COVID-19 Resources: Planning for a Safe Reopening

Print Page | Posted on June 25, 2020
Open sign

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

McKinsey

Reopening Guidance

All Industries:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

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

Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)

 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)

OSHA

 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

OSHA

Maryland Department of Commerce

Construction:

Associate General Contractor Association of America

OSHA

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

Travel and Tourism:

U.S. Travel Association

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

The Global Association for the Attractions Industry

Maryland Department of Commerce

 Also see: 

Comments are closed.