Making the decision to reopen
This article focuses on the six decision tools to guide in reopening the economy. These tools were released, for this reason, by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on May 14, 2020.
So, the decision tools are a follow up to the President’s latest guidelines, named Opening up America Again. The article Getting back to work – the plan was previously released and reviewed these guidelines.
The decision tools use a flowchart diagram, also known as a decision tree, for making decisions. The user reaches a conclusion based on the answers to a series of questions.
Moreover, each branch of the decision tools flowchart represents a choice regarding reopening. The result, based on the answers, being either to Open and Monitor, Meet Safeguards First, or Do Not Open. Consequently, responding to the decision tool helps everyone understand the requirements to reopen.
In short, protecting vulnerable workers is one of the purposes of using the decision tools. Further, the decision-makers need to make sure the needs of the local community are met. The state and local health officials help determine local needs.
The six decision tools include
Main sections of the six decision tools to guide in reopening the economy
In short, each of the decision tool categories includes these main sections.
- Should you consider opening?
- Are recommended health and safety actions in place?
- Is ongoing monitoring in place?
Should you consider opening? – question 1
Each of the six decision tools for question 1 has at least these two questions.
- Is the reopening consistent with state and local orders?
- Will the higher risk employees, students, and children be protected?
In addition, a question regarding screening employees, students, and children may be asked, if applicable.
The decision-makers proceed to the second question when all questions in section 1 are answered yes. An opening cannot happen if all are not answered yes.
Are recommended health and safety actions in place? – question 2
- The CDC provides a list of healthy hygiene practices. These include hand washing and wearing masks when needed.
- Intensify cleaning and disinfecting
- Social distancing
- Promote telework
- Training regarding health and safety protocols
Proceed to question 3 when these safeguards are met.
Is ongoing monitoring in place? question 3
Above all, the health and safety actions are in place, along with ongoing monitoring. Ongoing monitoring includes these sections.
- Procedures to check signs and symptoms for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Encourage anyone sick to stay home
- Cases, exposures and updates to policies should be regularly communicated
- Monitoring employee, student and child absences, and have flexible leave policies
- Be ready to communicate with local health authorities if there are cases
An opening can occur when safeguards are in place with ongoing monitoring.
The six decision tools to guide in reopening
Workplaces
Consequently, businesses and workplaces can open with monitoring after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the CDC’s Workplaces decision tool.
Further, the CDC website has more information about Businesses and Workplaces.
Schools
Also, schools can open with monitoring after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the CDC’s School decision tool. Further, the CDC website has more information about Schools and Child Care Programs.
Should you consider opening? – question 1
In addition, the administrators should be able to screen for symptoms upon arrival of the students and employees.
Child Care
The Child care decision tool, in summary, helps directors and administrators make decisions regarding child care programs. Then, these programs can open after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the decision tool.
The CDC’s website, in addition, has more information about Schools and Child Care Programs
Should you consider opening? – question 1
Also, the directors and administrators should be able to screen for symptoms upon arrival by the children and employees.
Are recommended health and safety actions in place? – question 2
Another requirement is that activities should be adjusted to limit the sharing of items.
Camps
Likewise, the Youth Programs and Camps decision tool helps directors or administrators make decisions regarding the programs and camps. The camps can open after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the decision tool.
The CDC’s website, for example, has more information about Youth Programs and Camps.
Should you consider opening? – question 1
The directors or administrators should also be able to screen for symptoms upon arrival by the children and employees.
Are recommended health and safety actions in place? – question 2
In addition
- staggered scheduling, arrival and drop off should occur
- activities are adjusted to limit the sharing of items
Restaurants and Bars
Similarly, the purpose of the Restaurants and Bars decision tool, like the other decision tools, is to help in the reopening decision. The restaurants and bars can open after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the decision tool.
To demonstrate, the CDC’s website has more information about Restaurants and Bars.
Are recommended health and safety actions in place? – question 2
In addition, social distancing is expanded for restaurants and bars to include
- encouraging drive-through
- delivery
- curb-side pick up
- the spacing of tables/stools
- limiting party size
- avoiding self-service stations
Mass Transit
Mass transit also can open with monitoring after answering yes to the questions in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the CDC’s mass transit tool. The use of this tool assists administrators in making reopening decisions.
Also, more about public services and infrastructure, including mass transit, can be found on the CDC’s website.
Are recommended health and safety actions in place? – question 2
Social distancing is then expanded to include
- the increased spacing of passengers and employees
- closing every other row of seats
- using rear door entry/exit, if feasible
In addition, routes should be limited to and from high transmission areas.
Do you need help or have any questions regarding decision tools to guide in reopening?
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