
Coronavirus & Return to Work
Return To Work
Echoing the sentiments of public health officials, a return to normalcy won’t be like flipping a switch, but rather a gradual effort. In preparation for reopening your business and asking employees to come back to work, it’s imperative that your company thoughtfully constructs a return to work action plan for its employees to keep everyone healthy and safe following the COVID-19 pandemic.Be sure to review guidance from state and local government
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts states and regions in different ways. Just because a business is allowed to reopen in one region of the country doesn’t automatically mean your operations will be allowed to resume as well. As such, it’s critical to understand and review all relevant state and local orders to determine if and when your business is allowed to reopen.
Looking for more on other Coronavirus topics? Check out our main Coronavirus Resource Page here.
New York State
New York Forward
New York State is currently reopening in phases. The phases are being determined by regional health metrics as well as industry.
Is my NYS business eligible to reopen?
For help determining whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, use the reopen lookup tool.
My NYS business is eligible to reopen. Now what?
In order to operate, you must comply with all safety guidelines for your industry, as well as any additional health and safety guidance issued by the state. State guidance for each phase can be found in the New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool
Note: All NYS businesses that are open in Phase 1 (including "essential" businesses that have remained open all along) must meet specific requirements.
- NY Forward Business Re-Opening Safety Plan Template
- NY Forward Business Affirmation
- FAQ on New York Forward and Business Reopening
To the right, we have provided additional tools and resources you may find helpful.
GKG Resources
Below are a few helpful resources. There are lots more that can be found on The GKG Online Client Portal. Through the portal, our clients have access to resources and templates, including employee communication and industry-specific templates.- Return to Work Cleaning Checklist
- Guide to Create RTW Action Plan
- Sample Return to Work Action Plan
- Screening Employee Temperatures Upon Return to Work
Center for Disease Control Resources
- Reopening During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Decision Tool
- Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19
- Manufacturing Workers and Employers: Interim Guidance from CDC and OSHA