As we enter the second year of the pandemic, where the spread of confusing, controversial and debatable information dwarfs the spread of the actual virus, those of us just trying to keep our businesses open - let alone in compliance - are asking what the future may hold?
If hot topic news items are any indication, vaccine passports may provide a clue.
As with just about everything these days, the pandemic and subsequent mandates requiring masks and social distancing are hotly debated and polarizing. We now introduce vaccine passports to this wild and wacky landscape.
Vaccine passports aren't a science fiction possibility of the future, they're here now. What are they? Just as the name suggests, they are documentation of a person having been vaccinated so they can travel - into other countries, regions, and in many cases, establishments like restaurants, bars, and amusement parks.
Several countries have already embraced vaccine passport for their citizens, including China, Denmark, Israel, Iceland, Greece and Japan. The United Kingdom is quickly moving to implement a vaccine passport program and leaders there are seeking a concerted efforts by other European countries to do the same.
The passports will operate, at least in the early stages, with use of an app on a person's cell phone. The vaccinated person's information will be connected to their government's database, allowing that person to roam freely, give them certain freedoms back like access to certain facilities, and the ability to enjoy other privileges that would otherwise be forbidden if they did not have a vaccine passport.
Yikes is right.
The debate on whether or not this could lead to unwanted ramifications is a saucy one. The reality however is people are willing to do just about anything to unlock the freedoms they once took for granted only a year ago.
Going to the movies, restaurants, and seeing family members in person, all without a mask or social distancing, is more desirable than we could have ever imagined. If taking a vaccine and getting a vaccine passport will grant our freedoms back, the only question is, who wouldn't sign up for that? Especially considering the vaccine is meant to save us from a deadly virus that's ravaging the planet.
Vaccine passports are being discussed here in the United States, with many GOP lawmakers encouraging states to pass laws against the use of VPs, while the Biden Administration is considering using a vaccine passports system. In fact, there are reports President Biden is already working with companies on developing the vaccine passport system for Americans.
Now that we have the skinny on the vaccine passport system out of the way, the question is how this could affect businesses including those in the construction industry.
In the early stage of any vaccine passport program, it's likely businesses will be given the choice to opt out. But it won't be long until a construction business owner will be forced to "get with the program" as certain contracts will require VP compliance, workers will need to show proper vaccine documentation to work on job sites, while simple business related tasks such as getting building materials and transporting machinery will be made impossible without a vaccine passport.
What should be done now?
Since it is doubtful there will be a strong enough uprising against vaccine passports here in US - in part because most Americans wouldn't be able to stomach the sacrifice, and because half of the population is more than willing to sign up for the cause - the alternative is to get ready for VPs.
As a result, it's not too early to start planning for the vaccine passports and how they could affect your business. First, employees need to be informed on how this could affect their jobs.
Let's face it, at least in the early going, many people will refuse to get the vaccine, especially as we continue to learn potential side effects and health risks to these vaccines - which are yet to be receive official FDA approval. Instead, the vaccines have received "emergency use authorization".
According to a poll KLKN poll in Nebraska, 75% of people are against a vaccination passport. To put that into perspective, if 75% of a company's work force refused participate in a VP program, that company would likely have to lay off employees. If the company refused to participate in a vaccine passport program, that company would probably have to eventually close its doors.
If a state decides not to enact a vaccine passport program and corresponding laws, VPs could still cause problems for construction companies, especially if state lines have to be crossed. Additionally, local businesses may have the option to adopt vaccination passports, even in a state that does not require them to do so. The Federal Government, in attempt to get more businesses to participate, could offer incentives.
In this situation, construction companies may lose out on the opportunity to bid on contracts if they don't implement and enforce vaccine passports of their own.
We are truly living in remarkable times. For many, "getting with the program" may not be something they are willing to do. If that's the case, especially if you are the owner of a construction company, preparing for the unfortunate consequences is a must.
As always, if you need construction parts for your machines, give ConEquip Parts a call.
