ESR News Blog
Written By ESR News Blog Editor Thomas Ahearn
On April 16, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued guidelines for ‘Opening Up America Again’ from the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that included a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. The guidelines – which will help state and local officials reopen economies, get people back to work, and protect American lives – are at www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.
The proposed phased approach is based on up-to-date data and readiness, mitigates risk of resurgence, protects the most vulnerable, and is implementable on statewide or county basis at the discretion of Governors. States and regions must satisfy certain gating criteria for symptoms, cases, and hospitals before proceeding to the three phased comeback plan. The guidelines for employers are below.
GUIDELINES FOR ALL PHASES FOR EMPLOYERS
- 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, and 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.
GUIDELINES FOR PHASE ONE FOR EMPLOYERS
For states and regions that satisfy the gating criteria.
- 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.
GUIDELINES FOR PHASE TWO FOR EMPLOYERS
For states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time.
- 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.
GUIDELINES FOR PHASE THREE FOR EMPLOYERS
For states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a third time.
- Resume UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.
The guidelines for ‘Opening Up America Again’ from the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic also include information in all three phases for individuals, vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, and for specific types of employers such as schools, senior care facilities, gyms, and large venues. The guidelines are at www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a deadly respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. As of April 17, 2020, there are more than 2.1 million total confirmed global Coronavirus cases and more than 146,000 deaths, and the United States leads the world with more than 671,000 confirmed Coronavirus cases and more than 33,000 deaths, according to research from Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) – a leading global background check provider – is using best practices for background checks during the Coronavirus crisis that includes employers working remotely. The ESR News Blog is posting blogs about the impact the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having on employers at www.esrcheck.com/wordpress/tag/coronavirus/. To learn more about ESR, visit www.esrcheck.com.
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