Covid-19 Reopening Phases For Businesses and Corporations, Explained

The federal government has established a 3 tiered system to determine how and when businesses can open back up after it has been deemed safe to do so. Businesses and corporations are subject to the current Covid-19 status of each state, and all states must adhere to the guidelines outlined below. Here are the reopening phases you can expect to see.

The three phases of reopening during COVID

Although every state will have slightly different reopening phases, all states must adhere to federal guidelines published by the White House.

Phase 1

• This phase has all vulnerable populations including senior and those with preexisting conditions sheltering in place.
• All individuals must socially distance when in public, and socialization with groups over 10 people should be avoided.
• Non essential travel should also be avoided.
• All work that can be facilitated remotely should proceed as such.
• Schools will remain closed.
• Bars will remain closed.
• Large venues should adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.
• Gyms must adhere to strict social distancing and sanitization protocols.

Phase 2

• Vulnerable populations will continue to shelter in place.
• Social distancing guidelines will continue.
• Social interaction of more than 50 people should be avoided.
• Non- essential travel can continue.
• Schools can reopen.
• Large venues can begin to relax their social distancing guidelines.
• Bars can open with diminished standing room occupancy.

Phase 3

• Vulnerable populations can begin again interfacing with the public, provided that certain social distancing guidance is observed.
• Low-risk populations should avoid crowded environments.
• Unrestricted staffing can resume.
• Businesses can begin to relax their social distancing protocols and increase their patron thresholds.

The federal government’s phased approach to reopening states

There are a variety of criteria which determine how states are classified according to their risk of community transmission of Covid-19:

• They must demonstrate a downward trajectory of influenza like illness reported within a 14 day period.
• They must also report a downward trajectory of Covid-like symptoms over a 14 day period.
• Furthermore, documented cases or positive tests as a percentage of total testing must be demonstrably, progressively lower within that same 14 day period.

There are further criteria which stipulate certain touchstones a state must meet in order to be advanced within the system. This includes facilitation of ample testing and contact tracing capabilities.

States must be able to test individuals for Covid-19 infection and trace the movement of those positive to help mitigate the spread of the infection.

Other criteria include:

• Robust health care capacity: health care facilities must be able to accommodate sudden surges of need for critical care units. They must also be able to independently supply their medical personnel with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability of states to develop plans: to protect the health and safety of workers in certain critical industries, protect the workers and users of mass transit, communicate health and safety protocol such as social distancing guidelines with citizens, and the capability to monitor and police outbreaks of Covid-19.

Related:

• COVID Business Reopening Guidebook
• Reopening Guide for Gym & Fitness Center Operators
• Your Pool Reopening Guide For Covid-19
• Safe Short Term Rental Reopening During Covid-19
• How To Use A COVID-19 Test When Collecting Samples From Employees
• Do COVID-19 Testing Kits For Businesses Reduce Virus Spread?
• Can Employers Use In-Home COVID-19 Testing Kits For Workers?
• Can You Test Yourself At Home With A COVID-19 Test Kit?
• The Differences Between The Types Of COVID-19 Tests
• How Accurate Are Rapid COVID-19 Tests?
• The Difference Between Antibody And Antigen COVID-19 Tests, Explained
• What Is The Easiest Way To Get A Rapid COVID-19 Test Before Traveling?
• Help Keep Your Staff Healthy With COVID-19 Testing For Businesses