The TAG Team Is
Here to Help!
We work closely with our prospective clients to determine the best level of support based on
goals and current perceived gaps.
Whether it’s a phone consultation, online training or onsite visits – we’re here to help you!
​
​
800.401.2239
Watch the Video
Key Points
January 18, 2021
​​​
-
In today’s Recommendations for Industry, we discuss the potential that the new variants may upend the current stable period we see with COVID-19 cases. Read more.
-
The COVID-19 death toll has risen over 2 million worldwide; this marks a new milestone in this pandemic.
-
In the U.S., the B117 variant of COVID-19 is expected to become the dominant COVID-19 strain in the upcoming months (by March 2021). It is imperative that despite receiving the vaccine, everyone continues to practice preventive measures, including mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing.
Recommendations for Industry
COVID Stability Likely to Be Upended by Variants
​
Although the U.S. continues to see high numbers of COVID-19 cases with a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths, we seem to be in a relatively stable period, with no dramatic increases or decreases. However, since new variants continue to be identified around the world, that stability may very well be short-lived.
While information about the different variants’ characteristics continue to emerge, there is no evidence that the most common variants seen thus far cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. However, they do spread more easily and quickly. Additionally, based on a CDC modeled trajectory, the B.1.1.7 variant, initially detected in the U.K., is projected to exhibit rapid growth in the U.S. in early 2021 and become the predominant variant in March.
With all this, TAG is not only reiterating, but is emphasizing its repeated recommendation to continue all COVID-19 protective measures. Now is not the time to relax your guard.
To keep our readers informed, TAG also wants to be sure you are aware that China has reported that the coronavirus was found in ice cream produced in a facility outside of Beijing. It does not come as a surprise, from a scientific perspective, that the virus was found in ice cream (perhaps from a sneeze?) and able to survive in the freezing temperatures. But it is critical that you are aware, and communicate as needed, that there is still no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food.
Should you need any COVID-19 assistance, whether it be with employee or customer communications, or otherwise, give TAG a call. We have been immersed in research and best practices for managing your business since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
rk.
In Case You Missed It...
-
In last Friday’s Recommendations for Industry, we explored the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine and complexities and business decisions surrounding it. Read more.
-
The CDC released some information on the types of symptoms to expect after receiving a vaccine.
-
The NYT reported that at least 28 states have begun vaccinating individuals >65 years old; at a federal level, there is a push for vaccinating all individuals >65 years old. Read more on CIDRAP
-
A new systematic review and meta-analysis has been released that studies “The Sensitivity and Costs of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Saliva Versus Nasopharyngeal Swabs.”
-
A recent study from China exploring the “6-month consequences of COVID-19 in patients discharged from hospital: a cohort study” has found that “COVID-19 survivors were mainly troubled with fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, and anxiety or depression. Patients who were more severely ill during their hospital stay had more severe impaired pulmonary diffusion capacities and abnormal chest imaging manifestations”
-
The CDC’s most recent MMWR found that while stringent restrictions may have come with high social and economic costs, “European countries that implemented more stringent mitigation policies earlier in their outbreak response tended to report fewer COVID-19 deaths through the end of June 2020. These countries might have saved several thousand lives relative to countries that implemented similar policies, but later.”
-
On Tuesday (January 12, 2021), the CDC issued an order requiring that all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country be tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. This order will go into effect on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
-
A best practice of keeping COVID-19 out of your home is to improve the ventilation (air flow) and bring in fresh air, especially if you are having visitors. This extra step, on top of staying 6 feet apart and wearing masks, can decrease your risk of getting/spreading COVID-19. Improving ventilation may include, opening windows, using air filters, and turning on fans – all actions that can clear the air and move the particles out of the space you’re in.
-
You can also use a window exhaust fan or place a fan as close as possible to an open door or window, blowing outwards.
-
If you want a portable air cleaner, consider using a high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) cleaner sized for the room(s) you are airing out.
-
Read more tips from the CDC, including how to use ceiling fans, vent bathrooms, etc.
-
-
Beware of black market COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA has also issued a warning to beware of fraudulent tests, vaccines, and treatments. Be wary of unofficial COVID-19 vaccines and unscrupulous individuals who may be selling or administering the vaccine. Currently, vaccines are being distributed and administered through health departments, hospitals, pharmacies, and other valid medical or pharmaceutical facilities. Do not take a vaccine that is offered outside of locations listed above. If you have questions about the appropriateness of a vaccination site, reach out to your local or state health department.
-
We continue to populate the TAG Vaccine Q&A page.
Keep up to date with COVID-19:
​
Please send us any questions, comments, and/or concerns! We are happy to talk with you.
OR call us at 1-800-401-2239
Get the Insights & Guidance You Need!
Learn how TAG can help your company ensure food safety and brand protection.
Contact us today!