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Whatever industry you work in, the big story over the past 15 months has been the pandemic. As we near the halfway point of 2021, the story is shifting to how we will move on from the pandemic.
Workforce and workplace best practices have evolved quickly throughout the pandemic. Many COVID-19-induced adjustments, from wearing masks to the grocery store to working from home, have become second nature, and things will change again as infection rates decline. With changing mask regulations and vaccination numbers rising, now is an excellent time to reevaluate employees’ needs.
Employees will be happier and more productive when they feel well prepared for the future. That requires clear, consistent planning based on the most up-to-date information available. Here are some helpful statistics to consider as you formulate your post-pandemic approach and seek to mitigate risks while preserving worker safety.
Consult Pinnacol’s risk predictions guide
Focusing on the future allows employers to anticipate workers’ needs and meet them more effectively. That’s especially important with a disruptor as powerful as the COVID-19 pandemic. We created a risk predictions guide that can help. It provides suggestions for ways employers can assist workers and improve safety, as well as noting developments that could impact your decisions in the long term.
Still have questions about how to adjust after the pandemic? Contact a Pinnacol safety consultant today to discuss your questions.
Other Colorado COVID-19 statistics
To date, more than 516,000 Coloradans have tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 28,000 have been hospitalized across the state. Just over 6,300 have died. In early May, the state positivity rate dropped to 6.5%, close to the 5% rate that will allow some mask restrictions to be lifted.
Vaccination rates in Colorado
As of May 5, 2,638,346 people had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 1,960,179 had gotten two doses. Roughly 40% of the state’s eligible population has been vaccinated. Gov. Jared Polis says state data indicates 80% of Coloradans are willing to get the vaccine.
Mask regulations in Colorado
The mandatory statewide mask order has changed several times as case counts drop. The latest update includes:
- Masks are required for groups of 10 or more people gathering indoors in counties with more than 35 cases per 100,000 people. If at least 80% of those in the group of 10 or more are vaccinated, masks are not necessary.
- Masks are required at all child care centers, jails and prisons, congregate care facilities, public-facing government facilities, healthcare settings, and personal service settings.
- In counties with less than 35 cases per 100,000 people, masks are not required in public indoor spaces with groups of 10 or more people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Mental health amid COVID-19
It has been a tough 15 months for everyone. Checking in on your employees’ mental health is important. According to one poll, 37.6% of Coloradans reported experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms, double the pre-pandemic level.
