ICYMI: Vaccine mandates, masks and mounting infections have mobility professionals on their toes

Has the last couple weeks of infection surges, mostly the result of the Delta variant, put a dent in the workplace value proposition? Anyone rethinking the timing of any re-opening plans, vaccine mandates, or even reconsidering work models? As a mobility professional, what are your biggest concerns as it relates to your company's mobility programs?

With the Delta variant creating havoc in Asia, Europe, Africa and now North America, many are wondering whether the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections will impact the timing of the "back to work" (physically speaking) efforts that numerous companies have been considering. There are vaccine mandates rolling out (think France, New York City, California, etc.), and restrictions and lockdowns continue to be part of the ongoing scenes across the world. Let's have a look around:

1. Spain and Portugal: Per The Points Guy, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department have both warned Americans against traveling to the popular European destinations of Spain and Portugal, as well as Cyprus and Kyrgystan." (#DoNotTravelAdvisories) There has been a 74% increase in new cases in Spain and an 18% rise in Portugal over the last couple of weeks. Interestingly, Spain currently does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry for U.S. citizens traveling to Spain whereas Portugal is requiring a negative COVID-19 test (or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the previous 90 days) regardless of whether the person is vaccinated. Cases have increased in Spain recently to the point where Germany on July 23 classified Spain as an area with a high incidence of coronavirus, meaning that unvaccinated travelers returning have to quarantine for at least five days. According to GardaWorld, Portugal continues to keep in place travel restrictions for many countries and requires travelers from the UK to provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or quarantine for 14 days on arrival. 
2. United States: The country will continue to restrict entry of Europeans and others due to ongoing concerns of the Delta variant spreading. The biggest risk being discussed is around those who remain unvaccinated, as the number of infections has continued to escalate to more than four times what it was a month ago. The U.S. has the highest rates of vaccine hesitance or refusal of any nation except Russia. The CDC is revising its guidance now on completely immunized people wearing masks indoors in certain situations (particularly in COVID hotspots) to avoid "breakthrough infections." They are also recommending masks in schools.
3. Australia: While two states (Victoria and South Australia) emerge out of lockdown, Sydney continues to struggle with it's outbreak. There is concern that anti-lockdown protestors not wearing masks will promote the spread too. The lockdown in Sydney will be extended four weeks and here are the current Covid restrictions in place in New South Wales. 
4. United Kingdom: Prior to "Freedom Day," the UK had seen infections rising and was concerned of the potential impact a "pingdemic" might have on businesses when people have been exposed to COVID and must isolate for a minimum of 10 days. More than half a million people were "pinged" by the NHS COVID-19 app and there was a 50% rise in staff absences recently. However, infection cases have fallen for six straight days and this is baffling scientists given the expectation that Freedom Day would set off a new wave of infections. Coming soon will be adjustments to isolation rules for fully vaccinated and those below age 18. Also, the BBC shared that starting Monday, Aug. 2, people who have been fully vaccinated in the EU or U.S. will not need to isolate when coming to England from an "amber list" country. Travelers will still need to take PCR COVID tests pre-departure and on the second day after they arrive. 
5. European Union: There is positive news here as the 27 nation bloc hit the 70% mark of adults having received at least one shot, while 57% of adults are fully vaccinated. Quickly moving past celebrating this feat, Europeans have been warned to continue to get people vaccinated to avoid the potentially drastic impact of the variants.
6. Thailand and Malaysia: According to Reuters, "Thailand reported a record number of coronavirus infections on Monday (July 26), while neighboring Malaysia has more than a million, as the virulent Delta variant carves a deadly path through Southeast Asia, now a global epicentre for the virus." Thailand has been setting new daily records for coronavirus cases this past week. Thailand's government last week imposed tighter lockdown measures in the capital, Bangkok, and 12 high-risk provinces, suspending most domestic flights and expanding the curfew area. Despite being under lockdown, Malaysia has seen cases rising with hospitals and medical staff taking the brunt of the outbreak amid shortages of beds, ventilators and oxygen. 
7. Philippines: Authorities have been scrambling to curb the spread of the Delta variant. The country has seen a six-week high in increased COVID-19 infections. The Philippines has suspended travel from Thailand and Malaysia, and has tightened restrictions in Manila.
8. Japan: While hosting the Olympics, Tokyo reported at least 2,848 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, July 27, and then topped that (3,177) the next day — the most it's seen in a single day since the pandemic began. At least 160 cases have been linked to the Olympics. Tokyo has entered its fourth state of emergency, which will run through August 22. 

As we all confront the new variants, one of the challenges we face is how we treat each other. Everyone is pretty "judge-y" these days. There have been many articles about the increased anger that many of those who have been vaccinated are feeling about those who have not been vaccinated. Per the Los Angeles Times, the California governor recently said:

“It’s a choice to live with this virus, and with all due respect, you don’t have the choice to go out and drink and drive and put everybody else’s lives at risk,” he declared during a news conference in Alameda County. “That’s the equivalent of this moment with the deadliness and efficiency of the Delta [variant]. You’re putting other people’s, innocent people’s lives at risk.”

However, this article provides a perspective that may give you insights into understanding that decision on whether to get vaccinated, and it may lead you to something more productive than passing judgement and being angry. Start by reading: "I wish I could be angry with the unvaccinated. Being Black makes that complicated." Then, be open to solutions.