Support For Texas Businesses Reopening During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The State of Texas, as well as most other states around the country, have developed a phased reopening for businesses. This scheduled or phased reopening is based on the specific type of business. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, mechanics, feed and agricultural stores as well as hardware stores, were allowed to remain open throughout the stay-at-home orders, ensuring people had access to essential products and services.

In early May, phase one of the reopening began. The initial phase included the opening of restaurants, with limited seating capacity, as well as the option for retailers deemed non-essential to open with curbside service. Other businesses such as bars, bowling alleys, barbershops, nail salons, beauty shops, natural attractions, and specific events such as rodeos and other equestrian events can open. Gyms, yoga studios, malls, movie theaters, and places of worship are also open, although they have a limit of 25% occupancy and the requirement for social distancing practices.

General Business Reopening Checklist
To help plan for a reopening, here are some considerations for business owners. Be sure to check the Texas Government online site for specifics for each business type.

• Capacity must be limited to 25% in retail spaces in major cities and areas
• Capacity for retailers and malls in rural areas with less than 5 confirmed cases is 50%
• Social distancing of 6 feet is required throughout businesses
• Party size for restaurants is six people, and parties must be seated at least six feet away from others
• No reusable items are allowed in restaurants (including menus and condiments on tables)
• Businesses of all types should have a protocol in place to regularly disinfect surfaces including doorknobs, shopping carts, and baskets, countertops, payment terminals or other types of equipment or surfaces
• Face coverings for employees and customers should be encouraged
• Disinfectant or hand sanitizer should be made available

How to Manage the Guidelines
The challenge for most businesses is not in understanding the guidelines, but in managing customers to comply with the guidelines. How can a business expect employees to limit customer access based on occupancy, to tell a group they cannot eat at the same table in a restaurant, or to ask people to maintain social distancing while waiting in line for checkout? Security services are a simple solution to the problem. A security presence in a retail outlet or restaurant allows the employees to focus on their job. At the same time, security professionals can ensure the recommended guidelines for social distancing, occupancy, and compliance with requirements are followed.

For a smaller business, working with employees to role-play how to deescalate these situations specific to the business is critical. It is essential for staff to have a plan and to be clear in their message while maintaining a calm demeanor. The key factor in de-escalation is to not engage the customer in a debate and to be respectful of the individual. Role-play approaching groups and calmly and precisely stating the specific requirements and guidelines for the business. It is also helpful to practice how to respond to challenges from customers, and give clear instructions as to when employees need to call for a manager.

Posting information about group size and business policies on the website as well as on large, easily understood posters on the doors of the business is also very helpful. It is effective in providing a reference point for both customers and staff.