Reopening Guidelines Arrive from State

Advice for 15 industries included

The reopening guidelines that local businesses have been waiting for came from the state May 8.

In addition to general guidelines, the state offered industry-specific advice to 15 business sectors: agriculture, construction, entertainment/amusement, gyms/fitness centers, hair and nail salons, hospitality/lodging, manufacturing, outdoor gatherings, outdoor recreation, professional services, public facilities, restaurant, retail, transportation and warehouse/wholesale trade.

The publications offer best practices, safety tips and specific instructions. A place such as a hotel that also has a restaurant and pool, for example, is advised to check practices for lodging, restaurants and entertainment/amusement to cover all of its operations.

“Wisconsin businesses have done a great job in adapting to our state’s Safer at Home order,” said Gov. Tony Evers upon the release of the guidelines. “As we begin to ‘turn the dial,’ they need to know how to reopen safely so that employees and customers can feel confident when they return.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation developed the guides in consultation with the Departments of Health Services; Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; and Tourism, as well as industry experts and associations.

The guides answer basic questions, such as how to handle transactions at cash registers, what to do about merchandise that customers have handled and how to set up an office using social-distancing strategies.

Some of the general advice for businesses includes making sure employees who are sick don’t go to work, curtailing business travel when possible, promoting telecommuting and ensuring that employees have access to sanitizers and personal protective equipment when appropriate.

Evers said the health-care metrics contained in the Badger Bounce Back plan will continue to guide the reopening of state businesses. This includes tracking new cases of COVID-19, assessing available medical resources to cope with COVID-19 cases and ensuring that adequate testing and mitigation resources are available.

Copies of the guide are available at wedc.org/reopen-guidelines.