As we move towards the end of 2024, itās becoming increasingly clear that COVID-19 has become a persistent issue in the workplace. Despite the virus’s well-documented long-term health risks, many businesses have shifted towards the āback to normalā mentality, often encouraging or requiring employees to come to work even when sick. This approach not only puts everyone at risk but also downplays the real and lasting dangers COVID can pose.
COVIDās Real Dangers: More Than Just a Cold
The misconception that COVID-19 is now akin to the common cold is not only misleading but also potentially deadly. Scientific research has repeatedly shown that even mild cases can result in long-term complications, often referred to as “long COVID,” which can affect the lungs, heart, brain, and other vital organs.
Studies have highlighted the following risks:
- Lung Damage: COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory complications, scarring the lungs, and leading to long-term breathing problems.
- Heart Damage: Even mild cases of COVID have been linked to heart inflammation, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Brain Function: Thereās growing evidence that COVID-19 can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and an increased risk of neurological disorders like dementia.
These are just a few examples of the systemic damage COVID-19 can inflict on the body. Itās not a virus to be taken lightly, yet many workplaces continue to disregard these risks.
The Shift to Remote Work: A Safer Alternative
Remote work has emerged as a safer and more practical option for individuals who wish to protect their health. By working from home, employees can avoid potential exposure in shared spaces and enclosed environments where ventilation and air quality are often insufficient to prevent viral spread.
Here are a few ideas for those wanting to work from home:
- Freelancing or Consulting: Offering your services online as a freelancer or consultant can provide flexibility and a steady income while keeping health risks low.
- Remote Customer Support or Administrative Work: Many companies are still open to hiring remote workers for roles like customer service, virtual assistance, and administrative support.
- Remote Education: The rise of e-learning means that teaching or tutoring online has become a viable career option.
- Digital Content Creation: Whether blogging, creating online courses, or designing digital products and printables, content creation offers many opportunities to work from home.
The Need for Safer Workplaces
While remote work is a good option for many, it’s not always feasible for everyone. This makes it critical for businesses, healthcare facilities, and other workplaces to take the risks of COVID-19 more seriously by:
- Improving Ventilation: Investing in high-quality air filtration systems and ensuring proper ventilation in shared spaces can drastically reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
- Air Cleaning: Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove harmful particles, including viruses, from the air.
- Masking: In situations where itās impossible to improve ventilation or air quality, masking should be a standard practice, especially in enclosed spaces with high traffic.
A Call to Action
With the government’s reduced support for public health measures and the COVID inquiry uncovering more about the pandemic’s mishandling, it’s up to individuals and businesses to protect themselves and others. The long-term health risks of COVID-19 are significant. As we adjust to this new normal, prioritising safety means opting for remote work when possible, improving workplace conditions, and acknowledging the seriousness of the virus.
