Post Covid Changes

As COVID is coming to an end what will not?

The biggest change we saw was the mass use of pathogen prevention tools. This list includes:

• Face Masks
• Disinfectants
• Hand Sanitizers
• Gloves
• Shields

With the end of COVID the demand for these products will wain, but the the long term use of disinfectants and pathogen prevention protocol appears to be a new way of life. Though, it cannot be openly disclosed, this author knows of at least one major retail player that has no plans of discontinuing disinfection for years to come.

For this retailer, they see it as a new way of operation. This is likely the sentiment of other major players because the cost of disinfection and pathogen prevention yields other gains that were not predicted.

Because all of the protocols we are using, are broad defenses against the spread of disease these methods have helped decrease the spread of our annual sicknesses, like the flue and colds. This is wonderful in the work place because if people are not taking time off for sickness the work rhythm is not interrupted by this cause and this means one or more less interruptions in work.

The result is increased efficiency and general wellness of employees. As one sick employee usually means more to follow and this leads to a systemic faltering of workplace productivity.

Another benefit, that is not overstated by parents, is school mask requirements. Kids are not getting sick as much. This implies less sick days for mom and dad, and also less chance that children will fall behind in their academic school work. This is not a universal because many schools are still in online only mode and this has created new issues, but without digressing, let us return to the point of focus. Pathogen prevention is decreasing the spread of sickness in children.

The results cannot be discounted; the increased disinfection protocols in gyms, schools, hospitals, work spaces, and retail centers have contributed to a massive drop in the spread of illness. I myself, knock on wood, have not experienced sickness in over a year. This is a wonderful experience, to say the least.

So, though the arguments here are more anecdotal, they resonate with a sentiment permeating our society at this time and are a good indication that many disinfection protocols are here to stay.