Understandably, employees across the company are tired of all the COVID precautions and protocols that have ruled our lives for the last year.
Unfortunately, we can’t let our guard down yet. While some states have relaxed restrictions, the case numbers still show that the virus is not well-controlled, and those relaxed restrictions are not an indication that the COVID health and safety risks are gone.
A Sobering Reality
Yes, vaccines offer some hope. And, yes, the numbers of new infections and death have dropped significantly from their highs a few months ago. The reality, however, is that transmission of the virus remains at similar levels as it was last summer when everyone was on high alert. And, in some cases – including states in the Northeast and Michigan – rates have begun to rise again. The states that are seeing increases also report high incidences of new COVID variants.
The same is true at Exelon – but even more so. The number of employees who are getting sick every week is increasing significantly again, as well the number of employees being hospitalized for COVID (four in the last week, alone).
Our cases at Exelon not only are going up, but the rate of increase is even faster than the US overall.
Similar trends are occurring across the OpCos.
Race Against Time
As more new variants of the disease evolve, the country – and the world – are in a race between those variants taking hold and how quickly people can get vaccinated. It’s frustrating to keep trying over and over again to make a vaccination appointment and being unsuccessful. But keep trying – with your local pharmacy, doctor, other retail outlets. And Exelon will keep trying too; working with states, local jurisdictions and third-party vendors to acquire vaccines for employees.
In the meantime, please continue to follow all COVID-related safety measures, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings or sharing food all still are very important.
If you’ve been vaccinated, fantastic. Don’t forget to report it in Service Now. However, it remains unclear whether you can be an asymptomatic spreader, so we all need to renew our commitment to safety and re-energize our efforts to get over the finish line together.
Yes, we’re all tired of the pandemic, but we need to stay safe to make sure we’re not sick and tired!
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