Businesses planning to open safely for employees, customers
Businesses throughout Minnesota – many of them staples of their communities, or family-owned or managed – have eagerly awaited their turn to open since the governor’s stay-at-home executive order was put in place. They have taken the necessary safety precautions – with detailed, effective preparedness plans in place.
We joined a group of 70 business organizations throughout Minnesota called the Minnesota Ready coalition and asked Governor Tim Walz to allow all Minnesota’s businesses to fully open by June 19. While many businesses welcomed the recent news that more were allowed to open, we know there is room for additional progress.
Many coalition members, such as local chambers of commerce and trade associations hosted live events throughout the state to demonstrate the steps their business members have taken for the safety and security of their employees and customers, based on guidelines from CDC and OSHA.
When opening, businesses must do their part to protect against the spread of the virus and reassure their workers and customers. All businesses are now required to have a preparedness or safety plan in place. This coupled with plan adherence will demonstrate that business practices have changed to prevent the spread of the virus.
It is simply good business practice to keep a business safe to ensure consistent operations and customers returning. This includes:
Providing personal protection equipment on-site and enforcing its use.
Cleaning and sanitizing facilities often and training employees to follow safety protocols.
Continuing distanced customer engagement inside businesses and continuing curbside services.
Enforcing strict distancing rules for employees and customers.
Monitoring employee health and disallowing symptomatic employees from entering work spaces.
Posting signage that makes it easy for employees and customers to follow health guidelines.
Why are these businesses asking to open on June 19? Because having a specific date in mind will help reassure small business owners and restart the economy. Advance notice on an open date will help them plan for changes in business practices on a timeline. This will allow them to transition employees back safely and market their new practices to customers before they interact with them in person before the critical July 4 holiday.
The impact on small business has been undeniable since the onset of COVID-19. April employment statistics released by DEED show that compared to the same month last year, employment was down 73% in full-service restaurants, 63% in personal and laundry services, and 61% in arts, recreation and entertainment. Small Business Administration statistics reveal that these industries have among the highest shares of small business employment in Minnesota’s economy.
Minnesota’s small businesses – from restaurants to retail – continue to operate at only a small portion of their total capacity, leaving workers waiting for a full return to employment. Minnesota’s economy depends on a vast network of suppliers, logistics and moving goods within our borders and beyond. Fully opening businesses will increase the operations for that entire network, securing jobs and helping increase Minnesota’s competitiveness toward economic recovery.
Without decisive action, many will be lost. This is not simply a personal loss for business owners. This is a loss to the employees, their communities, the local governments and the state in terms of commercial and economic activity.
To make your voice heard and help these small businesses, visit www.mnchamber.com/mnready.