Even as stay-at-home orders and restrictions are lifted, daily operations won’t be business-as-usual for many across the country. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still going on, despite businesses reopening. Moreover, public health officials and experts are warning of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Of course, no one knows if or when a second wave of infection will strike—or whether it will be as bad as or worse than the first wave. As such, businesses across the country should start planning today so they’re properly prepared for a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Review Federal, State and Local Guidance
Similar to the first wave of COVID-19 cases, governmental guidance will play a large role in how your organization should respond to a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted states and regions in different ways. A second wave of cases may follow the same suit, affecting different regions at different times and in varying capacities.
This means that businesses in one region may be able to remain open, while businesses in other regions may need to close or adjust for a second time. As such, it’s critical to understand and continually review all relevant state and local orders to determine if your business needs to take action in the face of a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Review Your Organizational Risks
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Identifying the hazards
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Deciding who may be harmed by a second wave of cases and how
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Assessing risks
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Controlling risks
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Monitoring the results
Maintain Workplace Safety
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Implement administrative controls
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Utilize PPE
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Consider engineering controls
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Screen employees before they enter the building
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Be adaptable
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Create a dialogue with vendors and partners
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Encourage social distancing
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Encourage employees to stay home if possible
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Manage the different risk levels of their employees
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Separate sick employees
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Support respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
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Perform routine environmental cleaning and disinfection
Communicate With Employees
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Be open with employees about management decisions and ask for suggestions to rectify problems
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Provide as much information as possible about the pandemic
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Communicate the future of the business with employees often—in meetings, on the company intranet site, in newsletters and in blogs
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Be empathetic in your communications, as every employee’s situation may be different
Prepare Now to Stay Safe Later
Due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, rules and regulations are constantly changing. You should be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations. For more information on how to keep your business, employees and customers safe whether a second wave of COVID-19 cases occurs or not, contact The SIG Insurance Agencies.
