Many businesses have had to stop or alter operations as a result of COVID-19. When it is time to resume pre-pandemic operations, you want to move forward carefully. These tips can help you navigate the complex situation and reopen safely. 

1. Make Cleanliness a Priority

Old cleaning practices may be fine for most situations, but with outbreaks still occurring and a heightened sense of caution among workers, you will need to step up sanitizing procedures. Consider buying supplies in bulk to help keep costs manageable. In addition to keeping high-contact surfaces clean, you should also provide ample hand washing and sanitizing stations for employees. Buying isopropyl alcohol and hand sanitizer for businesses in 55-gallon drums and then distributing them in dispensers and spray bottles makes keeping hands and surfaces clean affordable and practical. 

2. Take Steps to Reduce Exposure

The best way to avoid an outbreak is by reducing the opportunities for exposure between workers. There are several strategies recommended by the CDC to help make this possible, including:

• Increase air turnover and filtration

• Minimize close contact between employees

• Provide barriers to avoid transmission

• Use alternating schedules to reduce the number of staff on the premises at any one time

3. Accommodate Alternate Scheduling

One of the best ways to increase safety is to have fewer people in direct contact. Some businesses are addressing that by implementing shifts or alternate-day scheduling. Others might be able to maintain working conditions through remote arrangements. This not only helps them feel safer, but it also eases strain associated with making child care or similar arrangements. 

4. Offer Contactless Options When Possible

If you have direct contact with the public through wholesale or retail operations, look for ways to implement contactless policies. These can be for everything from the delivery of products to invoicing and accepting payments. The fewer shared surfaces, the lower the risk of virus transmission. Plus, you might find that these new policies are actually more efficient and worth sticking with once things return to pre-pandemic levels of normalcy. 

5. Always Follow Local Guidelines

No matter what type of business you operate and where it is located, you must adhere to the local and state mandates that are in place. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a good starting point for finding reopening rules and mandates in each state. The CDC offers extensive guidance on appropriate safety precautions you can take regardless of industry. 

From increased sanitation to more space between workstations, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of virus transmission as you reopen your business. Allowing flexibility and following local mandates will help the process go more smoothly.