The last few months have forced people all around the world to adopt a homebound lifestyle that consists mostly of virtual hangouts with friends, online learning and working, and delivery services. Meanwhile, the healthcare industry continues to look for treatments and vaccines to stop the spread of the virus.
Now, people are starting to go out of their homes, and businesses are beginning to open again. That being said, the global pandemic is far from over. As a business owner, if you’re allowed to open your shop again already, pay attention to the factors that can protect your staff and your patrons from the virus.
Update Your Recycling and Waste Management Processes
One of the most important things that businesses should check when re-opening is the establishment’s recycling and waste management processes. The need for constant sanitation and disinfection results in more waste. There’s also an increase in single-use plastic products to avoid spreading the virus.
Make sure your recycling or baling system can keep up with the increased amount of waste.
Educate Employees on How to Work Around Each Other
There are three golden rules for employees working at the office or in a commercial establishment during the pandemic. First, they should wash their hands often. Second, they should continuously disinfect all surfaces that they touch. And third, they should remain alert for COVID-19 symptoms.
Remind your employees that they’re responsible for their personal health but that they should also be mindful and respectful of their colleagues. So reinstate these golden rules in your establishment.
Remind People to Be Aware of Their Surroundings
Finally, the best way to reduce the possibility of employees and customers contracting COVID-19 at your establishment is to go back to the basics. Earlier this year, the CDC released guidelines on how to protect yourself and others from the virus. Here are gentle reminders for both your staff and patrons:
1. Wear a cloth face cover every time you go out.
Some carriers of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they could spread the virus even without getting sick themselves. Reduce the risk of coronavirus infection within your establishment by advising all staff and patrons to wear a cloth face cover at all times.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes when not wearing a cloth face covering.
This advice is geared toward customers at restaurants and coffee shops. Although patrons are advised to stay at least 6 feet away from each other, put up reminders to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or inside their elbow if ever they need to cough or sneeze.
3. Avoid close contact with other people.
The most important thing to do is to stick with physical distancing protocols. Unless it’s for cashier transactions or for when servers are bringing out food, staff and customers should avoid close contact and be mindful of the distance between themselves and others.
These reminders aren’t a foolproof way to prevent coronavirus, but they’re a huge help in reducing the risk. Keep them in mind when you re-open your business during this pandemic.
