Tips to Reopen Businesses Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Weeks after lifting stay-at-home orders, some states are seeing record numbers of hospitalizations from #Covid19 as thousands more Americans get infected each day. Here are some essential factors to consider as businesses seek to reopen.

According to a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 25 percent of adult workers are vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. Most people, including at-risk workers, can’t afford to miss work for long periods of time. Some people at risk have continued to go to work outside their homes due to the nature of their jobs, many as essential workers. Others may have been able to work remotely, but this option isn’t available to all workers. Many have lost their jobs or may be at risk of losing them. How can we reopen businesses safely?

As more workplaces reopen there will be increasing pressures for all workers, including those at higher risk, to return to jobs or seek new jobs outside of their homes. This will raise issues both for employees concerned about their safety and for employers concerned about how to keep these workers safe. As you consider reopening your business, here are some best practices recommended by the CDC to reopen businesses safely:

• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others when working in a shared space
• Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available
• Wear cloth face coverings
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Stay safe and healthy!