The current COVID-19 pandemic has altered and upended our daily routines throughout the country, placing states on pause and temporarily shutting down businesses and places of employment. As the curve starts to flatten and restrictions begin to ease, here are some next steps to take as we start to plan the next steps in re-opening and returning to work.    

Social Distancing: Per the CDC guidelines, it is recommended to have at least six feet of space between people to prevent the spread of germs and particles from one another. In beginning the next steps of re-opening and returning to work, take into account the layout of your business/office. If possible, separate desks and work spaces from one another and limit large gatherings and/or staff meetings.  While we are all eager to reunite with one another, please express your excitement from a distance and refrain from giving and receiving handshakes and hugs.

Traffic Control Measures: Does your business or office come into contact with the public on a daily basis? One way to help control the flow of people coming in and out is to set up traffic control systems that can keep lines organized and moving in the right direction. In addition, setting up markers indicating spaces of six feet can help prevent individuals from crowding one another and keeping everyone safe.

Safety Shield Cut Outs: Are you a business or an office that handles paperwork or transactions with the public? Installing safety shield cut outs can protect your employees and allow for them to continue to engage with the public, perform their required tasks, and reduce the risk of any transmission.

Face Masks: For businesses and offices that have to deal with customers face to face, wearing a face mask can help protect yourself as well as your employees from germs being transmitted through respiratory droplets such as coughing, sneezing, or even talking. Cloth face masks created from household items or from low cost materials are some examples of masks that can be used to slow the spread while also covering your mouth and nose.

Sanitizing Stations: Setting up sanitizing stations in the entrance of your office or lobby of your building can be the first line of defense against any germs brought in. Whether we are driving to work or taking public transportation, we are still exposing ourselves to a variety of germs before the start of the workday. Having sanitizing stations in place upon arrival will kill any bacteria and germs that we come into contact with.

Practicing Hand Washing Etiquette: Now more than ever, it is important to regularly wash your hands to combat spreading any illness. The correct method for hand washing includes making sure that hands are wet and properly lathered with soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsed under clean and running water, and then dried with a clean towel or air dried. In addition to practicing daily hand washing, we must also remember to keep our hands away from our eyes, nose, and mouth.

Sanitizing High Touch Points: During a typical work day, many individuals are in contact with common high touch point objects such as counter spaces, door knobs, light switches, computers, printers, and phones. Various researchers have found that COVID-19 can remain on surfaces from anywhere to a couple of hours or for a couple of days, making it important to regularly clean and sanitize these commonly touched areas and objects. Implement the wiping down of these items during the workday upon arrival and before leaving to eliminate bacteria/germs and reducing the risk of illness.

Properly Following Instructions on Cleaning Products: Once you have cleaning products such as antibacterial wipes and sprays in your possession, make sure that you are taking the time to read the instructions found on the back so that it is being used properly and on the correct surfaces. While we want to make sure we are removing bacteria and germs, we also want to make sure that we are not damaging surfaces and objects in the process.

Encourage Employees to Report Any Safety or Health Concerns: In these unprecedented times, many have reservations and fears, but also want to return to work and resume their routines. As we begin to move forward, it is important to establish open communication when it comes to any concerns regarding health or safety. We all want to resume work and be able to provide for ourselves and families, but it must be in a safe environment and not risking our health in the process.   

Our Health: While we are all eager to return to work and resume our routines, we must be mindful of others when it comes to our health. If you are feeling ill, please remain at home to prevent the spread of germs and illness onto others. By doing our part to remain healthy and follow proper practices, we can continue to flatten the curve and get our businesses back up and running.

For more information about our services and how we can assist, please contact (914) 666-7229 or email George@arcocleaning.com.