President Donald Trump on Thursday released guidelines for restarting the economy. In Opening Up America Again, he laid out a plan in three phases involving individuals, employers, and specific types of employers.
During phase one, individuals vulnerable to the virus will continue to shelter in place. Everyone should continue social distancing in public. Americans should avoid or minimize non-essential travel and follow CDC guidelines about isolating after travel.
More from the plan about employers:
Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.
Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
President Trump suggests that schools and organized youth activities stay closed and visits to nursing homes and hospitals remain limited. Restaurants and movie theaters may reopen “under strict physical distancing protocols.” Hospitals may resume elective surgeries. Gyms may reopen with distancing and sanitation protocols, but bars should stay closed.
The president recommends vulnerable individuals continue to shelter in place through phase two and minimize exposure while resuming public activities during phase three. The rest of the population should remain aware in public and try to maximize distance.
During phase two for employers, the president encourages teleworking where practical, closing common areas, and making special arrangements for vulnerable employees.
The bottom line is that America will have to continue some form of social distancing and limited gatherings during phase three and beyond, until there’s a vaccine for COVID-19.
See the Opening Up America Again page for more information.