Tag: coronavirus

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Small Business Resources

With the coronavirus here to stay, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce published a communication toolkit that could be a big help in the messaging your business puts out. Check out everything they have to offer in the information below.

Digital Toolkit

The communication toolkit not only includes sample copy for online posts, such as: “Here’s what you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home, work, or school,” but graphics as well.

For your employees, they have a standard employee screening questionnaire, to stay on top of preventing the spread.

Communication toolkit

And for your customers, they have a customizable flier (that even allows you to insert your company logo) so you can inform your patrons the steps you’ve taken to ensure they can shop at ease. In addition to posting updates online, be sure to use the hashtags #COVID_19 and #COVID19 to keep your posts organized.

Policy Tracker

MultiState, a company referenced by the Chamber of Commerce, created a dashboard of state and local coronavirus activity. The dashboard, set up in Excel spreadsheet form, is updated daily and provides information in easy-to-consume form.

Similarly, the site also includes data graphics on a variety of topics, including: how open each state is for business,

what each state considers essential business,

and travel restrictions by state.

Toolkit

For more information, including state legislative sessions, check out their website.

Other Resources

Let us know what resources you’ve been using to stay up to date. As we have discovered, coronavirus information changes daily. Staying on top of these updates, therefore, are essential for preparing our businesses for the next wave.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

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Re-Opening Your Business

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Each state is responding to the coronavirus differently, and that includes when businesses are allowed to re-open.

Within the next week, 20 states are loosening restrictions—with most attention going to Georgia—as they have had the most aggressive re-opening response. Cities and counties within these states can differ on their re-opening to, so pay attention to your local news to get the most accurate information on when restrictions will be lifted in your area.

Deciding whether or not to reopen your business ultimately comes down to you and your employees. Safety should remain the highest priority, and maintaining a feeling of safety for your employees is also critical.

If you do decide to reopen, here are some things to know.

Reopening requirements

Each state is going to be different, and some states have specific requirements. As a rule of thumb, make sure your employees wear masks at all times, and make masks to provide to your customers to wear while shopping too. Cloth masks should be hand washed after each use, and don’t let your store get so full your customers can’t adhere to the 6-foot social distancing rule.

Store cleaning should be increased too. Consider adding wipes, towels, or cleaner by the door so patrons don’t have to touch the surface. Find ways to sanitize your payment options; wipe the pin pad after a card transaction or provide a stylus to be cleaned after each use. Other surfaces and countertops should be frequently cleaned throughout the day as well.

If someone coughs or sneezes on a surface, clean it promptly. According to the CDC, you should wipe the surface first with soap and water, then clean the surface again with a disinfectant. Soft surfaces, such as fabric, will need to be washed. Don’t shake out contaminated soft surfaces, as that can spread the virus as well. Gloves should be worn while cleaning these surfaces, and you should wash your hands after removing your gloves. Lastly, if you allow patrons to use your restroom, clean the room after each use.

These steps will help prepare your location to re-open. Next week we’ll cover how to keep your employees protected, and what policies to change to provide them peace of mind.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.