White House Releases Plan to Reopen Federal Government
The Trump Administration has released guidelines for how each state should prepare to resume normal operations following the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government is the largest employer in the USA and has a large presence in communities country-wide. Following the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government is planning to resume operations to stimulate the economy.
Along with businesses, the federal government will follow the guidelines of Opening Up America Again. Before a state or region reopens, the following criteria must be met:
- Cases of Covid and influenza illnesses must reduce for 14 days.
- Positive tests and documented cases of Covid-19 must reduce for 14 days.
- Local hospitals must have the capacity to treat patients without crisis care. The area must have a plan for testing health care workers.
Three-Phase Approach for Employers
In a letter addressed to federal leaders, the White House noted that 85% of federal workers live and work outside of Washington D.C. The White House has provided three phases to help all states and regions reopen safely. Phase one can only begin once the above criteria have been met.
Phase one: Employers encourage employees to work remotely or return to work in phases.
Employers must enforce social distancing, follow the CDC guidelines, close common areas in the workplace, and limit non-essential travel. The government also recommends special accommodations for vulnerable employees if possible.
Phase two: Once there is no evidence of rebound.
Once the state or region has passed the criteria a second time, restrictions can loosen further. Non-essential travel can resume, but employees should be allowed to work remotely where possible. While social distancing is still encouraged, daycare centers, schools, and camps can reopen.
Phase three: Unrestricted staffing.
The state or region need to pass the criteria a third time and show a downward trend in cases. Once that is met, employers can allow all their employees back to work with social distancing measures. However, vulnerable people should still be allowed special accommodations.
The States Need Better Definitions
The three-phase plan has been supported by specialists such as infectious disease epidemiologist Kimberly Powers. She has said that while a slow approach is best, the Open Up American Again plan needs to better define critical terms. It needs to better define what numbers need to be met to show there is no rebound. Currently, it would seem that an increase of even one case could mean a state or region is back to square one.
How Will Workplaces Look Under the New Guidelines?
It is expected that work will look different once social distancing measures are lifted. Now that most businesses have the capacity for staff to work remotely, working arrangements may become more flexible. Employers seem mixed on whether or not they prefer employees in the office. Employees, however, seem to overall enjoy a certain level of flexibility. Top talent can move out of expensive cities as they work remotely. In the future, offering flexibility might be a way to sweeten the recruitment deal.
How to Handle Workers Who Are Scared to Return to Work
Some workers have been scared to return to work due to fear of catching Covid-19. These concerns for their health are understandable, and it is important employers consider their fears and legal rights. First, an employer must listen to their concerns and discover exactly what they are. It may help if an employer shares their plan for how they will keep the workplace safe.
How Has Covid-19 Change the Workplace?
Since early March, coronavirus has had a huge impact on the way Americans work. Many businesses have been forced to close temporarily, or permanently. Others have relied on their employees to work from home. Businesses that require people to work onsite have equipped their employees with PPE, increased cleaning, and provided hand-washing and sanitation stations.