Capital Region Guide to Reopening
Updated: February 17, 2021
As the Capital Region economy reopens, businesses large and small have many considerations and concerns on how to do so safely and effectively. Supporting local businesses will be critical to the economic recovery of our community and state.
Reopening your doors likely won’t look like returning to business as usual. We know there are questions for businesses of all sizes in all industries as you move forward – and, in many cases, alter your business operations.
Based on best practices and expert recommendations, the Capital Region Chamber is providing the following guidelines and suggestions to assist members in efforts to open your doors and support and protect employees and customers as you navigate this changing landscape.
As plans for your business come together, they will be strengthened by what you learn from other industry members, community businesses and neighbors. Communicate and collaborate with your employees, vendors, customers, supply chain and the larger community so that, together, we are sharing best practices during this unique time.
As we continue to navigate this new and ever-changing landscape, know that your Chamber is here for you and beside you. The Capital Region Chamber is united to drive economic prosperity with one voice, one mission, for one region. We thank you for your support and encourage you to contact us if you need anything.
Get the latest information about COVID-19 on our resource page
DISCLAIMER Please be advised that some or all of the information contained in this document may not be applicable to some businesses or places of work and may not include all information necessary for certain businesses and places of work. This document does not attempt to address any health, safety and other workplace requirements in place prior to the age of COVID-19. As COVID circumstances continue to evolve, so will the public health and safety recommendations and requirements, and as a result this document may not include all current governmental or health expert requirements and recommendations. We strongly advise that before implementing any of the practices and procedures contained herein, you carefully evaluate all and consult with your own legal counsel and other advisors regarding the legality, applicability and potential efficacy of this information in your place of business and to determine what if any other recommendations or requirements may apply to your business. The Capital Region Chamber is not responsible for any circumstances arising out of, or related to, the adoption, or decision not to adopt, any of the practices or procedures contained in this guide.
- Official News from the Office of the Governor
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Regional Monitoring Dashboard
Businesses in each region will reopen in phases. In order to reopen, each region needs to meet seven criteria. You can see how each region is doing with these metrics on the Regional Monitoring Dashboard.
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Regional Coordination
Regions must coordinate the reopening of schools, transportation systems, testing and tracing with other surrounding regions.
-Re-imagining Tele-Medicine
-Re-imagining Tele-Education
-Regional Control Rooms: Each region must monitor businesses and regional indicators during the phased reopening, including hospital capacity, rate of infection and PPE burn rate.
-Protect and Respect Essential Workers: Regions must continue to ensure protections are in place for essential workers.
Capital Region: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren & Washington Counties
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NY Forward, Reopening Template, & Business Affirmation
Governor Cuomo outlined a plan to reopen New York State. To read more about the metrics for reopening, business resources, how to protect yourself and more, please visit NY Forward.
Business Re-opening Safety Plan Template
Once you have read your industry guidelines to reopen, be sure to sign the Business Affirmation.
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CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
1: Develop Your Plan
DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.
Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED.
Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED.
Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.2: Implement
CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER prior to disinfection.
USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT.
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL.
The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.3: Maintain and Revise
CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION.
Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.
CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE.
Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.*Taken from the CDC website, please refer here for more detailed information and instructions
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Business Precautions
Each business and industry must have a plan to protect employees and consumers, make the physical workspace safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business.
-Adjust workplace hours and shift design as necessary to reduce density in the workplace
-Enact social distancing protocols
-Restrict non-essential travel for employees
-Require all employees and customers to wear masks if in frequent contact with others
-Implement strict cleaning and sanitation standards
-Enact a continuous health screening process for individuals to enter the workplace
-Continue tracing, tracking and reporting of cases
-Develop liability processesReturning to Work After the Pause- Reopening Considerations for Employers
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Priority Industries for Reopening New York
Businesses in each region will reopen in phases. Eligible industries must be in regions that have met the criteria to re-open.
Below is a general breakdown of industries in each phase.
Phase One
Construction
Manufacturing
Retail – Curbside Pickup
Wholesale Trade
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and HuntingPhase Two
Professional Services
Retail
Administrative Support
Real Estate / Rental & LeasingPhase Three
Restaurants / Food ServicesPhase Four
Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
Education -
Phase 1 Reopening Details
-Construction
-Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
-Retail – (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
-Manufacturing
-Wholesale TradeFor specific guidelines, please click here: forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase
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Phase 2 Reopening Details
-Offices
-Real Estate
-Essential and Phase II In-Store Retail
-Vehicle Sales, Leases and Rentals
-Retail Rental, Repair and Cleaning
-Commercial Building Management
-Hair Salons and BarbershopsFor specific guidelines, please click here: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries
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Phase 3 Reopening Details
-Restaurants / Food Services
-Personal Care
For specific guidelines, please click here: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries
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Phase 4 Reopening Details
-Higher Education
-Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools
-Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
-Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment
-Media Production
-Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans
-Malls
-Gyms and Fitness Center
-Gaming Facilities
-Movie Theaters
-Ski Facilities
For specific guidelines, please click here: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries
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New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool
Businesses in each region will be able to re-open in phases. Re-opening refers to non-essential businesses and business activities. Essential businesses and business activities that are open, will be able to remain open.
The guidelines accessible via this tool apply to both non-essential businesses in regions that are permitted to re-open, and essential businesses throughout the state that were previously permitted to remain open.
Eligibility for reopening will be determined by health metrics for each region.
This tool will help you determine whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, and the public health and safety standards with which your business must comply. Access the tool here.
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Sources for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If you have identified an accessible source for PPE at a competitive cost, or if your business is selling PPE, please let us know. Please click here for members who are offering PPE: capitalregionchamber.com/ppe-suppliers
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OSHA Returning to Work Resources
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/additional_resources.html
For a COVID-19 Essential Workers Training Tool (PowerPoint presentation) please use the link above, navigate to the “General Information” tab and then look for “COVID-19 Essential Workers Training Tool. National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” This is a large file so it may take a few minutes to download.
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Communicating with Your Team
Communication during this time is incredibly important. Remain available to and transparent with your employees. Have conversations with employees about their concerns. Some employees may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. Your team’s health is of the upmost importance, so loop employees in on your COVID-19 strategy for reopening.
-Provide education and training materials in an easy to understand format and in the appropriate language and literacy level for all employees, like fact sheets and posters.
-Develop other flexible policies for scheduling and telework (if feasible) and create leave policies to allow employees to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children.
-Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Develop policies that encourage sick employees to stay at home without fear of reprisal, and ensure employees are aware of these policies.
-Educate workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
-Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks.
-Discuss the importance of sick employees staying home and develop non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies.
-Plan to implement practices to minimize face-to-face contact between employees to practice social distancing.
-Actively encourage flexible work arrangements such as teleworking or staggered shifts.
-The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Encourage employees to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Make sure employees are aware of mental health services your company provides or other mental health services in our community.
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Return to Work Checklist
Chamber member Pinnacle Human Resources has put together a return to work checklist and a responding to a positive or presumed COVID-19 checklist. Both are available for download below.
