Is Your State Reopening? - what you may need to know

States across the country have started announcing their plans for reopening and we’re here to break down what the federal government has unveiled as guidelines for their three-phase approach.

These steps, based on the advice of public health experts, will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.

Before opening, the state must first reach certain criteria. There must be a downward trajectory of both covid-like and influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14 day period in addition to the downward trajectory of documented cases and positives tests as a percentage of total tests within the 14 day period. There also must be a robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing and the ability to treat all patients without crisis care.

The three phase approach aims to mitigate the risk of resurgence, protect the most vulnerable, and is implementable on statewide or county-by-county basis at governors’ discretion.

You can find detailed information about your specific state here!

Phase One

INDIVIDUALS:

• ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.

• All individuals, WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.

• Avoid SOCIALIZING in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., receptions, trade shows)

• MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.

EMPLOYERS:

• Continue to encourage remote work from home whenever possible and feasible with business operations. If possible return to in person work in phases.

• Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.

• Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population.

SPECIFIC TYPES OF EMPLOYERS:

• SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES (e.g., daycare, camp) that are currently closed should remain closed.

• VISITS TO SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.

• LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.

• ELECTIVE SURGERIES can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.

• GYMS can open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.

• BARS should remain closed.

Phase Two: For States and Regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time

INDIVIDUALS:

• ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.

• All individuals, WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 50 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.

• NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL can resume.

EMPLOYERS:

No changes from Phase One.

SPECIFIC TYPES OF EMPLOYERS:

• SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES (e.g., daycare, camp) can reopen.

• VISITS TO SENIOR CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.

• LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols.

• ELECTIVE SURGERIES can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient and in-patient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.

• GYMS can remain open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.

• BARS may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate.

Phase Three: For States and Regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a third time

INDIVIDUALS:

• VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.

• LOW-RISK POPULATIONS should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.

EMPLOYERS:

• Resume UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.

SPECIFIC TYPES OF EMPLOYERS:

• VISITS TO SENIOR CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene.

• LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.

• GYMS can remain open if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.

• BARS may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.

Regardless of what phase you may be approaching it is important for individuals to continue to practice GOOD HYGIENE!

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.

• Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.

• Strongly consider using face coverings while in public, and particularly when using mass transit.

• And most importantly - if you feel sick you should stay at home.

Employers should Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:

• Social distancing and protective equipment

• Temperature checks

• Sanitation

• Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas

• Business travel

We hope that you are safe and well!