The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new Guidance related to the re-opening of public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes following COVID-19 shutdowns. Among other instructions, the Guidance offers very specific workspace sanitation standards that are designed to address continuing COVID-19 infection risks.
It is anticipated that this CDC Guidance will be a bedrock component of state and federal government policies related to the re-opening businesses following COVID-19 shutdowns. As such, it is critical that employers understand, and be in a position to execute on, the recommendations contained in the Guidance.
Of particular note, the Guidance instructs employers to:
- Develop formal sanitation plans that include strategies, that are customized for the specific elements of the employer’s workplace, for cleaning and disinfecting employee environments in preparation for, and following, business re-openings.
- Use specific, recommended disinfectant techniques for particular environments and surfaces.
- Adopt formal safe behavioral practices, including social distancing and employee hygiene and PPE standards.
- Consider changes to practice and procedures aimed at reducing infection risk, including changes to the way and frequency public spaces are used.
The Guidance includes a Cleaning and Disinfection Decision Tool that distills the advice into a form that may be incorporated into an employer policy document.
Morse is focused on assisting our clients through these unprecedented and challenging times. Please contact the Firm should you have questions concerning this subject, or any other COVID-19 response matters.
