Bet

For the skeptics, describe the rising 9th U.S. COVID wave as a *possible* wave that could make millions sick. Assume co-workers will be working sick or out sick, many people with new "allergies" and "summer colds," camp closures, delays in auto repairs, sickness after medical and dental visits, flight delays, fender benders, longer wait times, covering other people's work obligations, missed deadlines, errors and mistakes, sick politicians, increased geopolitical instability, angry outbursts, athletes dropping out of the Olympics and other sporting events, music concert cancelations, nonsensical email, more poorly managed weather events, last minute cancellations, brief small business closures, more conversation about specialty medical appointments, reliving conversations that have already happened but the person forgot, and more co-workers retiring early. Encourage practical steps. Free masks and rapid tests for employees and family. Focus on mask quality (N95+) and achieving an excellent fit. Use FlowFlex and other high-validity tests. Buy HEPA, build DIY air purifiers, open windows, flick the HVAC from 'auto' to 'on,' move events outdoors, and go remote. Submit work well before deadlines. Buy optional insurance typically declined. Increase the "safety stock" of critical items that could be briefly delayed shipping. Plan for key contingencies. Assume delays. Add redundancies. By focusing on the cold, cognitive practical and short-term impacts, you'll reduce the likelihood of triggering a defensive, avoidant reaction. Many people will put two-and-two together and realize THEY could be the person out sick. 1 in 66 Americans are infectious with COVID right now, as are 1 in 73 Canadians. It will get much worse in mid August.