Re-Opening States and the Security Implications During COVID-19
With COVID-19 speeding toward the 12 million mark, the pandemic is spiraling and making it impossible for life to go as we knew it. National and state regulations keep shifting each day like the wind as the country scrambles to keep the virus in check, making it hard for service workers, business owners, and ordinary citizens to keep up with the seemingly endless changes.
The flu and cold season are right around the corner, further adding to the risk factors that states have to consider as they reopen or partially reopen. For those already up and running, trying to regain some form of normalcy, it has meant a re-evaluation of restrictions in response to the recent spike in cases. Namely, California, Texas, Florida, and Colorado have had to rethink event production and business strategies to tackle the spread.
Since the virus reared its ugly head in March, the job description has changed drastically for security guards. In addition to providing security, guards have taken up responsibilities as the first line of defense in COVID safety. Risking their lives to save others, these selfless and brave men and women are integral to flattening the curve.
Security guards can help reopening states get a handle on the situation in many ways. We explore how as cut across the various sectors that reopening states should focus their attention on.
1 - The safety of hospitals
As the virus turns a not-so-pleasant corner, hospitals will probably experience a surge in patients. The overcrowding by families and friends elevates the risks, further amplified by irate visitors who’d want to force their way in to see isolated loved ones. That means hospital staff now have to juggle their primary responsibilities with other auxiliary duties, which can be a hard act to pull off.
Hospital administrators are struggling to ensure compliance with COVID-19 regulations, and guards can fill the gap. Armed with knowledge on safety protocols and ample training on diffusing emotional and stressful situations, security personnel can enforce social distancing, mask-wearing, temperature checks, among other coronavirus safety procedures. Guards can maintain order and safety in hospitals amid fluctuating circumstances and restrictions.
2 - Restaurant and retail safety
Retail facilities and restaurants are continually on the receiving end of the changes as states tighten restrictions to answer the upsurge. Previously required to fill to a maximum of half the capacity, it is now the case in states such as Colorado and Denver that restaurants can only operate at 25% capacity.
In establishments where alcohol is involved, the risk of unruly guests unwilling to observe safety guidelines is high. Guards can ensure the enforcement of these rules and also see to it that spacing and capacity limits are considered as per state policies. Equipped with de-escalation techniques that emphasize courteous conflict resolution, security personnel can diffuse arguments between guests and staff amicably.
3 - The security of commercial buildings and business parks
The pandemic has seen companies strive to reduce physical interactions between employees, which has meant virtual and other work-from-home solutions. Actual offices have consequently emptied temporarily, resulting in vacant commercial centers and business parks, as businesses move toward remote operations.
An absence of people may be good in battling the pandemic, and it’s certainly an effective strategy, but that has put properties at elevated risks of loitering, theft, vandalism, and looting, among other crimes. The pandemic shows no sign of coming to an end soon, so these buildings will continue to remain vacant and have to deal with all sorts of threats for the foreseeable future. Security guards step in to offer protection and peace of mind while everyone’s away through patrols and surveillance. Their training extends to cutting out other threats before they happen and working with local authorities to keep the properties of business owners safe.
COVID-19 remains a countrywide and global menace, but life somehow has to find a way to keep going. States are continuing to test the waters in an effort to cushion the dwindling economy, although a good number have had to rely on the initial security and safety protocols to keep their borders safe.
For restaurants, commercial buildings, retail, and hospital owners or operators, the enforcement of safety protocols remains among the highest priorities. Well-trained security guards versed with coronavirus safety procedures have become an essential part of implementing safety for staff, clients, and everyone involved.
Off Duty Officers provides security teams throughout the United States. We are keeping abreast of all current mandates and laws that ensure our guards and clients are safe.
