BY MEAGHAN CARABELLO A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR RECOVERY of long-term care facilities—all of whom are most likely to be exposed to the virus. The three-phase plan prioritizes higher-risk individuals and essential workers in Phase 2, which is expected to begin rollout in the spring of 2021, and the remaining public ages 16-64 without high-risk conditions in phase III in the summer. Vaccinations will be free to anyone, including uninsured Coloradans and undocumented citizens. Until the vaccine is widely available, however, the community must stay vigilant in its efforts to slow the spread. It is still essential that we continue to use basic public health guidance, such as physical distancing, mask wearing and hand washing. For the most up-to-date information regarding employment laws and COVID-19, reference www.eeoc.gov . We are experiencing one of the most devastating health crises in recent history. The COVID-19 global pandemic has taken the lives of more than 2 million individuals and sickened more than 80 million. It has wreaked havoc on our global economy, causing companies to halt operations and small businesses to shutter their doors. Millions have been left jobless. The arrival of effective vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus brings a much-needed glimmer of hope to communities and industries ravaged by this global pandemic. There is an end in sight. Vaccinations signal recovery as small businesses and corporations alike will be more willing and able to transition remote employees back to the office, open their doors to the public, and —hopefully—resume pre-pandemic hiring and profitability. WHAT IS NEXT FOR COLORADO BUSINESSES? It has yet to be proven what the vaccine rollout and impending herd immunity can truly mean for business. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we are not out of the woods yet. Many questions are being raised regarding businesses’ liability or accountability with the matter. Should it be the business’ responsibility to monitor the vaccination rate among their employees? Should an employee be required to work remotely until cases subside? Should businesses require customers to vaccinate? A recent survey by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce revealed that only one-third of surveyed businesses have a plan or policy in place to address vaccination of employees or customers. Though the future of businesses’ role in the implementation of vaccine rollout is uncertain, it is understood that once we achieve herd immunity, meaning there are enough people vaccinated that that state is not susceptible to outbreaks, industries will be more likely to return to business as usual. There is no question that this is what our community and economy desperately need. A PRIORITIZED PLAN TO VACCINATE ALL COLORADANS In December of 2020, the first Coloradans received their doses in accordance with a phased implementation plan developed by Governor Jared Polis’ Office, the Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee’s Medical Advisory Group, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and with extensive community engagement from community members and leaders. First on the priority list, scheduled for vaccinations in phase I, are health care workers and employees and residents BUSINESSES’ ROLE IN PROMOTING VACCINATIONS Though many cannot wait to get the vaccine in hopes of protecting their family and the general health of the community, this plan for implementing innoculations has businesses questioning their role in promoting vaccinations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently clarified various questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations and equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. For example, it says businesses can require employees to receive the vaccination before returning to work (with extremely limited exceptions in the cases of religious beliefs or health concerns). 19
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