Whether you’re a business or a consumer, shopping or working during a pandemic isn’t without its stressors. After all, everyday activities you took for granted are now concerning. From opening doors to shops to working with a variety of customers, how exactly do you stay safe as businesses reopen?
While there is never a guarantee that going out is completely safe, businesses, employees, and customers can all take simple but significant steps to keep themselves safe during the pandemic. As businesses start to re-open their doors, consider taking some of these strategies.
In this post, we’ll cover how businesses, employees, and customers can all stay safe when businesses start re-opening for customers.
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Have Employees Check Health Before Each Shift
Most businesses need to have some of their employees work in the actual business to run. However, although it’s not completely possible to work remotely, companies can ask their employees to screen their health before each shift. Consider using a physical handout, an automated phone call, or even an online survey. If possible, having employees do this before they even come into the business is best.
The CDC has a handy daily health screener that they can use with all employees or tailor to meet their business’s individual needs.
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Prepare Social Distancing Protocols
Open businesses, regardless of their industry, must prepare and post a social distancing protocol. This protocol will be used for employees as well as customers. Take the time to train employees on the protocol and have it posted throughout the business as well.
To ensure that customers are also following this protocol, post it on the door to the establishment. Although protocols can be more strict if desired, the basic protocol includes the following items:
- Warning to not enter if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms with an attached list of symptoms
- Request to maintain a six-foot distance while inline or in the facility
- Wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth at all times
- Policy regarding any self-brought bags or a statement that these bags are not currently allowed
In addition to this protocol which should be posted at all entrances, set up a maximum number of people allowed in the business at one time. Use an employee at the entrance/exit to track the number of customers and limit how many people can be in the facility at any one time.
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Set Up Sanitizing Measures
Although each business will have to tailor sanitizing measures to their facility, having a system in place will help to keep surfaces clean. Hospital grade disinfectant wipes should always be provided near any shopping carts or baskets. Besides, place hand sanitizer at the entrance and anywhere people have direct interactions such as checkout counters.
The surfaces of the business should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Set up a schedule to disinfect break rooms, bathrooms, and any other common areas on a certain schedule. On the employee schedule, have this step built into their workflow and create a check-off sheet so that the cleaning is completed and verified by each person responsible.
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Take Precautions with Food
When it comes to establishments that prepare or serve food, this is a more challenging area. In general, the CDC recommends preventing people from self-serving items that are food-related. Close down any salad or similar bars that would have been self-serve. Instead of these self-serve or bulk items, provide items already packed in a single serving or multi-serving containers for customers to grab and go.
Signage around these areas may also be helpful. For example, request that customers only touch items that they intend to purchase. When possible, keep items behind counters so that employees may provide only the items desired to customers.
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Maximize Airflow and Outside Air
Depending on the industry as well as the time of year, it may not be possible to operate any part of the business outdoors. However, if possible, move as much of the operations outside as possible. Outdoor businesses can use a tent or canopies, leaving most sides open so that air can circulate freely. For restaurants that may be serving patrons, consider using outdoor heaters to encourage patrons to enjoy eating outdoors. On colder days, provide blankets although they will need to be washed between each use.
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Protect Employee and Customer Health
Review employees ‘ sick leave policies with them and ensure that employees feel comfortable not coming into work if they are showing any symptoms. Avoid treating employees differently for using their sick leave. Some areas require that employees have a weekly COVID test. However, even if not required, have employees check their health before each shift.
Employees’ workstations should also not be shared as much as possible. Ensure that their workstations are at least six feet apart and employees have adequate personal protective equipment as well as access to sanitizer and cleaning supplies. If there is a break room at the company, clean this frequently. Avoid having too many people in the break room at one time. Don’t let them use shared equipment such as microwaves and ovens unless disinfected between each use.
For customer health, some companies may have cancellation policies in place for more service-based industries. Encourage customers to not visit the business if they feel sick. Consider waiving cancellation fees for customers who call out sick for an extra precaution.
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Consider Professional Disinfectant Services
Although employees may do a great job of keeping the business clean during the day, they likely do not have the knowledge or expertise to do a deep clean. Consider using a professional disinfection service on a scheduled basis for additional safety. According to Mold Busters, viruses remain on non-porous surfaces for days, and if not disinfected properly, they could be still effective and infective.
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Post Required Reporting Information for Staff
Staff should be able to report COVID-19 violations anonymously. They should of course be able to reach out to their employer or manager directly. However, they also need to know what to do if their complaints are not taken seriously. Post the reporting information in the break room or other area.
If someone does test positive for COVID-19 on the staff, businesses do not need to shut down. The staff member should self-isolate at home but companies can follow business advice by the CDC regarding cleaning and informing staff. If three or more employees test positive in two weeks, then businesses should call the Department of Public Health for more advice.
Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Although COVID-19 has created significant stressors about working and shopping, businesses can and should re-open safely. With these precautions in place, companies can limit exposure and make the shopping experience safe as well as enjoyable.
Author bio:
John Ward is an account executive at Mold Busters, specializing in indoor air quality issues of the most delicate nature. Over the years, he has completed hundreds of mold remediation jobs and thousands of air quality tests for homeowners and businesses across Ontario and Quebec.