturers across the nation can’t wait to get back to pre-pandemic business. The success of their business, as well as this country, depends on it. I wish everyone a safe and hopefully prosperous 2021.
Jason Visosky | SAMA Chairman
