The following are the foremost authorities on the most up-to-date guidelines for protecting your people. They each have a dedicated page for employers outlining general, as well as industry-specific recommendations. In addition to these guidelines, consider that a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or an Occupational Health Nurse be included as a member of your team in preparing a plan of action to resume operations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- COVID-19 Home Page for Businesses and Employers
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses
- Reopening Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Guidelines for Protecting Yourself and Others
- Workplace Decision Tree
- COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace (Updated: June 10, 2021)
- COVID-19 Home Page
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- Guidance for Specific Industries
- Benefits Pro Summary of OSHA Guidance
American Industrial Hygiene Association
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Additional Resources
The White House
On April 16, the White House released Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a phased approach to help state and local officials reopen their economies, get people back to work, and continue to protect American lives. Learn more here or download a PDF here.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
As part of its Path Forward initiative, the Digital Resources Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is offering state-specific guidance on reopening businesses. You can view their interactive map here. Additionally, the U.S. Chamber has created this reopening playbook specifically tailored for small businesses.
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has released interim guidance for owners, staff, and patrons of businesses to follow during Phase 1 of the state’s reopening strategy. Additionally, the department has provided this easy-to-use Phase 1 checklist for business owners. Click here to view the department’s testing guidelines for COVID-19, including guidance on who can get tested and how.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
In “6 Things You Need to Know About COVID-19,” Blue Cross NC Vice President of Clinical Operations and Innovations Dr. Von Nguyen answers important questions to help North Carolinians protect themselves and their families during COVID-19.