Is My Business Essential? Staying in Business During COVID-19 Shutdown Orders
/Over the last 2 weeks, clients have had the Firm review numerous local and state shutdown orders (also referred to as stay at home orders in some areas) outlining which businesses and employees can report to work, and those that must shut down. Each Executive Order differs as state and local governments independently define what they consider essential business.
For example, on March 26, 2020, Hillsborough County Florida issued it’s Safer-At-Home Order (“Safer At Home”) to go into effect at 10:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020. Like many orders, Safer At Home does not list an end date and will be ongoing until the County rescinds it.
Safer At Home allows Hillsborough County residents to continue to engage in essential activities and non-essential activities if social distancing and other CDC recommendations are met.
Safer At Home lists 42 broadly stated essential individuals, businesses, and services that may continue to operate provided they have implemented social distancing and other Florida Department of Health guidelines.
Businesses which are not described in Safer At Home, and which are unable to maintain six feet of distance between employees and/or customers must close.
Employers who operate or have employees residing in areas where Safer At Home or a similar shutdown order apply should:
Assess whether you may remain open as an essential business per the guidelines in your local and state executive orders.
If you qualify as an essential business, provide your employees with written notification alerting them that you are remaining open, and a formal letter that they can provide authorities if questioned on the drive to/from work.
Evaluate what business practices should be modified and implemented to follow CDC and other health guidelines and minimize liability from employees and customers.
If you need assistance with any of the above, the Firm is here to assist in any way we can.