Viewpoint: Opening up and returning to work.

Last month, we discussed ideas on how to manage a business and a workplace amid a pandemic. This month, we discuss opening up your business and returning employees to the workplace, from remote locations, furlough (unpaid leave of absence) or layoff (termination of employment with recall potential).

Some states are experiencing decreases in COVID-19 cases and are anxious to reopen. The White House has issued guidelines for states to consider when reopening. Citing DHEC projections that South Carolina was beyond the estimated peak in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Henry McMaster issueda new executive order on April 20, which allows certain "non-essential" businesses to reopen. Gov. McMaster also has formed a COVID-19 advisory team to consider and recommend economic revitalization plans assist in reopening South Carolina.

There is every reason to expect that momentum to reopen will increase.

Protecting the Workplace

Employers which have remained open throughout the pandemic, albeit on a limited basis, are already familiar with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionon protecting the workplace and assessing possible exposures.

The CDC continuously updates this guidance and has added additional guidance, including what to do in the event of a confirmed or suspected exposure (search their site for "cleaning and disinfecting your facility") and factors to consider in returning critical employees to work after a suspected exposure ("safety practices for critical workers with potential exposures"). In addition, the CDC has provided generalcommunity mitigation guidancewhich provides very helpful information on how to protect those present in various communities, including workplaces.

Using these resources, employers can put together a plan, with reasonable measures, to allow a safe return of employees to the workplace, including:

Form a team to develop, implement and manage local protocols and logistics.

Take an inventory of and order necessary sanitary supplies and protective equipment.

Develop and implement a site disinfection protocol, an isolation protocol to follow if an employee becomes symptomatic or reports a possible exposure, a process for receipt and disinfection of inbound materials, supplies and packages.

Maintain social distancing by use of techniques such as staggered shifts, alternative workweeks (e.g. Monday-Thursday and Friday-Sunday), and altering office layouts.

Employers also should consider implementing measures for...