The war against the deadly coronavirus has taken a toll on the entire world. Healthcare workers and many other professions have rightly gained the status of the frontline workforce. But the crucial role of security guards during the pandemic has largely gone unnoticed.
Security professionals are essential workers who risk their lives to ensure the safety of others. Hospitals, banks, grocery stores and distribution centers have security officers working day and night to secure these premises. Security is not a work at home occupation.
Security Guards: Responsibilities amidst COVID
On a daily basis, security officers perform security checks to keep threats at bay. However, the COVID crisis has added to their responsibilities. Unfortunately, they aren’t on the priority list for getting vaccinations.
For hospitals and clinics they have been a necessary resource and work hard to keep healthcare facilities safe and maintain a peaceful environment for employees, patients, and visitors. As there are strict protocols in place in these establishments, guards are the first line of security before people even entering a building. They monitor the exterior premises for any possible threats, and provide customer service by helping patients and visitors by guiding them as needed.
Additionally, with the COVID vaccine available in the market and being rapidly administered, the responsibilities of security guards have only increased. They now play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment as the distribution of vaccines are being rolled out. These workers put in their best efforts to ensure the on-time and safe delivery of these vaccines worldwide.
Implementing Face Mask Rules
Despite the increasing number of coronavirus cases, not everyone takes these preventive measures seriously. As we have seen, many people are still resistant to these rules. Under such circumstances, security guards play a vital role in making sure people wear face masks. Be it at shopping malls, grocery stores, banks, etc., they have to intervene directly with these individuals to help safeguard establishments and assist in enforcing mask mandates.
Ensuring Social Distancing
In public places, it’s not easy to maintain social distancing; especially as people grow weary that his epidemic continues. At the onset, people were more accommodating and abiding of the 6 ft rule. However, as time has progressed they have become more lax with maintaining the spatial guidelines. With the efforts of security guards constantly monitoring, businesses can ensure that people keep a recommended safe distance of six feet when waiting in lines.
Identifying Potential Spreaders
It’s been noted that many people who get infected with the virus are asymptomatic and recover from the disease without experiencing major symptoms. However, this isn’t always the case. As such, guards are trained and can help identify individuals who may appear to be experiencing symptoms, and can escort them off the premises. In these cases they will have direct contact with people potentially exposing them to the virus. This puts them in the forefront taking risks to protect the business and everyone around them.
Security guards have proven their devotion and selflessness time and again. They have certainly been amongst the frontline team as we manage our way through the pandemic. With that said, it should be recognized that due to their efforts, it is important that the government acknowledge the critical role they play and allow them to receive the vaccine. They are a priority group and we need to protect their health to ensure they can continue protecting ours.
