REOPENING BUSINESSES DURING THE COVID-19

PANDEMIC
 The first step in reopening a business is determining whether or not the
recommended health and safety protocols can be successfully carried out in
the workplace.
 Before reopening, a number of CDC recommended health and safety actions
must be in place; these include:
o Promoting healthy hygiene practices such as hand
washing and employees wearing a cloth face covering, as feasible
o Intensifying cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation
o Encouraging social distancing and enhance spacing between
employees, including through physical barriers, changing layout of
workspaces, encouraging telework, closing or limiting access to
communal spaces, staggering shifts and breaks, and limiting large
events, when and where feasible
o Consider modifying travel and commuting practices. Promote telework
for employees who do not live in the local area, if feasible
o Train all employees on health and safety protocols

 If all of these actions can be implemented successfully, the next step is

ongoing monitoring in the workplace including procedures for signs and
symptoms of employees, encouraging anyone who is sick to stay home,
communicating with local authorities, and monitoring employee absences
and implementing flexible leave policies and practices.

GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING & DISINFECTING

1. Develop Your Plan
a. DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED
i. Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning.
Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
b. DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED
 i.
Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched.
Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
c. CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED
i. Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal
protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and
disinfectants.
2. Implement
a. CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER
i. Do this prior to disinfection.
b. USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT
i. Use EPA- approved disinfectant against COVID-19 and read the
label to make sure it meets your needs.
c. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL
i. The label will include safety information and application
instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
3. Maintain and Revise
a. CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
i. Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant
and PPE availability. Dirty Surfaces should be cleaned with soap
and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently
touched surfaces at least daily.
b. MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES
i. This includes frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings,
and staying home if you are sick.
c. CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE
i. Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others.
Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.

SOURCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/workplace-decision-tool.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/community/pdf/ReOpening_America_Cleaning_Disinfection_Decision_Tool.pdf