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As more Nebraskans return to the office over the next few months, health experts remind us we should expect some will be nervous about mixing with others again.
Many Nebraskans haven’t been to an office since last year but could be returning soon as things return to normal. Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan is an infectious disease expert with Creighton University and said in her mind, vaccination is the best tool for having a successful, and healthy return to work.
“If you’re vaccinated for COVID-19, there’s a 95% chance you’re protected and you’re going to be very asymptomatic and won’t spread the infection to anybody else,” Vivekanandan said.
She said there probably isn’t a one-size-fits all solution to a smooth transition back to work and some may choose to continue to wear masks.
“I think we have to have a culture of making sure we are kind to each other and realize even if you’re vaccinated, some people are still going to continue to wear a mask,” she said.
Vivekanandan said co-workers won’t always agree on protocol when they return to work, but hopefully they’ll agree on some basics, like keeping things clean at the office.
“So let’s say you’re using a common computer with a keyboard. If somebody else used it, it might be nice to keep some wipes there that you could wipe down and then you could use it.”
Vivekanandan said we have learned a lot during the pandemic and hopes co-workers will be patient with each other as they return to a workplace that has been mostly empty in many cases for more than a year.