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Re-Opening: Frequently Asked Questions

COVID

If you still have questions about operating your business during these times, check out these COVID-19 frequently asked questions posted by the CDC.

What should I do if an employee comes to work with COVID-19 symptoms?

COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If an employee starts to present these symptoms during the work day, they should be immediately separated from other employees.

Employees should not be allowed to return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation, and have consulted with their healthcare provider. Employees should not be required to be tested or provide a doctor’s note in order to return back to work.

What should I do if an employee suspects or confirms to have COVID-19?

In most cases, you do not need to shut down the facility. However, you should close off any areas used for prolonged periods by the sick person. Wait 24 hours to clean the facility (to decrease the exposure to the persons cleaning the facility) and open as many doors or windows as possible to increase air circulation. Cleaning procedures should follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC.

Employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure. The CDC recommends those exposed to take extra precautions.

If an employee has been exposed, but is not showing symptoms, should I allow them to work?

Being exposed is defined by the CDC as coming in close contact (6 feet or less) with an infected person for a prolonged period of time. If the employee has symptoms they should self-isolate. If the employee does not have symptoms, they should self-quarantine for 14 days and practice social distancing. All employees should monitor for symptoms during this time.

Cross training all employees to be able to perform all functions is especially critical in the case your staff is decreased from coronavirus infections.

What should I do if I find out several days later (after an employee worked) they were diagnosed with COVID-19?

If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee used the facility, clean and disinfect all areas the employee used. If it has been more than 7 days since the sick employee used the facility, additional cleaning is not necessary.

We will continue our Re-Opening series to provide as much information as you need. We want the quilt retail community to feel safe as you re-integrate your businesses to their normal workflow.


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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Keeping healthy workers

flu

Flu season is upon us; check out these tips to help ensure that you, your employees, and your customers can leave your business happy and healthy.

Prevent the spread

  • Encourage your employees to get their flu vaccine. Set an example by getting one yourself! This is the best way to prevent the flu.
  • Review the sick leave policy with employees. Encourage them to stay home if they’re sick without any fear of repercussions at work.
  • Look into a family sick leave policy. If someone is sick at home and they still want to come into work, encourage them to check in with any signs of symptoms and to take off early if they start to feel bad.
  • Look into automating certain features in your business, i.e., soap and towel dispensers, sinks, etc. At the least, make tissues, hand sanitizer, and waste baskets available for customers to use.
  • Post fliers (available from the CDC) around your store.

What to know about the flu

The flu is a respiratory illness that is spread by touching infected areas. An area becomes infected anytime someone coughs or sneezes on or near an object. Washing your hands frequently is the best way to make sure you don’t get sick as touching a surface then touching your eye or face is the number one way people become infected.

If you catch the flu and go to the doctor in the first 48 hours, you can get medicine that will shorten the time you’ll be sick. Even when you begin to feel better, remember you can still be contagious for up to 24 hours after your symptoms subside.

What steps does your business take to make sure everyone remains healthy? Nobody wants the flu, see what your business can do to minimize the possibility.


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.