As of May 6, 2020

• Updated strategies and recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including those seeking to resume normal or phased business operations:

  • Conducting daily health checks

  • Conducting a hazard assessment of the workplace

  • Encouraging employees to wear cloth face coverings in the workplace, if appropriate

  • Implementing policies and practices for social distancing in the workplace

  • Improving the building ventilation system

Cleaning and Disinfection

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, (e.g., counters, shelving, displays)

• Provide employees with disposable disinfectant wipes, cleaner, or sprays that are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19

Training

Provide employees with training on:

• Policies to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2

• General hygiene

• Symptoms, what to do if sick

• Cleaning and disinfection

• Masks

• Social distancing

• Use of PPE

• Safe work practices

• Stress management

Management and Communications

• Monitor state and local public health communications about COVID-19

• Encourage sick workers to report symptoms, stay home, and follow CDC guidance

• Develop strategies to:

  • manage worker concerns

  • communicate with workers

• Remind workers of available support services

• Communicate to partners, suppliers, other contractors on policies and practices

• Encourage social distancing and the use of masks (if appropriate) in the workplace

• Use technology to promote social distancing (e.g., telework and virtual meetings)

• Cancel group events

• Close/limit use of shared spaces

• Ask customers who are ill to stay home

• Consider policies that encourage flexible sick leave and alternative work schedules.

• Schedule stocking during off-peak hours

• Maintain a tobacco-free workplace

Facilities and Equipment

• Assess job hazards for feasibility of engineering controls

• Ensure ventilation and water systems operate properly

• Alter workspaces to maintain social distancing. Examples include:

  • Configure partitions as a barrier shield

  • Move electronic payment reader away from cashier

  • Use verbal announcements, signage, and visual cues to promote social distancing

  • Remove/rearrange furniture

  • Provide remote shopping alternatives (e.g., delivery, pick-up)

PPE

• Conduct workplace hazard assessment

• Determine what PPE is needed for workers’ specific job duties based on hazards and other controls present

• Select and provide appropriate PPE to the workers at no cost