On Thursday, the White House unveiled its Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phase approach to reopening the economy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are instructions for individuals, employers, and some specific industries such as schools and large venues.

Once the state or region has met proposed gating criteria, the following guidelines for employers should be followed.

Employer guidelines for all phases

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

Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.

Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.

Employer guidelines for phase one:

• Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
• If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.
• Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
• Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
• Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.

Employer guidelines for phase two:

• Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
• Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.
• Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.

In phase three, employers may resume UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.