Business Considerations for the Re-Opening Stages

Business Considerations for the Re-Opening Stages

We know this will come in many many phases and will look differently for each of you, but we’ve compiled information that we hope will be useful as you navigate the process. The Kansas Governor’s Plan to Reopen announced on 4/30/2020 can be accessed here.

Reopening McPherson County Guidance -Phase 1 (5.4.2020) document.

Questions to consider and ways to prepare for reopening and implementing procedures for your workplace:

  • Staff– How many employees will you need and at what interval? Will you go back to full staff or a graduated plan to increase staff as business increases?
  • Hours– Will your actual hours of operations be adjusted? Do you need more prep time to disinfect the businesses environment? Which hours best fit the new habits of your customers?
  • Products & Supplies– Are your buyers looking for different products, a different price point or have their buying habits changed? Are your suppliers able to deliver the products and service you need?
  • Process and Procedures– Does your current business process and procedures require modification for the safety of your customers and employees? Create a list that includes new protocols, safety procedures, social distancing, and marketing, and discuss these with your staff members.
  • Respect Social Distancing– Does your store need: Stickers on the floor indicating where to stand? Signs that read no more than 10 people at a time, please remain 6 feet apart, and entry and exit only signs on doors? Plastic shields in front of checkout counters? The (CDC) guidelines for maintaining safe behavioral practices are: Social distance (specifically, staying 6 feet away from others when you must go into a shared space). Frequently wash hands or use alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Wear cloth face coverings. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Customer Interaction- Review your inventory of business supplies and add relevant items in anticipation of changes such as providing hand sanitizer for your customers. Curbside pickup locations should be clearly marked, fast, and accessible. Even through your doors may be open for traffic, people may still be cautions and will appreciate these conveniences. PPE should be offered to office workers and available in enough quantity for workplaces that reopen. Following CDC guidance, facial coverings are encouraged to be worn by individuals when they are interacting with, or in the presence of, coworkers or the public. Consider whether you need to rearrange your store, seating areas, foot traffic patterns, restroom policies, dressing rooms, etc. According to the CDC, these are some other ways to reduce the risk of exposure in your business: Reduce the use of porous materials used for seating. Leave some doors open to reduce touching by multiple people. Open windows to improve ventilation. Remove unnecessary objects in your common areas.
  • Create a Cleaning Schedule– Consumers will notice if your store is clean, organized, and safe to enter. Revise your cleaning/sanitation plan and have all the necessary items needed to ensure the on-going safety of everyone who enters your business. Provide easily accessible disinfectant wipes. Post your cleaning plan so that it is visible for everyone who enters to see the steps you are taking to ensure ongoing safety. Click here for the KDHE Cleaning and Disinfection Your Business/Facility pdf.
  • Respect the Process– The process of reopening will probably be revised continually as our leaders evaluate the current environment.

~Part of this information was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control, Nixa Chamber, Iola Area Chamber, and Louisiana Business Community publication, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.   

A NEW Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pdf was published on 4/29/2020.

We encourage you to continue to follow safety precaution guidelines and recommendations available from-

  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at www.kdheks.gov
  • McPherson Health Department
  • 4/30/2020/Gov. Kelly will unveil the plan for reopening the state.