Kentucky’s “Healthy at Work” Plan Provides Guidance for Reopening Businesses

On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear laid out the state’s “Healthy at Work” plan to gradually reopen businesses while continuing to protect Kentucky residents from COVID-19. Kentucky’s phased approach to reopening closely follows the White House Guidelines for Reopening America.

If Kentucky continues to make strides in the fight against COVID-19, the following businesses are in line to reopen with restrictions during Phase 1:

• May 11th - Manufacturing, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, professional services (at 50% of pre-outbreak capacity), horse racing (without spectators), pet grooming and boarding

• May 20th– Retail stores and houses of worship

• May 25th- Barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services

Certain businesses such as gyms, movie theaters, campgrounds, youth sports and summer camps must remain closed during Phase 1 but may be allowed to open during Phase 2.

For businesses preparing to reopen, Kentucky has outlined ten minimum rules that all businesses must adhere to. These minimum requirements must be followed during Phase 1 and until further notice:

Minimum Requirements for All Businesses:

1. Continued telework where possible

2. Phased return to work when appropriate

3. Onsite temperature/health checks

4. Universal masks and any other necessary PPE

5. Close common areas (waiting room, cafeterias, break rooms, etc.)

6. Enforce social distancing

7. Limit face-to-face meetings

8. Sanitizer/hand washing stations

9. Special accommodations where needed

10. Testing plan

In order to open and stay open, office-based businesses must also continue to follow the cleaning requirements such as frequent hand washing for all employees, ensuring workstations are properly cleaned and well ventilated and posting signage throughout the office to remind employees of good hygiene practices.

If Phase 1 of the “Healthy at Work” plan proves to be successful, it’s anticipated that Phase 2 will be announced next week and will outline the path for the reopening businesses such as gyms, dine-in restaurants and places of worship.