Workers' Compensation: Back to Work is Going to be Back to COVID

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Back to Work is Going to be Back to COVID

The US Centers for Disease Control [CDC] announced today a continuation of its flawed strategy to reduce the plateaued high transmission rates of COVID throughout the US. As workers return from summer vacation, COVID transmission will remain very high, and the workforce will be subject to primary and repeat COVID infections.

The CDC’s new guidance document:

Does not recognize booster shots as necessary and leaves “fully vaccinated” and “up to date” at 2 shots;
It leaves isolation at 5 days but does not suggest a rapid test for clearance even though a transmittal infection may continue much longer; and
The new guidance continues to stress “community levels” when the critical information is contained in the “transmission levels.”

COVID is Not Slowing Down

This “let her rip” strategy does not make the workplace any safer in the coming weeks and months ahead. COVID is not slowing down, and the country remains on fire. The CDC recognized that COVID-19 is "here to stay."

The Next Strain

Scientists continue to worry about emerging variants. Particlular concern is BA2.75 (India) and BA.4.6.

Stakeholders, including employees, employees, and workers’ compensation insurance companies, need to step up to the plate and take necessary actions to contain the transmission of COVID in the workplace.

Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., Back to Work is Going to be Back to COVID, Workers' Compensation Blog, Aug. 11, 2022), https://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/2022/08/back-to-work-is-going-to-be-back-to.html

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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

Website: www.gelmans.com