The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside down, impacting virtually every aspect of our daily existence. Businesses have been shuttered and jobs lost, many permanently. As the long-awaited reopening of our economy became a reality, the unexpected resurgence of COVID-19 infections in several parts of the country put a halt to reopening efforts. In addition, with a new school year beginning, parents of school-age children dealt with the dilemma of in-person versus online classes.
Progress is being made in the search for an effective vaccine, but expectations for availability by year’s end are unrealistic. Nonetheless, we may soon see light at the end of the tunnel. Whenever this pandemic ends, there are sure to be lingering effects. One area in particular where the effects of coronavirus have been significant is the workplace. Those workers in “essential” industries who kept working as well as those gradually returning to the workplace have been confronted with a radically altered work environment. They have faced pre-work temperature checks and other screenings, the need to consistently follow social distancing, hand washing and sanitation protocols, and some have even had to undergo COVID-19 testing.