US | COVID-19 | CDC Releases Decision Tree for Reopening Workplaces

1. Considering Reopening

Employers should determine whether reopening is consistent with state and local orders. They should also assess whether they are ready to protect employees at higher risk for severe illness. Only if both criteria are met should employers move forward with reopening.

2. Health and Safety Actions

Implementing health and safety actions are the next consideration. If any of the following are not met, CDC does not recommend reopening.

• Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing and employees wearing a cloth face covering.
• Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
• Encourage social distancing and enhance spacing between employees, including through physical barriers, changing the layout of spaces, encouraging telework, closing or limiting access to communal spaces, staggering shifts and breaks, and limiting large events.
• Consider modifying travel and commuting practices and promote telework for employees who do not live in the local area, if feasible.
• Train all employees on health and safety protocols.

3. Ongoing Monitoring

CDC recommends implementing all of the following before reopening.

• Develop and implement procedures to check for signs and symptoms of employees daily upon arrival, as feasible.
• Encourage anyone who is sick to stay home.
• Plan for if an employee gets sick.
• Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities and employees.
• Monitor employee absences and have flexible leave policies and practices.
• Be ready to consult with the local health authorities if there are cases in the facility or an increase in cases in the local area.

Conclusion

If all requirements are met, CDC believes it is acceptable to reopen. After reopening, continue to monitor developments in the workplace and community. ____________________ Source: CDC, Workplaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Decision Tool ____________________