4. Health and Safety (of all, including employees)
Return to March 2020 update
Length: 3 min read; 634 words.
Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Health and Safety (H&S) observed in March. More information about the specific category from March (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [X]) refers to a reference where the reader can find more information about a specific statement. The references can be found in the References list below, Systematized References page or in the downloaded report.
H&S has been discussed 11% more in March than in December (21.8% vs. 19.7%) mostly due to vaccine rollouts and new virus variants [1][4][5][6]. Important developments: vaccines work, the vaccine rollout is improving [1], more vaccines are coming (Johnson & Johnson [24], Novavax [238]), therapeutics are poised to make more of a difference, new cases and deaths are lower but still high, more infectious variants may drive a new wave of cases in coming months; and variants may also reduce vaccine efficacy or enable reinfection [7][6][8][9][10]. Furthermore, the discussion continues about vaccine distributions and vaccination progress globally [11][12][13][14] [15][16][17] [18][19] [20][21] [5][22] [23] [24][25][26][27][28][29][30] [31][32], side-effects [33][34], especially blood cloths linked to Astra Zeneca vaccine and rollout suspension in Europe [35][36][37][38][39], lagging symptoms [40][41], Brazil’s world’s worst crisis [42][43][44][45] [46], vaccine passports [47][48][49], vaccine effectiveness, confidence and myths [50][51][52][53][54] [55][56], vaccine studies on children begin [57], masks [58][59], travel restrictions extended globally [60], etc. One year ago (March 11 2020), WHO declared a global pandemic. At the time, there were more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people had died. In the past 12 months, we have recorded more than 118M cases across the globe, with more than 2.6 M deaths. [1]
Experts predict progress toward normalcy during the second quarter of 2021 in the UK and the US and herd immunity in the third quarter. The new third wave of cases in the EU means that these transitions are likely to come later. [62][63] But new variants of the coronavirus and other risks threaten that timeline. China is expected to reach heard immunity in the third quarter of 2022. Many low-income countries may not receive enough doses to vaccinate all adults until well into 2022. The world is on pace to manufacture enough doses for 80% of the global population, or close to 100% of the adult population, by the end of 2021, but the distribution of these doses may continue to be asymmetric. [64] [12]
Vaccine rollout has brought optimism and vaccinated are slowly returning to some pre-pandemic activities. [67][68][69] Nevertheless, mental health crisis continues. It will take time to deal with mental health problems pandemic has caused. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in more Americans experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. [70] A recent survey from CDC found that almost 41% of American adults struggle with mental-health issues stemming from the pandemic. That number increases to 75% among those 18 to 24 years old. [71][72] Children are also hitting the pandemic wall. [73] Workplace is full of burnout, stress, and anxiety. People are tired of working from home.[74] Patience and grace is the answer. [75] Health and wellness of employees will remain a priority in the post-pandemic future. COVID-ready office design balances the mental health risks that come with isolation as well as the physical risks of being exposed to the virus. Companies are starting to understand the importance of employee health for company performance better and providing mental-health awareness and resources in the workplace. Leaders can foster a psychologically safe work environment. Psychological safety means an absence of interpersonal fear. When psychological safety is present, people are able to speak up with work-relevant content. [76][77] Workplace stressors are psychological “secondhand smoke”. [161] Five ways to design a better mental-health future for a stressed-out workforce: 1) open the lines of communication; 2) understand and meet the need; 3) know the signs of distress; 4) make help available; and 5) embrace and encourage self-care.[71] Four daily habits that will make you happier: 1) take three brisk walks a week; 2) replay your day; 3) do five random acts; and 4) meditate. [239] Social determinants of health include conditions in which people are born, work, and live and the wider set of social forces and systems shaping the conditions of life – and play a critical role in achieving health equity. Evidence indicates that medical care contributes to just 20% of overall health outcomes. The remaining 80% is attributed to genetics (20%) and the social determinants of health (60%).The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the social disparities in communities globally and has increased the need for coordinated action. [240] According to the WHO, every $1 invested in mental health yields a $4 return on investment. [78] Green and blue spaces can improve our health. [241]