Business Owners Must Plan for COVID-19 Related Issues as Businesses Begin to Reopen

Come in we’re open sign

Both New Jersey and New York have started to take the first steps back in reopening businesses that have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. As restrictions continue to be lifted, business owners need to plan how best to make their workplaces safe for employees and the public.

As businesses reopen, they will need to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations related to COVID-19. Businesses should also follow guidance from health officials and agencies, such as the CDC. In fact, the CDC has issued Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting, applicable to workplaces and businesses. Businesses may also have to restructure physical workplaces to permit social distancing and require employees (or customers) to wear face coverings and gloves in situations when social distancing is not possible.

The White House has also issued Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. The White House Guidelines include recommendations that businesses adopt entry screening, safety, and sanitation procedures and protocols such as:

·      Social distancing;

·      Use of protective equipment;

·      Temperature checks;

·      Contact tracing;

·      Prohibiting symptomatic individuals from physically entering the workplace;

·      Disinfection of common and high-traffic areas; and

·      Limiting business travel.

Businesses that fail to adopt adequate policies and implement procedures related to COVID-19 will face potential fines and penalties, and possible lawsuits from employees and customers. To best protect themselves, businesses should also create and maintain records that would show their compliance with applicable laws and health official guidance if they do face any COVID-19 related lawsuits.

If you have questions about your business’s reopening plan, please contact us at (201) 345-5412 / (646) 503-5358 or through our online scheduling system to schedule a complimentary consultation.