Nevada Has Started Phase 1 Openings: What does this mean for your business?

May 21, 2020

Governor Sisolak ordered non-essential businesses across Nevada to close their doors to the public two months ago. Nevada now finds itself in Phase 1 of reopening. Although many businesses would like to get back to business as usual, businesses now have to take precautionary steps safeguards public health. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) issued guidance to businesses to help them re-open safely. These guidelines are modeled after those prepared by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). SNHD's guidelines are fluid and subject to change to respond to the pandemic as it progresses. The guidelines are broken down into the following categories:

1. Steps to reduce transmission among employees. Screen employees by phone to determine if they are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms. Keep a record of employee screening using the Health District's "Employee Illness Log." Employees with fever, cough, or shortness of breath should not be allowed to work until their symptoms have resolved. Consider offering paid sick leave to all employees to encourage them to stay home when sick. Nevada's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has additional guidance for employers. If your business is regulated by Nevada State Boards and Commissions be sure to follow any industry-specific directions given by Nevada State Boards and Commissions.
    
2. Educate employees to reduce the spread. Encourage best practices to ensure employees take steps to protect themselves. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched. Avoid the use of shared equipment where possible and encourage employees to work at their station only. When shared equipment is unavoidable, surfaces and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between uses.
    
3. Steps to maintain healthy business operations and work environment. Prior to reopening and after opening clean surfaces with soap and water. Frequently disinfect high touch surfaces. Immediately perform enhanced cleaning and disinfection after persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in the facility. Consider occupancy reductions and reconfiguring workstations to maintain social distancing. Rethink the customer interface area and remove high touch surfaces where feasible and reduce lines. 
    
4. Steps to protect your customer and clients. Continue to encourage social distancing by maintaining 6 feet from others and avoid large gatherings. Encourage the use of face masks, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and provide hand sanitizer throughout the workplace. Consider screening customers for COVID-19 symptoms customers with such symptoms should be asked to visit your business at another time. Consider the use of a non-contact thermometer to screen out customers with temperatures in excess of 100.4° F. 

The information contained here is general in nature. Specific guidelines may apply to your business. For more information please contact me as part of our COVID Response Task Force at swashington@murchisonlaw.com.