TAG Q&A: How concerned do I need to be about what employees do during their off-time?

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Q. How concerned do I need to be about what employees do during their off-time?

 

A. With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in many states, and research showing a high potential for spread in confined spaces (including bars, which a number of states had recently reopened) employers – unfortunately – need to be very concerned of what their employees are doing when they’re not at work.

 

For instance, bars can be a high-risk environment of COVID-19 spread. From the standard atmosphere of a bar – small, cramped, confined indoor spaces with loud music, to their reason for being – drinking and close socializing with others, there is little potential for social distancing or masks. Additionally, studies cited in a recent NY Times article highlight:

• Speaking can release up to 10 times more particles than a cough.

• Particles emitted in talking and loud speech are potentially more infectious than the larger droplets of a sneeze or cough.

• Smaller particles can persist longer in the air and even travel farther into the respiratory tract of those who inhale them.

 

It is imperative that, with increasingly good weather and upcoming holidays, employees are reminded of the need to social distance and wear masks both on- and off-duty.

 

“So how does this concern track with where I am?” you might ask. Ultimately, your concern about your and your employee’s off-time activities will vary by state. TAG’s risk matrix tracks multiple variables and studies leading indicators of states moving from a lower-risk status to a higher-risk status.

One such primary analyses explores test-positive rates (the percent of tests taken for which results are positive for the virus). An analysis of test-positive rates offsets the variability between number of tests conducted across various states. Based on the test-positive rates, the following states are at the top of the high-risk curve (that is, these states have a high incidence of individuals testing positive for COVID-19):

• Arizona 24%

• Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas 15%

• Alabama, Mississippi 13%

• Georgia 12%

• Utah 11%

• Idaho 10%

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For the full, weekly updated matrix across all 50 states and additional TAG analyses, contact TAG. We can assist in your continuing efforts to protect your employees and your business.