Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2021

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

was held up in Congress due to a provision to protect business against litigation related to COVID 19 — and no, it was not included in the final bill. Yes, there are other issues but this is a big one. One party says yes to litigation protection while the other adamantly opposes it. I’ll not mention party names. You al ready know. I just don’t want this article to become political. It is not. It is based on principle and process that we all must recognize and act accordingly. First, Wearing Masks --I will not attempt to argue with you about the medical value of wearing a mask. Some think it can save the world from all its ills and should be a practice into 2022. I certainly hope not. As I stated back in March, wearing a mask might help and certainly can’t hurt (much). I see many good ole boys, that is all of us, that do not wear a mask in the work place and frequently wear it below their nose. It is considered by the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health as being important. In fact, it is a mandate. Second, Social Distancing — I was raised to shake hands and hug necks. It is very uncomfortable not to shake hands. Dr. Fouche even says that we should not ever return to the practice. This is an example where recommendations are conflicting. For example. It is suggested to bump elbows when you greet someone. On the other hand, it is recommended that you sneeze into your elbow. Now tell me how bumping elbows where you sneeze makes sense. While social distancing and not shaking hands is contrary to our Southern practice of greeting

The Vaccine is Here

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

219,246 COVID19 Cases

3,603 Deaths

This data is from the December 29 report of the Arkansas Department of Health as reported by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. It will have changed by the time this article is published and you have an opportunity to read it. Information overload? More like experience overload. Everyone knows someone that has been sick or died from COVID 19. No one is immune from its catastrophic effects. While the vaccine is here, we cannot afford to let down our guard. This article is designed to help you make wise decisions for your customers, your employees, and your business. While we wait on the availability for vaccine for everyone and the hoped for herd immunity, there are things we must do. The foundation of this article is you must protect your business by protecting everyone that you and your employees may come in contact with. Whether you think my suggestions are necessary for medical reasons or not, they are essential to protect your company against litigation. Litigation?? Yes!! Remember that relief legislation