Insurance Speak: Reopening amid COVID-19

Not only are schools reopening, but so are many businesses. The concern is, how do companies keep their employees and their customers safe in the wake of the coronavirus? What issues should they consider before reopening? What happens if an employee contracts COVID-19?

In the latest Insurance Speak podcast, Allan Burt, founding partner of Building Health Sciences, and Allen Owens, president and owner of Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Greater Baltimore, share their expertise on the topic. They are keenly aware that the information available on anything related to COVID-19 is still changing almost daily; so much of their guidance comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among the issues for business owners to consider as they reopen is who will be working, and can they work remotely? Burt, who has a background in building science investigations, has been consulting on COVID-19 risk transmission, enhanced janitorial and disinfection protocols, and provides re-occupancy guidance to a wide range of companies and federal agencies. He finds that many building owners and property managers were maintaining janitorial and facilities services even during the lockdown and keeping building systems operational, which makes reopening easier.

“Initially, we were involved with many emergency disinfections when a positive case was confirmed. Then it slowed as building occupancy was reduced with temporary closures or remote work accommodations,” he explains.

For businesses where an employee has contracted the coronavirus, there are several considerations, says Owens. “According to the CDC, if it has been more than seven days since the person who is sick visited or used the facility, then additional cleaning and disinfection are not necessary.” He advises waiting 24 hours before cleaning or disinfecting a location; however, if that is not feasible, he recommends hiring a professional remediation company. Any employees entering the space should be wearing full personal protective equipment. He also stressed the importance of providing any contractors hired with a clear scope of work and defined expectations for the job.

For more details on the different types of cleaning (think disinfecting vs. enhanced janitorial vs. sanitizing), the steps business can take to minimize the spread of the virus, and insights on where to find accurate information, listen to the Insurance Speak podcast here.

Related:

• Keys to safely reopening buildings after a shutdown
• Liability waivers becoming more common as employees return to work