Current Headlines
Considering the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States, entire industries are scrambling to maintain consistency in mitigation measures. In addition to the numerous patchwork guidance introduced by government and health entities, implementing respective policies among businesses and healthcare facilities grows to a challenge. Particularly, certain customers and patrons, even employees, express opposition to what is dubbed “the new normal”. In the center of health debates: mask-wearing and mask enforcement in response to COVID-19.
Prior to California’s mask mandate, in Los Angeles, a Target employee engaged in a confrontation with a resilient customer. The customer refused to wear a mask indoors when the employee addressed their concern; the feud escalated quickly resulting in hand-to-hand violence. This is only one instance of countless interactions across the country; such behaviors in a time like this have called for federal enforcement. However, accounting for the spike in law enforcement brutality, protested heavily in June by the Black Lives Matter movement, some worry about the effectiveness and formulation enforcement can take. As it stands right now, entities highly recommend employees consult the manager on-site about mask-wearing concerns.
Moreover, experts such as Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease professor at the McGovern Medical School, cite statewide unification in messaging can help reduce stigma. For many, the mask became a symbol of political ideology and fear-mongering. If it can be answered why this is so, the greater question at hand can be discussed. How can the mask be revolutionized in a new light of acceptance?
Setting the standard
Up to this point, critics of the President pointed out that his on-air presence without a mask further instills notations of rejection to COVID-19 safety precautions. Although President Trump continues to note federal mandates are unnecessary, he stated last week that he would have “no problem” wearing a mask in certain situations. The rationale in this is that states understand their respective situations more closely than the federal government stationed miles away. On an individual state level with respect to retailers, businesses, and facilities, this is not a problem. Compliance is fairly reasonable, but for larger entities, like the Airline industry, the lack of federal authority and guidance makes compliance difficult.
Within the past few months, American Airlines and Delta Airlines soundly banned several passengers who did not comply with company health policies; policies source information from the CDC. Accounting for the nearly 41 million travelers this July 4th, industry officials found travel advisories to hold no weight. Hence why corrective action took place. If not through negotiation, then through punitive consequences does mask enforcement become the standard. Ironically, this is counterintuitive to mask acceptance.
The search for a correct method
Provided such, American Medical Compliance is keen on ensuring health and safety. Just as you do, we want to broaden our foundation to do justice for all stakeholders during this pandemic; which is why we are continually perfecting over 200 employee training and solutions. In the link below, you’ll find a catalog of offerings that cater to specific needs. Now more than ever, it is imperative mitigation forms beyond policy.
