Dear City of Escalon Businesses,
San Joaquin County has announced that they are moving into Stage 2 of reopening. Therefore, all retail operations not previously authorized by the State can reopen as of Friday, May 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM, provided they limit their operations to curbside or delivery. Manufacturing and logistics operations that support retail business can also reopen with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers.
While many elements of the guidance are the same across industries, such as cleaning and physical distancing, consideration was given to industry-specific methods. You can find information for industry-specific guidance here: https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap
Some examples of the guidance are:
- Retailers should increase pickup and delivery service options and encourage physical distancing during pickup – like loading items directly into a customer’s trunk or leaving items at their door.
- Retailers should install hands-free devices, if possible, including motion sensor lights, contactless payment systems, automatic soap and paper towel dispensers, and time card systems.
- Manufacturing companies should close break rooms, use barriers, or increase distance between tables/chairs to separate workers and discourage congregating during breaks. Where possible, create outdoor break areas with shade covers and seating that ensures physical distancing.
- Warehouses should minimize transaction time between warehouse employees and transportation personnel. Perform gate check-ins and paperwork digitally if feasible.
- Warehouse workers should clean delivery vehicles and equipment before and after delivery, carry additional sanitation materials during deliveries, and use clean personal protective equipment for each delivery stop.
Each business, as outlined above, should review the guidance that is relevant to their workplace, prepare a plan based on the guidance for their industry, and put it into action. When complete, businesses can post an industry-specific checklist in their workplace to show customers and employees that they have reduced the risk and are open for business.
Before reopening, all outlined facilities should:
- Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
- Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
- Implement individual control measures and screenings
- Implement disinfecting protocols
- Implement physical distancing guidance
We are excited to see more of our local businesses open. Currently, the County is working on meeting the criteria outlined by the Governor so that we can reopen more businesses and move towards allowing dine-in at our restaurants. For up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.cityofescalon.org. For any questions, please contact [email protected].
City of Escalon