If your business closed during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, you might just be starting to get back to normal. You may be analyzing how to get your company back on its feet. To do this, you may be bringing employees back to the workplace and welcoming returning customers. However, it is still necessary to make sure everyone is as safe as possible. The Florida Public Health Department, along with other agencies, has issued a public health advisory specifically to businesses and employers. No matter what phase of recovery you are in, it’s critical to understand the guidelines and restrictions that are in place.
General Recommended Precautions
Preventive measures proposed for the general public include:
- Wearing masks,
- Social distancing,
- Frequent handwashing,
- Limiting interaction with other people,
- Limiting gatherings.
Companies that deal face-to-face with customers may be held to additional standards.
Florida’s Public Health Advisory for Businesses
While personal care service businesses are mentioned specifically, the public health advisory relates to all companies and employers. The primary purpose is to reduce the risk of infection for employees and customers.
Specific Guidelines for Business Owners
The Florida Public Health Department (FPHD) suggests that businesses take this opportunity to update their “COVID-19 preparedness, response, and control plans. Make sure your emergency plans include protection against infectious diseases. If you don’t have any safety protocols, preparing them now could help safeguard your business in the future.
FPHD also recommends that business owners talk to their employees about any changes to the workplace. In fact, employees may offer insights that help you finalize your plans.
Employers may help decrease COVID-19 infections by:
- Reducing employee-to-employee transmission;
- Putting together protocols for healthy business operations, and
- Maintaining healthy work environments.
As a business owner, you may be required to post messages to customers and employees regarding COVID-19 precautions. For instance, you might post a sign at the door telling customers that they must wear masks on your premises. Also, additional cleaning and disinfecting can provide an extra level of safety for everyone.
Other Advisories to Review
For additional information, check out the following sites:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- FEMA’s COVID-19 Fact Sheets and Guidance
- White House Opening America Guidelines
Adhering to Public Health Advisories
As you operate your business during this continued public health emergency, please note local, state, and federal guidelines. Your company’s life is not the only one at stake. Additionally, Governor DeSantis instructed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to inspect businesses to make sure they are following Phase 1 and Phase 1 guidelines.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.