A Guide to Surviving the Reopening Process

As we enter Phase 1 of the reopening process, small business owners need to think about what’s next. How will you adapt and move forward safely? There’s so much information coming at you from every direction. How are you supposed to know which protocol to follow?

Our team at AeroWest has taken the time to carefully research reopening guidelines from a huge variety of outlets, ranging from the White House to the New York Times. We’ve compiled these guidelines from the best, most recommended protocols for reopening your business. We also offer customized reopening services for your businesses. Read on to begin developing your plan for a successful reopening.

Keep in mind that your state will have it’s own specific guidelines to follow. To see a list of current state guidelines, click here.

BASIC PRECAUTIONS – Breakdown of Government & Public Health Safety Recommendations

The White House recommends following the following guidelines as we begin reopening the country:

  • Stay 6 feet apart. While there is no magic number, do the best you can to stay AT LEAST 6 feet apart
  • Do not touch your face
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizer on the go
  • Wear masks & provide masks to your staff
  • Disinfection frequently used items & surfaces as much as possible
  • Sneeze of cough into a tissue or your elbow

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGERS, & BUSINESS OWNERS:

Employers can expect state and federal requirements for establishing new health and safety protocols for the workplace—such as mandatory health screenings and face coverings—that may remain in place for the foreseeable future. Indeed, many reopening plans include multiple mitigation steps, such as limits on occupancy, sanitation and physical distancing requirements, and new posting duties.

TIPS FOR SAFELY REOPENING YOUR BUSINESS OR DEPARTMENT

  • Make a set of “No Personal Contact” Rules – Do not allow in-person meetings of more than 10 employees
  • Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
  • If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.
  • Encourage “No Item Sharing” When Possible. Try not to share pens, staples, computers, etc.
  • Adjust breakroom rules – limit how many people can be there at a time
  • Create prominent hand sanitizing stations, complete with cleaning supplies
  • Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
  • Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
  • Post Plan for Cleaning Community Equipment (ex. copier, tools, machinery_
  • Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
  • Employees should take their temperature before they go to work. If they have a temperature above 100.4F, they should stay home.

SUCCESS IS A STATE OF MIND

You can lead your company forward by demonstrating your flexibility, adaptability  to consumers’ new and evolving needs. Plan carefully. Think about may need to change about your business.  but what new growth opportunities may exist for you in a post-pandemic world.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING YOUR WORKPLACE

According to the CDC, your normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.

  • Wear appropriate gloves
  • Clean dirty surfaces with soap & water prior to disinfecting. See EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19.
  •  Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.
  • Follow directions on the label
  • Maintain your plan to REDUCE exposure to COVID-19 (CDC Tips for reducing exposure)
  • Make sure there is enough gloves & PPE for your cleaning staff

When EPA-approved disinfectants  are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children. Read EPA’s infographic on how to use these disinfectant products safely and effectively.

AeroWest Helps Businesses Safely Reopen After COVID-19

Your customers & staff may be nervous about being in an enclosed space with other people, despite the health and safety protocols in place. We want to help you reassure them. We serve businesses across the United States who are reopening after the COVID-19 crisis. Do you need help implementing sanitation protocol during Phase One of the Covid-19 recovery process? We provide professional assistance to facility services, environmental services, janitorial staff, custodians, and business owners. Let us help you implement safe and effective strategies to reopen your business after the coronavirus.

PROFESSIONAL REOPENING SERVICES

While reopening can be scary, our services are based on recommended protocol to create the safest, most sanitary environment possible for your returning customers & staff. For details, click here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONSULT THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES:

Small Business Coronavirus Reopening Guide

Checklist for Reopening Business After COVID-19

State by State Reopening Guide

Bouncing Back: A List of Statewide Return to Work Protocols

Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes

COVID-19: A Prescription to Get the US Back to Work (Morgan Stanley, April 2020)

How the biggest companies in the world are preparing to bring back their workforce (CNBC, April 2020) 

A National COVID-19 Surveillance System: Achieving Containment (Duke University, April 2020)