COVID-19 Resources: Planning for a Safe Reopening

Dear GBC Businesses:

I hope this finds you healthy and well during this challenging time. Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order allowing many non-essential businesses to reopen in Maryland. Most of the state’s jurisdictions are following this order. At the current time, Baltimore City is the only jurisdiction in the Greater Baltimore region that has not moved into Phase II. To assist you, the Greater Baltimore Committee has compiled resources that may be useful in planning for a safe reopening. This information is categorized below for ease of reference and is added to our COVID-19 information resource page.

It is important to remember that although we are progressing toward reopening, that we continue to fight this deadly virus. It is imperative to follow issued guidelines and to adhere to strict safety protocols to protect employees, customers, and communities.

If the GBC can support you during this time of transition, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Stay Safe and Healthy,

Donald C. Fry
President & CEO

Communicating with Your Employees and Customers

Google

Google’s My Business Help resource provides instructions for businesses affected by COVID-19 to update business profiles to provide accurate information to customers on: adjusted hours of operation, service delays, extra services being offered, and temporary closures.

Gartner

Dos and Don’ts of COVID-Related Communications with Your Customers provides guidance to ensure email communication keeps up with customer expectations during COVID-19.

McKinsey

Communications Guide for Leaders provides for effectively communicating with teams, stakeholder, and communities during COVID-19.

Reopening Guidance

All Industries:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), May 2020: Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
- This guide includes updated strategies and recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including those seeking to resume normal or phased business operations, as well as a table outlining the engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that employers may use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The CDC has also issued specialized guidance for small businesses which includes steps to take to prepare your business for disruption and tips to protect employee health.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA has provided Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 which includes steps all employers should take to protect their employees, as well as specific recommendations for how to protect workers in jobs classified as low, medium, and high risk.

Maryland Small Business Development Center

Maryland SBDC has created a COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide which is regularly updated with the most current regulatory information and requirements and includes information on federal, state, and local assistance programs; employment laws; and links to resources to assist small businesses.

Maryland Transit Administration

The MTA website includes the most up to date information on modified transit routes, as well as information on required face coverings and essential travel.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association

The AIHA has released a comprehensive guide for Workplace Cleaning for COVID-19.

Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)

The Maryland Insurance Administration’s website provides information on business interruption insurance and other insurance issues related to COVID-19. The MIA is fully operational, and complaints may still be filed online here.

General Office:

The American Industrial Hygiene Association

AIHA’s Reopening: Guidance for General Office Settings focuses on how to reopen general offices. Of particular note, beginning on page 8, it discusses how the employer should prepare the employees for coming back to the office, including communication, training, and ensuring employee comfort.

Bars and Restaurants:

CDC

This CDC one-pager provides bars and restaurants with a flow chart to determine in reopening is a good idea.

National Restaurant Association

This Guidance from the National Restaurant Association (published April 19, 2020) provides a summary of recommended practices to reduce risk of COVID-19 in the areas of: food safety, cleaning and sanitizing, employee health monitoring and personal hygiene, and social distancing.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA’s Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic includes advice on the following topics: personal hygiene for employees, managing operations in a foodservice establishment or retail food store, and managing food pick-up and delivery.

OSHA

OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance for Restaurants & Beverage Vendors Offering Takeout or Curbside Pickup outlines safety measures to protect worker’s health – specifically geared to those offering takeout or curbside pickup.

Retail Establishments:

The National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation’s Operation Open Doors Checklist – Version 2.0 (updated May 15, 2020) highlights key topics to consider as retailers seek to re-open their businesses. Topics covered include employment/staffing issues, logistics/operations, and health policy. Page 10 of the document includes examples of communicating through signage as to social distancing expectations.

Retail Industry Leaders Association

The Retail Industry Leaders Association’s Open for Business: A Blueprint for Shopping Safe includes protocols for retail employees and customers during three phases of reopening.

OSHA

OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance for Retail Workers outlines basic guidance for retail management to keep employees safe during reopening.

Maryland Department of Commerce

Best Practices for Businesses to Open – Retail is part of the series of one-pagers produced by Maryland’s Department of Commerce covering cleaning protocols, social distancing protocols, and communication protocols.

Construction:

Associate General Contractor Association of America

Keeping Construction Workers Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic outlines guidelines contractors may want to adopt to keep employees safe. The advice covers general safety, workers entering occupied homes and businesses, job site visitors, and PPE.

OSHA

COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce outlines basic guidance for the Construction industry to adopt to protect workers from the Coronavirus.

American Industrial Hygiene Association

The Returning to Work: Construction Environment Guidance covers how to protect employees, third-parties, and projects from the disease, as well as how to minimize the risk of disease transmission if those that are ill or those who have had contact with positive COVID-19 are in your workforce.

Maryland Department of Commerce

Best Practices for Businesses to Open – Construction and Development covers cleaning, social distancing, and communication protocols.

Travel and Tourism:

U.S. Travel Association

Travel in the New Normal: Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health and Safety of All Travelers covers several major topics, including: creation of transmission barriers, guides to enhance sanitation, health screening processes, and links to guidelines for food & beverage service.

American Alliance of Museums

Considerations for Museum Reopening outlines a number of things that museums should consider when reopening, including: prioritizing health and safety, appropriate sanitation, restricting contact and capacity, workplace policies and support staff and communication.

American Hotel and Lodging Association

Safe Stay: Enhanced Industry-Wide Hotel Cleaning Standards in response to COVID-19 addresses communication through signage, physical distancing, appropriate cleaning protocols, and PPE.

The Global Association for the Attractions Industry

COVID-19 REOPENING GUIDANCE: Considerations for the Global Attractions Industry (First Edition, May 1, 2020) addresses considerations for attractions to re-open and discusses guest communications on pages 7 to 8. Other topics covered include how to calculate appropriate attendance limits, PPE requirements, controlling access, and sanitation protocols

Maryland Department of Commerce

Best Practices for Businesses to Open – Accommodations covers cleaning, social distancing, and communication protocols.

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