Social Distancing Questions and Answers

Question 1

How does Social Distancing still Benefit the Workplace Post-COVID?

Accepted Answer

After being implemented across the world to curb the spread of the virus, social distancing has actually proved beneficial beyond the pandemic. As the working world gradually transitioned back to a state of normality following the vast changes needed to adapt to COVID-19, many workplaces have decided to stick with some of the social distancing measures put in place after

Question 2

What industries are affected by Phase Three of the federal guidance for reopening?

Accepted Answer

In short, all industries are affected by phase three of reopening the country during the global Coronavirus pandemic. Not only does phase three allow for full staffing capability at businesses, it allows for larger group settings, and less restrictions on customers entering somewhere like a retail business. Employers, employees, and visitors must still exercise caution during the reopening of the

Question 3

What is recommended in Phase Three of the federal guidance for reopening?

Accepted Answer

Phase three, the last phase in a series written by the CDC and the presidential administration, outlines guidance on the subject of reopening the country amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Reopening the country does not come without the risk of another wave of Covid-19 infections, which is why these three phases play an integral part in protecting the public. However, reaching

Question 4

Do employees need to wear face coverings or PPE to protect themselves during COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

As businesses begin to open back up amid the Coronavirus pandemic many people are asking if employees need to wear face coverings or PPE, like respirators and gloves, at work. The decision to do so greatly depends on the type of work that is being performed and the rate at which that workplace is exposed to the Coronavirus. Exposure risk

Question 5

Do workplaces need an exposure control plan specific to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

As the country begins to reopen after a long hiatus of stay at home orders due to the Coronavirus pandemic, employers of companies that are allowing employees and customers back to brick and mortar businesses must be ready with infection prevention measures. On top of OSHA and the CDC&rsquo;s recommendation in adopting an Exposure Control and Response Plan that is

Question 6

What are employer responsibilities during the recovery period?

Accepted Answer

As the country moves forward with reopening various businesses and easing restrictions on gatherings of all types, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 virus is still a very real threat. Employers have a very real responsibility to minimize the risks that their employees are exposed to when they return to the workplace. The specific requirements that a given employer

Question 7

How should workplaces implement exposure controls?

Accepted Answer

Whether your business has been open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, or you are just starting to open back up, it is critical that you implement proper exposure controls. Employers are always responsible for workplace safety, and that extends to keeping employees safe from the spread of this (or any) virus. Fortunately, there are many things that an employer can do

Question 8

What OSHA standards apply to reopening facilities?

Accepted Answer

As the country continues to work on opening back up after the COVID-19 shutdown, many business owners want to know what they need to do to keep their employees and customers safe. OSHA has released some standards that will help to ensure the reopening of facilities is handled in a safe and effective way. It is important to note that these

Question 9

What do workplaces need to know about the Opening Up America Again Plan?

Accepted Answer

The Opening Up America Again plan is a three-step plan to help businesses open back up again while still minimizing the risks associated with COVID-19. It was developed using the advice of public health experts and is designed to help state and local officials decide how they can help get people back to work. The program is not setup to

Question 10

How can equipment be sanitized and disinfected?

Accepted Answer

Community and workplace facilities are areas subject to a higher level of person to person contact during operating hours. The first step in knowing how to properly sanitize and disinfect equipment is to identify the places that need it. These can include areas like breakrooms, desks, bathrooms, etc. Determining what to sanitize and disinfect regularly in those areas is the

Question 11

Do employers have a duty to prevent worker exposure to COVID-19 infection?

Accepted Answer

Employers have a duty to protect their employees as best they can under the general duty clause when it comes to hazard protection. Covid-19 is no exception when it comes to hazardous working conditions. For this reason, OSHA has recently published a document on respiratory protection guidance during times when the number of N95 respirators fall short of the current

Question 12

Can social distancing be practiced in casinos?

Accepted Answer

As many industries are given the green light to reopen, social distancing and other public health practices must be implemented to ensure a safe environment during the pandemic. When employees return to work and customers venture out again, things will look a little different than they did before the spread of the novel coronavirus&mdash;and casinos are no exception. While casinos

Question 13

What workplace safety concerns need to be addressed as employees return to work?

Accepted Answer

As many areas in the United States begin to ease their stay-at-home restrictions, employees are returning to work&mdash;but it&rsquo;s still very important to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. As they are being asked to come back, employees have a few safety concerns in mind, namely what measures will be put in place to keep them safe, what social distancing

Question 14

What is recommended in Phase Two of the Federal Guidance for Reopening?

Accepted Answer

Together, the Trump Administration and the CDC have established reopening guidelines for industries and businesses in America as the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic recedes. Many states are qualified to enter Phase Two under this reopening guidance, which means that more businesses can resume services and people can once again travel for nonessential reasons. For many businesses, this is

Question 15

What industries are affected by Phase Two of the Federal Guidance for Reopening?

Accepted Answer

As states continue to reopen in America, some have qualified to move beyond Phase One and are ready to enter Phase Two of the reopening guidance that has been established by the federal government. In partnership with the CDC, the Trump Administration recommends that states and regions may move into Phase Two if there is no evidence of a rebound

Question 16

How can workplaces clean the facility before opening?

Accepted Answer

Whether you have sent employees to work from home or temporarily closed your business in order to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, there are some steps you need to take before reopening your workplace. One of the most important aspects to welcoming workers back is ensuring that your space is properly cleaned and disinfected to reduce the

Question 17

What social distancing measures will stay after lockdown is lifted?

Accepted Answer

As society begins to open up after the COVID-19 related lockdowns businesses need to make sure they are still taking the necessary steps to keep everyone safe. One of the most important things that can be done is continue with reasonable social distancing measures for the foreseeable future. Social distancing will help to minimize the risk of the COVID-19 virus

Question 18

What guidance has been published for employers during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Accepted Answer

The COVID-19 outbreak has been an event like nothing most people alive today have ever experienced. It quickly became necessary for employers to learn how to keep their employees and customers safe from the spread of this virus. While many companies had to shut down to help get the pandemic under control, most businesses are now opening back up to

Question 19

How can I protect workers interacting with customers?

Accepted Answer

Finding ways to keep employees safe in the workplace is always a challenge. With the threat of the COVID-19 virus, this is more difficult than ever. Implementing the recommended social distancing policies will help to minimize the risk of employees passing the virus to each other, but what about when they need to interact with customers. As an employer you

Question 20

What can I tell my employees about reducing the spread of COVID-19 at work?

Accepted Answer

Whether your business has been open throughout the pandemic, or it is just starting to open back up, it is important to keep your employees informed about what is going on. Knowing what to tell employees to help them to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at work is critical. By working together, everyone in the workplace can stay safer until

Question 21

Aside from cleaning, what can workplaces do to slow the spread of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

There are many things that an employer can do to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For many businesses, this meant closing down entirely for a time so that the country could be ready for what comes next. As businesses are starting to return to work, it is still important to take precautions to ensure the coronavirus doesn&rsquo;t

Question 22

What spatial changes can be made in the workplace for social distancing?

Accepted Answer

When setting up the workplace for social distancing there are many things to keep in mind. Taking the time to figure out the best way to move things around will help you to make sure everyone is safe while minimizing the impact that it has on your day to day work. Of course, the specific special changes that need to

Question 23

Can social distancing be practiced in gyms?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing is a concept that was thrust into the consciousness of just about everyone in the world. While just about everyone understands what it means, it is not always easy to implement it successfully. There are certain places that just aren&rsquo;t made for social distancing. Gymnasiums, for example. While they may be large open areas, they are usually used

Question 24

What is a pandemic safety officer?

Accepted Answer

Running a business while trying to keep everyone safe from the COVID-19 virus can be difficult. One thing that a growing number of companies are doing is hiring or naming someone to be the pandemic safety officer. This is someone who will help to implement any necessary changes to ensure everyone is as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Question 25

Can social distancing be enforced?

Accepted Answer

As businesses are opening back up and trying to move forward while managing the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many challenges that need to be overcome. One difficulty for many businesses is trying to get everyone to properly practice social distancing. In many cases, it is hard to enforce the six feet apart rule, which can put

Question 26

Why is social distancing still important?

Accepted Answer

As the restrictions imposed on businesses and people throughout the country are lifted, it can be tempting to try to return things back to normal. While the risk of COVID-19 has gone down thanks to the actions taken by everyone, the virus is still there. Taking reasonable precautions will help to ensure that the virus does not start to spread

Question 27

Will social distancing continue after the lockdown?

Accepted Answer

Many areas in the United States and around the world are experiencing the lift of lockdowns, which were ordered to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. While people are relieved as they return to work, leave their houses, and travel locally again, it&rsquo;s important to keep in mind that the danger is not over yet. The novel coronavirus is still

Question 28

How can assembly lines practice social distancing?

Accepted Answer

According to what is known about the transmission of COVID-19, limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of the virus. As businesses begin returning to operations, it&rsquo;s important for businesses to understand how they can practice social distancing. Assembly lines are one area in manufacturing facilities where it can be difficult for employees to keep

Question 29

What is recommended in Phase One of the federal guidance for reopening?

Accepted Answer

In the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, criteria are posed that states should meet&mdash;a downward trajectory of documented cases being one of them&mdash;before proceeding to Phase One.  For states and regions that satisfy that gating criteria for Phase One, the White House has outlined guidance for employers: Encourage telework whenever feasible. Return to work in phases, if possible, or

Question 30

What industries are affected by Phase One of the Federal guidance for reopening?

Accepted Answer

Under the Guidelines for Opening America Again, states and regions who meet a specific criterion: Symptoms: Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period and downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period. Cases: Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests

Question 31

What can grocery stores do to protect customers while social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Communities across the country are taking steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus by limiting close contact, and supermarkets and grocery stores are quickly increasing safety measures to protect customers running their essential errands. Sneeze guards Installing a plexiglass shield at checkout lines protects both the cashier and customer from possible virus-containing droplets that are sneezed or coughed out. Currently,

Question 32

Where can I use floor marking for social distancing?

Accepted Answer

For workplaces that are still operating, stores open to the public, and facilities seeing patients during the Coronavirus pandemic, establishing social distancing measures is critical for reducing the rate of disease transmission. Floor marking tape is not just for those looking to mark mechanical equipment, label storage areas for raw materials, comply with OSHA regulations, or safeguard pedestrians from forklift traffic.

Question 33

How can I ask customers to practice social distancing in the checkout line?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing has been shown to be an effective means of reducing the transmission of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, it&rsquo;s important to make sure you stay six feet away from other people while you&rsquo;re in public, including while you&rsquo;re at the store purchasing essential products such as medication and food. However, many business

Question 34

What administrative controls can I use to reduce transmission of illnesses?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses in your workplace, it&rsquo;s important to conduct a hazard assessment and follow the hierarchy of controls, a framework that helps to determine options for controlling workplace hazards. In this case, the hazard is an illness such as COVID-19, which is easily spread from person to person. OSHA has developed guidance for businesses and

Question 35

How can grocery stores encourage social distancing without disrupting the flow of traffic?

Accepted Answer

The use of social distancing tools in essential businesses like grocery stores is necessary to keep employees and customers safe from becoming infected by the Covid-19 virus. Getting people in and out of the store as quick as possible is also needed in times like these where limitations on the number of people in stores has been established. However, trying

Question 36

What floor marking shapes can I use for social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Many places like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, etc. are implementing social distancing tools such as floor signs to help remind customers to stay six feet away from others at all times. These can be anything from X&rsquo;s, dots, footprints, arrows, etc. as long as the visual tools are noticeable to customers and employees. By placing these useful social distancing tools

Question 37

What are the best visual tools to promote social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Visual tools are one of the best strategies to use for promoting social distancing by reminding others to practice the infection preventative technique. These tools have been showing up in a variety of essential businesses that are still in operation since large amounts of people still gather there for essentials like food, prescriptions, etc. Social distancing visual tools can have

Question 38

How can I use safety signs to encourage social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Essential businesses throughout the country are still serving their communities and helping millions of customers receive the medicine, food, and supplies they need. As retailers keep their doors open, it&rsquo;s important to implement public safety measures such as social distancing to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, protecting both customers and workers. For these businesses, there are several ways

Question 39

How can restaurants practice social distancing and stay open?

Accepted Answer

As people were instructed to stay home as much as possible and refrain from gathering in groups in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants and bars were one of the first places to take a hit in terms of their business. Restaurants that were once packed are now empty&mdash;but they may still be open and offering food. If you

Question 40

How does floor marking promote social distancing?

Accepted Answer

The CDC has asked everyone to practice social distancing, a public health measure that aims to reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. There are two main aspects to social distancing: to stay home as much as you possibly can, and when you must go out in public to get food or go to work, to keep a

Question 41

How can I notify my customers we are still open?

Accepted Answer

While many businesses have been forced to temporarily close due to the coronavirus outbreak, there are others that are still open and struggling to maintain a steady flow of customers as they move to curbside pickup only, or restrict the number of people allowed inside and enforce social distancing measures. As you keep your doors open and make sure that

Question 42

Where should social distancing signs be placed in stores?

Accepted Answer

Although many businesses have closed or sent their employees to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic, some stores such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and banks have stayed open to continue providing their essential services. In these workplaces, it&rsquo;s highly important to practice social distancing and make sure that both customers and employees are continuing to keep a safe

Question 43

How can healthcare facilities effectively communicate to patients?

Accepted Answer

The CDC&rsquo;s key goals for the U.S. healthcare system during the novel coronavirus are to reduce morbidity and mortality, minimize disease transmission, protect healthcare personnel, and preserve healthcare system functioning. As medical facilities face an influx of new patients, they must also find ways to effectively communicate safety and health information. A strong visual communication strategy will help new visitors navigate

Question 44

Why is floor marking an effective option for social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing is a major key in slowing the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC. Major events around the globe are being postponed, museums are shutting their doors to the public, governors have ordered school out of session in the effort to &ldquo;flatten the curve.&rdquo; As employees are still clocking into work and people are making essential errands, it&rsquo;s important

Question 45

What tools can be used to practice social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Public health experts agree the best way to preventatively tackle the coronavirus is through community isolation, social distancing, and quarantining. The CDC recommends limiting face-to-face contact, avoiding public spaces, and staying home. For essential businesses and facilities with employees still coming into work, you will need to ensure everyone understands social distancing. Barriers: Arguably the most effective way to keep

Question 46

How can I encourage employees to practice good hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory viruses, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), can easily be spread via our hands. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and help slow the spread of coronavirus is by regularly washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. Hand washing is actually much more powerful against germs than many of us

Question 47

How far apart should social distancing floor markings be placed?

Accepted Answer

Community and individual isolation, or social distancing, is the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, public health experts report. Following recommendations from the CDC, floor markings should be used at least six feet, or two meters, apart. According to the World Health Organization, the small liquid droplets (which may contain the virus), that come from the mouth or

Question 48

How can safe distances be maintained in an office?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a safe distance in an office is essential during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep you and your co-workers safe. The Coronavirus spreads rapidly from person to person via respiratory droplets after someone coughs or sneezes. For that reason, it is necessary to practice proper social distancing techniques in the cube farm and break rooms at all times. This means

Question 49

How can essential retail stores and public premises practice social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Essential retail stores and public premises must practice proper social distancing techniques to protect their employees and citizens from catching the Coronavirus at all times. Making sure employees at essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare centers, banks, manufacturing plants, etc. are aware of the rules pertaining to social distancing is vitally important since they will be guiding customers who

Question 50

How long will social distancing last?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing measures have been implemented across all 50 states and a multitude of other countries that are currently affected by the rise in Covid-19 cases. This tactic is incredibly important to reduce the amount of cases that develop across the globe since there is no known vaccine available for use yet. To give some perspective on how this is

Question 51

What is the scale of social distancing?

Accepted Answer

The scale of social distancing is becoming more than just a localized effort by communities that have been affected already. Social distancing has become an effort known around the world to attempt to stop the Coronavirus in its tracks. This strategy is needed now more than ever because there is no known vaccine that can combat the virus yet. To

Question 52

What does flattening the curve mean?

Accepted Answer

A simple chart and the advice to help &ldquo;flatten the curve&rdquo; have become critical to our efforts grappling with the new coronavirus. Countries like Italy have faced a rapid growth rate resulting in hospitals reaching capacity, emergency rooms closing their doors, and a shortage of basic emergency medical equipment. Slowing the rate of infection is intended to prevent a surge

Question 53

What are the CDC recommendations for workplaces and COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

As the world enters another week of fighting the coronavirus, businesses and employers can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by adequately preparing the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first recommends businesses coordinate with state and local health officials to ensure timely and accurate information is being followed. In March the CDC published the Interim Guidance for

Question 54

What are social distancing requirements?

Accepted Answer

With the COVID-19 pandemic quickly spreading across the nation and throughout the world, there have been many recommendations and requirements issued to help &lsquo;slow the spread&rsquo; and reduce everyone&rsquo;s risk. Social distancing was one of the first recommendations issued by the CDC, and continues to be the first and most important thing that anyone can do at this time. Learning

Question 55

What is the social distancing strategy?

Accepted Answer

Over the past several weeks virtually everyone in the country and around the world has heard the term social distancing. Social distancing is a strategy for reducing the risk of catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus, which is now a global pandemic. The strategies issued by the CDC, OSHA, and many medical professionals related to social distancing are specifically given

Question 56

What are social distancing guidelines?

Accepted Answer

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the CDC and medical professionals are strongly recommending people engage in social distancing. In many places, certain aspects of social distancing are even required by law until this pandemic is over. Understanding what the guidelines for social distancing are is critical for employers and employees so they can follow the advice of medical professionals and

Question 57

What are some basic protective measures against the new coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

As experts continue to learn more about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) it is becoming clear that one of the best things people can do to help protect themselves, and others, is take basic protective measures. The fact that COVID-19 can be asymptomatic for up to two weeks means that most people have no way to know who is, and who

Question 58

How can transmission of COVID-19 between employees be reduced?

Accepted Answer

Millions of businesses throughout the country and around the world have been closed to help reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. Millions of others, however, are considered essential and have to stay open during this time. Business owners and managers in companies that are still open need to be extraordinarily cautious during this time to reduce the transmission

Question 59

When should employees or visitors be excluded from the workplace?

Accepted Answer

During the COVID-19 pandemic businesses that have been deemed essential are permitted to stay open and serve customers. While operating, however, they need to take strict precautions to help minimize the risk of the virus being transmitted. Part of this is knowing when employees and visitors should be excluded from the workplace. While there is no law or direct regulation

Question 60

How can employers best protect employees from exposure in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Businesses that remain open during this time need to take precautions in order to protect employees from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The ideal way to do this is to have all employees work from home. Of course, this is not possible in most situations. For employees who must come into the office to perform their essential duties, the following

Question 61

What policies can employers implement to enforce social distancing?

Accepted Answer

The CDC, OSHA, and other federal governmental agencies have been hesitant to issue any strict laws or regulations regarding exactly how people should practice social distancing. They have, however, issued many recommendations and guidelines for social distancing and other practices that can be taken to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a business owner or manager, taking these guidelines and

Question 62

How can social distancing be practiced for small businesses?

Accepted Answer

Small businesses have always been the cornerstone of the country, and that is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses are closed during this time, those that are open are especially important. All small business owners and managers need to take extra precautions to protect their employees, customers, and the community in general. The first step in this

Question 63

Do business events need to be canceled?

Accepted Answer

The various laws, regulations, guidelines, and recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing and updating each day. Business owners and managers need to be proactive in monitoring the situation so that they can make the best decisions for their business, employees, and the community as a whole. As of now, there aren&rsquo;t any federal requirements saying that businesses throughout

Question 64

Are employers required to develop a written infectious disease preparedness and response plan?

Accepted Answer

There are many things that businesses need to do to keep their employees safe. As we are learning with the current COVID-19 pandemic, businesses will play a key role in the overall safety and well-being of the country. Whether that means shutting down for the protection of others, or taking dramatic safety steps while in operation, employers need to be