The Cost of Covid to Employers (and Society) Will Be in the Trillions

March 27, 2023

“A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money." – Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen (R. Illinois) (B 1896; D 1969).

Over the weekend, I visited a cheese shop located in an affluent suburban town on the East Coast. As I looked around the crowded store, I noticed that all the employees were wearing blue non-medical face masks. However, none of the customers seemed to be wearing any face masks. Despite this observation, I found it commendable that the employees were taking measures to protect themselves and others.

As a co-founder of a mask company, I couldn't help but think that the employees could be even more comfortable wearing one of our VeraShield XP masks. These masks are not only easier to breathe through but also have a sleek and stylish appearance. However, I must admit that my opinion may be biased.

This experience led me to consider the importance of wearing masks in the workplace. It's not just about protecting oneself and others from Covid, but also about the cost of lost productivity when a worker falls ill. To gain a better understanding of this issue, I decided to conduct some research. Here's what I discovered.

On March 23, 2023, webmd.com publish an article entitled “'We're Struggling': Long COVID Mystery Has Doctors in the Dark.” In it, we read: “Almost daily, new studies are published about long COVID (technically known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 [PASC]) and its societal impacts. These studies often calculate various statistics regarding the prevalence of this condition, its duration, and its scope.”

Again, from the WebMD article: The CDC considers long COVID to be an umbrella term for “health consequences” that are present at least 4 weeks after an acute infection. This condition can be considered “a lack of return to the usual state of health following COVID,” according to the CDC.” Well, that seems vague ….

Citing a study from Nomi Health, benfitspro.com released an article on September 15, 2022 entitled “The cost of long COVID to employers is skyrocketing.” That article is behind a paid firewall, but the substance of the Nomi Health report is reported elsewhere. CNBC reports that, according to the report: (a) Long Covid medical costs average $9,500 in first six months, as patients become ‘health-system wanderers, and that (b) employees with long Covid are 3.6 times more likely to miss work for medical reasons. This CNBC article says much more and feels quite sobering. The overall present estimate is that COVID-19 will cost $3.7 to $4 Trillion Dollars in medical costs, loss of workforce productivity, loss of quality of life to sufferers and more.

Although COVID-19 is, thankfully, not as virulent as it was when it first arrived on the scene – for every one of us; (a) it is still out there; (b) any of us can still get it; (c) which means we can still get LONG Covid, and; (d) no one knows what LONG Covid will look like on you or what it will do to you next month, next year, or ten years from now.

When it comes to employers and face masks, it's understandable that they may choose not to require or ask employees to wear them, especially if they are no longer mandated. However, it's important to recognize that an unhealthy workforce can lead to disruptions in staffing and production, which can ultimately impact a company's bottom line.

Furthermore, unlike the common cold or even the flu, COVID-19, even in its mildest form, can have long-term effects on individuals, leading to what is commonly known as Long Covid. This little spiked-tip monster could ultimately decimate a valued team member, or a whole team, which is why taking steps to prevent its spread is crucial.

While I understand the importance of preventing the spread of Covid, I'm not entirely sure whether it's necessary for everyone who is public-facing to wear a mask while working. It's a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors, such as local regulations, the nature of the workplace, and individual comfort levels. Honestly, some of this is just beyond my ability to navigate (especially as it concerns the political and sociological issues). Despite my confusion, one thing does seem clear: Long covid should not be ignored.

Oh, one more thing: If you are going to wear a non-medical grade face mask at work (or if you are going to provide masks to your employees), try one of our VeraShield XP’s. We believe in the science of better breathability achieved through an active protection design, and in looking (well) great while you're helping yourself and others.

Please stay safe and be happy!