Stay Safe, Stay Diligent, and Get Vaccinated

This summer, for the first time in more than a year, many of us felt hope that the pandemic was finally beginning to recede. We began living life more normally, taking those long awaited vacations, hosting large get-togethers with friends and extended family, venturing out to community festivals and fairs, and ditching the masks in public spaces after receiving our vaccination. No matter how seriously you took the pandemic, we’ve all gotten a bit more lax this summer—and understandably so after more than a year of staying home and staying diligent.

But now, we’re starting to see the effects of opening back up and returning to “normal.” New strains like the highly contagious Delta variant are spreading like wildfire, raising concern that the pandemic could rage back stronger than ever. Over time, viruses evolve as they spread and replicate. Delta is a prime example of COVID-19’s ability to evolve; the World Health Organization has deemed this variant the “fastest and fittest” mutation of the virus, with approximately 80% of new US cases being caused by Delta. In a completely unprotected setting (aka, one where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks), on average Delta spreads from an infected person to an estimated four others, whereas the original strain infected approximately two and a half others.

Just like the experts, I’m taking this seriously. Although I received my vaccine in April, I’m following recent St. Louis-area guidance to wear a mask while indoor in public places. MTM is also continuing mask wearing in our offices, taking the temperatures of staff and visitors via an automated kiosk as they enter our buildings, encouraging social distancing, and continuing to limit the number of staff in office. Additionally, just as we have been for months, we’re continuing to encourage all staff who are able to get vaccinated to do so—just as I encourage everyone who is reading this to do the same. The vaccine is free, readily available, and effective at keeping you safe from getting COVID-19 and reducing the risk of people spreading the virus. Together, we can increase herd immunity, decrease the impact of deadly variant strains like Delta, and reduce the risk of death and long-lasting health impacts associated with contracting COVID-19. The more we get it under control, the less it can mutate and become more difficult to manage.

Although we have seen states start to roll back COVID mask and capacity mandates, we are not changing our policies at MTM. We were hopeful to begin a gradual return to work this fall, but are prioritizing the health and safety of our staff first and foremost. We believe following the CDC guidelines of wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands are basic public health initiatives that will benefit our employees and the general public. We aren’t making a political statement. These initiatives are as basic as buckling your seatbelt, wearing a helmet while riding a bike, or appointing a designated driver when you consume alcoholic beverages.

Remember, it’s all about individual behavior. Stay safe, stay diligent, and get vaccinated. Let’s win this fight once and for all, together.?