Protect. Plan. Act. That's the message from state health officials to businesses as South Carolina moves to the next stage of the state's vaccination plan. Phase 1b begins Monday, March 8.
In Phase 1b, frontline workers with increased occupational risk are able to make appointments for vaccines. Employees who qualify must be in-person at their place of work and perform a job that puts them at an increased risk of exposure due to frequent, close (less than six feet) and ongoing (more than 15 minutes) contact with others in the work environment. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) estimates that around 2.7 million South Carolinians will be eligible in Phase 1b. Examples of these workers include, but are not limited to, manufacturing employees, school staff, law enforcement officers, etc.
To help ready companies as we enter the next phase, DHEC has launched an online business vaccination information page which includes the latest on the state's vaccination plan and recommended Protect, Plan and Act steps for companies to follow.
Protect
It's critical that businesses continue to implement procedures that reduce the spread of COVID-19. That includes wearing masks, having employees stay home when sick, practicing physical distancing and other safety protocols that limit exposure.
Plan
Employers are urged to educate employees on the safety and need for the vaccine and to create a vaccine prioritization plan.
Act
As the state moves to Phase 1b, businesses can act on behalf of their employees in several ways. Encourage workers to schedule their own appointments and work with employees if their appointment is during work hours; coordinate with local, approved providers; and/or become a vaccine provider. And, to better equip companies to act on behalf of their employees, S.C. Commerce teamed up yesterday with DHEC and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership to host a virtual information session for manufacturers. Approximately 800 attendees joined the interactive session and had the opportunity to ask questions to state health officials in real time.
With hundreds of thousands of residents vaccinated, there is a sense of optimism. Yet, it is important to remain vigilant as we continue this step-by-step process and look forward to more South Carolinians being protected.