Work Safe 2.0: Principles to Guide Reopen Houston Safely
It's important that we reopen businesses in our region safely, sustainably and successfully. To aid companies planning to reopen or expand their operations, the Partnership is sharing a set of principles to help businesses develop plans to protect the health of their employees and customers, minimizing the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Mandatory Mask Requirement in Commercial Establishments
On June 19, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an executive order requiring all businesses and commercial entities in the county that provide goods or services directly to the public develop, post and implement a Health and Safety Policy. This policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees and customers wear a mask while on the premises when in close contact with others.
Reopen Houston Safely Report
This report uses the frameworks of federal and state guidance and considers the unique healthcare conditions and industry needs in the Houston region. These guidelines and resources are intended to support businesses across the greater Houston region as they reopen and remain focused on the steps needed to resume work safely, sustainably and successfully.
Managing COVID-19 Cases in the Workplace
The Partnership has developed this resource to provide a step-by-step process for how to respond to work-related cases. The document also addresses key legal considerations when taking these steps and the advantages and disadvantages for utilizing digital data management tools.
In April, Governor Abbott released the Report to Open Texas, which laid out a plan for reopening closed businesses across the state in a phased approach. In the ensuing weeks, the Governor signed a series of executive orders outlining reopen timelines and safety protocols for specific industries.
Access the full report via the link below and find guidance by sector.
A full copy of the report including information on testing and contact tracing. Note the checklists contained in the report are no longer valid. Check below for the current protocols.
On June 26, Governor Abbott released additional guidance through Executive Order GA-28 outlining reopening timelines and protocols for certain industries.
Now in effect.
Reopen Houston Monitoring Dashboard
Reopening successfully will require maintaining a fine balance between public health vigilance and economic recovery. To monitor this balance, the Partnership has established this dashboard in collaboration with the Texas Medical Center. The dashboard includes a compilation of critical metrics spanning healthcare factors, economic metrics and local measures of citizen activity. A combined reading of these metrics can inform state and local elected officials and business leaders as we navigate the path to recovery.
Harris County Public Health has produced a series of helpful signs, graphics and guidance to help encourage safety in local businesses. Click and download the graphics below.
Follows the guidelines for Harris County's mandatory health and safety policy requirements, including maintaining social distance and wearing a face mask while on premises of business.
Self-screening and temperature check graphic.
This decal can be downloaded and copies placed six feet apart in businesses where customers queue up.
Step-by-step guide to proper handwashing technique.
Encourages alternatives to person-to-person contact greetings.
Encourages staff at companies to get tested for COVID-19.
Discourages customers from entering businesses if they are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
Industry Best Practices for Reopening
To ensure the safe, sustainable and successful reopening of our local economy, the Partnership has curated these industry best practices and trade association guidance to help businesses develop plans to protect the health of their employees and minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses have a vested interest in getting this reopening right. They want to keep their employees and customers safe — and feeling safe.
The following companies operating in the Houston region have pledged to be Work Safe Companies, ensuring they are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. If your business is currently operating, please adopt the principles and join the program today.
Work Safe Company Toolkit
Get a one-sheeter on the principles, and the Work Safe Company badge.
Get a list of updated resources for maintaining your business, financial assistance, public health links and much more.
The Greater Houston Partnership partners with the community by sharing best practices and information through its communication channels that is intended for general information purposes only, and not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as legal or entity specific advice. The Greater Houston Partnership communications may contain links to non-Greater Houston Partnership websites that are created and controlled by other organizations. We claim no responsibility for the content of any linked website, or any additional links contained therein.
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