When should you reopen your business during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The CDC has several informational graphics available that provide reopening advice for businesses, restaurants, bars, and schools. These flow charts show the steps establishments must take before re-opening to the public.

The steps begin with following state or local orders* and preparations for protecting high-risk employees and customers.

The next phase recommends specific health and safety actions.

The final phase recommends ongoing monitoring of the facility.

The CDC flow chart checklist for businesses and general workplaces is structured around these three questions:

  • Should you consider opening?
    • Will reopening be consistent with applicable state and local orders?
    • Are you ready to protect employees at higher risk for severe illness?

If you answer no to either of these questions, do not open.

If you can answer yes to both of these questions, go to the next section.

  • Are recommended health and safety actions in place?
    • Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing and employees wearing a cloth face covering as feasible.
    • Intensity cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
    • Encourage social distancing and enhance spacing between employees.
    • Consider modifying travel and commuting practices.
    • Train all employees on health and safety protocols.

If you can meet all these safeguard go on to the next section.

  • Is ongoing monitoring in place?
    • Develop and implement procedures to check for signs and symptoms of employees daily upon arrival, as feasible,
    • Encourage anyone who is sick to stay home.
    • Plan for if an employee gets sick.
    • Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities and employees.
    • Monitor employee absences and have flexible leave policies and practices.
    • Be ready to consult with the local health authorities if these are cases in the facility or an increase in cases in the local area.

For complete details and related links to more specific information and resources, you may want to check out Businesses and Workplaces, Plan, Prepare, and Response.

*Crain’s Detroit Business posted this article on May 19th, 2020. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Monday laying out extensive workplace safety requirements fo businesses to adhere to as they reopen after the two-month coronavirus pandemic shutdown.  Access the full article here.