The concept of establishing concentric rings of protection to prevent adversarial harm in the physical and virtual realms can also be applied to stop the spread of disease in the workplace, places of worship, or almost any environment where people congregate indoors. The Secret Service leads the way in applying this practice in order to safeguard individuals. Providing 360 degrees of protection is paramount in a Secret Service Agent’s practice. For the Secret Service, the adversary, often unpredictable and unknown could present itself in various forms and in multiple waves. Similarly, COVID-19, is as unpredictable an enemy as we have experienced in our lifetimes. So, how do we incorporate the concentric ring theory to prevent the spread and provide reassurance to the public and our workforce?
A concentric ring roadmap to challenge COVID-19
Workforce risk includes an array of categories including theft, network and data compromise, nation state targeting, on the job injury, and now the spread of disease. Currently, the need to augment existing workforce planning with a health security strategy that incorporates non-pharmaceutical intervention, logistics, technology, self-assessment and practical applications is paramount. Reopening buildings, restarting operations and welcoming people back can be accomplished safely, seamlessly and in a way that doesn’t infringe upon personal privacy. Outside of the laboratory there is never a 100% guarantee that disease will not impact our community, however, there is a great deal that can be enacted to give your staff and guests comfort in knowing disease prevention is in full force.
First, view the outer concentric ring as beginning in one’s home environment. Encourage a culture of a habitual checkpoint prior to leaving the house. Here, combining technology and self-assessment can go a long way to reduce the risk of employees or guests arriving to your perimeter symptomatic.
Second, pushing out the middle boundary just beyond traditional security checkpoints to implement noninvasive screening (e.g. thermal temperature reading) provides for an effective middle ring.
Finally, worksite planning, logistics, pedestrian flow and practical applications make for a great inner core of protection. Science has already shown us that these inexpensive techniques go a long way – When incorporated into a concentric ring model and adaptable plan, they can reduce the risk of spread.
Wellness security screening is likely here to stay
We are all hopeful for the arrival of a medical intervention in the next 12 months. Despite the advent of a vaccine, some organizations may not fully return to collocated space. For those that do and for institutions that cannot function virtually, states are likely to require health and wellness screening in everyday operations. It appears the notion of checking in on health is here to stay and with our economic imperative it is insufficient to take a wait and see approach.
Putting this all together into a logistical and logical blueprint can be a daunting task for many employers, however, finding a resource that can apply concentric ring methodology is the first best step.
Bluecoat utilizes concentric ring models and a specialized team of experts to create your custom COVID-19 plan. Stay focused on bringing back your business and trust us to handle the burden of putting it together for you. To learn more, contact us at info@trustbluecoat.com.