Are you ready to reopen your business?
You can start getting ready to reopen your business. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established guidelines to reopen America in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With extreme precaution, the government has a strategy to make the country go back to normal. As a result, people will start going out more, and places will start getting crowded again.
However, we need to keep in mind that the threat of COVID-19 remains. If you prefer to work from home, there are many work-from-home opportunities. Nevertheless, going back to business is necessary, but you should take extra precautions to avoid contagion. Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, and the reopening will increase the flow of people to different places. For that reason, it is essential to follow the guidelines established by the CDC. It will also be necessary to have your own set of measures in your own business to ensure your safety and that of your customers or employees.
If you are a business owner, what can you do to stay safe and also reopen your business? How can you deal with this new challenge imposed on us? We are now sharing a set of measures that you can take to stay safe as you reopen your business.
Wear masks and encourage customers to wear masks:
You and your employees can wear a mask while you do the job. Although it will not transmit a message of normalcy, we cannot forget that things are not normal anymore. Besides, it will give your customers confidence that in your workplace, you are taking the necessary measures to keep them safe. Don’t forget to change masks frequently.
Use hand sanitizer, always:
Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer nearby. Have your employees do the same and keep one at the door, so your customers disinfect their hands when they walk in.
Keep physical distancing:
With people coming into your business, it is vital to ask them to stay between six and seven feet from each other. If your business is a closed space, you can encourage them to be over seven feet.
Disinfect surfaces:
Disinfecting everyday use surfaces like doorknobs, hand railings, and touchscreens will keep people from spreading the virus if one infected customer visited your location.
Stay informed:
Staying informed about the evolution of COVID-19 and the indications of the CDC is very important to keep safe. You need to follow the news regarding the virus and also keep track of nearby testing sites. You can check all the relevant information in the BeatCovid19 app. Keep brochures and information boards at hand and visible for you, your employees, and your customers. This will help you and your customers in case someone shows symptoms.
Be vigilant:
You should monitor your health and that of your employees. Check your body temperature frequently, and go to the doctor if symptoms surface. Recommend others to do the same. Keep in mind that any outbreak in your place can damage your business if you don’t take the right measures to contain the spread of the disease. Also, designate a person responsible for the response to COVID-19.
Encourage online or phone operations:
Although many small businesses require people to go to the place, some operations can be carried out online or via phone. That way, you can lower the flow of people to your location while staying in business.
Offer home deliveries:
Whenever possible, if you sell anything and you don’t deliver yet, you may start considering it. Some people started doing it when the pandemic forced them to close their places, and they have thrived. It could also be an excellent opportunity to scale your business and find new ways to serve your clients while also following the guidelines.
Don’t panic:
Panic and paranoia will scare your clients away and bring negative energy. And that will be more harmful to your business than the restrictions and the disease. Take all the necessary precautions to be safe, but do not let the situation hurt your mood or your peace of mind.
Final Words
Roy T. Bennett, in The Light in the Heart, said, “Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.” Coronavirus has made life different, maybe forever, but we cannot let this discourage us. A new challenge means a unique opportunity to stand tall. Let’s stand tall together.
As long as you follow the instructions offered by the CDC and create your own set of measures without being too invasive on your customers, you can reopen your business make life as close to normal as it can be.