Since the majority of The Beacon Group's clients are in Pennsylvania, Governor Wolf's reopening process should be primary guidance. For other states and additional recommendations, see the end of this blog for resources.
With a target start date of May 8, reopening will be in three phases:
Red - minimizing COVID-19 spread through social distancing, closures and safety protocols. Currently the entire state is red.
Yellow - easing restrictions on work and social interaction while some closures and limits on large gatherings remain in place. This phase should start in the north central and northwestern parts of the state, mostly rural except for Erie.
Green - most restrictions lifted while monitoring public health. The "new normal" will include personal protective equipment and diagnostic testing. In all probability work from home and take-out rather than dine-in restaurant service will be desirable. Limitations on large gatherings will remain.
Regions will reopen after assessments by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
As posted by Doylestown law firm Furia Rubel in "Getting Back to Work in the Coronavirus World: What Is the New 'Business as Usual'?", coronavirus is the leading cause of death in the United States so far this year. Easing restrictions too quickly will cause a resurgence. National guidelines cover social distancing, protective equipment, temperature checks, sanitation, disinfection of common and high traffic areas, and business travel. Employers must monitor employee health and maintain social distancing.
Resources include:
World Health Organization (WHO) publications.
Cushman & Wakefield has an office design concept at www.SixFeetOffice.com.
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for guidance on application of Americans with Disabilities Act.
American Journal of Managed Care and American Psychiatry Association for behavioral health resources.
For insurance and legal questions, consult The Beacon Group of Companies and your law firm.