MRAA & NMMA COVID-19 Retail Reopening Guidelines
LAST UPDATED: Thursday August 27, 2:00PM ET
As states continue to reopen their economies post the COVID-19 pandemic, MRAA and NMMA are working together to help our members nationwide identify and assess the retail status in each state.
The following resource is intended as a snapshot to help navigate this rapidly-changing environment. Please consult with regulators within the appropriate jurisdiction and your own stakeholders including legal counsel before making a determination on how to best proceed with your company’s operations.
Masks: Due to increased COVID-19 cases, several states have adopted requirements for the general public to wear masks while outside their residences, including the workplace. Employers are advised to develop a compliant policy. State requiring masks for general public are: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Below you will the NMMA contact for each state. If you would like to reach out to MRAA, please contact Adam Fortier-Brown at [email protected].
Alabama
Marine Retail Operations: On May 21, 2020, Governor Ivey amended the Alabama Safer at Home Order to be applied statewide. The order which includes an expanded list of items to reopen will expire on August 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
All retail stores shall comply with the following rules:
· Emergency maximum occupancy rate. Occupancy shall be limited to no more than 50 percent of the normal occupancy load as determined by the fire marshal. This “emergency maximum occupancy rate” shall be posted in a conspicuous place, and enough staff shall be posted at the store entrances and exits to enforce this requirement.
· Social distancing. An employee of the retail store may not knowingly allow customers or patrons to congregate within six feet of a person from another household.
· Sanitation. The retail store shall take reasonable steps to comply with guidelines on sanitation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
For more information, click here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Alaska
Marine Retail Operations: Alaska marine dealers and other retail businesses are fully open without occupancy restrictions. Retail guidance can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Arizona
Marine Retail Operations: Retailers may open but must limit capacity to an amount that allows for six feet social distancing and follow the health and safety guidelines found here. Governor Ducey has paused the reopening process and has ordered the states bars, gyms, movie theaters and water parks to shut down for at least 30 days amid thousands of new coronavirus cases in the state, however this does not affect retail operations.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Arkansas
Marine Retail Operations: Retailers are allowed to reopen as long as they limit person-to-person contact and maintain appropriate social distancing of at least six feet to prevent the spread of the virus, full retail guidelines can be found here, general phase 2 guidance for businesses can be found here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
California
Marine Retail Operations: Marine retail operations are open under guidelines set by county, with state requirements found here. Face coverings are required in most businesses.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Colorado
Marine Retail Operations: Retail operations opened on May 1 with restrictions including 50% capacity. Read full retail guidelines here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Connecticut
Marine Retail Operations: Essential retail was allowed to remain open throughout the pandemic. Connecticut entered Phase 2 of their reopening plan on June 17th. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50%, full retail phase 2 guidance can be found here. Business must self-certify and commit to comply with the Sector Rules established to keep their employees and customers safe. Please self-certify here. Connecticut’s reopening is currently on pause.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Delaware
Marine Retail Operations: Retail locations can operate at 60% capacity as long as the business complies with the state’s social distancing and preparedness guidance. This includes installing physical barriers such as sneeze guards, and marking out six-foot spacing for check-out lines to ensure social distancing. Remote sales, and marine repair was previously permitted.
· Businesses are responsible to follow the Responsibilities for all Businesses, set forth in the State of Emergency Order.
· Employers must enforce strict social distancing protocols.
· Employees and customers have a responsibility to self-quarantine if they have a reason to expect that they may be ill with or may have come into contact with COVID-19. Employees who are symptomatic must not physically return to work until cleared by a medical professional.
· Employers are encouraged to continue teleworking. Employees who have been working from home throughout this crisis should continue working from home unless there is a substantive change to business operations in Phase 2 (e.g. a business was closed, but now it’s open).
· All surfaces touched by customers, including doors, restrooms, and point of sale infrastructure must be disinfected using an EPA-approved disinfectant every 15 minutes to 2 hours.
· Hand sanitizer must be used by employees at frequent intervals during any service, appointment or scheduled event, including at a minimum after contact with surfaces touched by others, after incidental contact with a patron or visitor, and before preparing or distributing food or drink.
· Employees must social distance from each other while working. This can be accomplished through spacing or moving workstations, staggering shifts or other means.
· Businesses must make hand sanitizer or handwashing stations readily available for all employees, patrons, and visitors throughout the business’ location, including at each entry and exit at a minimum. Hand sanitizer must be composed of at least sixty percent (60%) ethanol or seventy percent (70%) isopropanol.
· Employers must post signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, hand hygiene, and how to properly wear a cloth face covering. Download signs: de.gov/bizsigns
Current business guidance can be found here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Florida
Marine Retail Operations: As of June 19, Governor DeSantis has halted Florida’s phased reopening strategy, however it does not affect retail businesses. All retail businesses are open statewide and may operate at full capacity under Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan, which requires social distancing protocols. Read Executive Order 20-139 for more information. All employers should implement and update as necessary a plan that:
· is specific to your workplace,
· identifies all areas and job tasks with potential exposures to COVID-19, and
· includes control measures to eliminate or reduce such exposures.
Retail establishments remain open, however indoor dining, gyms and other businesses have been closed since July 6.
Capacity Requirements
Limit the number of customers inside a store at a given time is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the store’s capacity or operational limitations, excluding employees and representatives of third-party delivery companies.Tthe establishment must comply with the more stringent or restrictive limitation set by state or local governments. Retail establishments that were permitted to operate as essential services or essential businesses under the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 are not subject to the fifty percent (50%) maximum occupancy limitation stated in this section. Click here and here for more details.Social distancing requirements do not apply to members of the same household.
Operations Requirements
· Consider dedicated shopping hours or appointment times for the elderly, medically vulnerable, and health care workers.
· Social distancing reminders to customers are required, including but not limited to social distancing “reminder” signs, personal stickers, floor decals, and audio or audible announcements. Signs shall be conspicuously posted.
· Establish one-way aisles and traffic patterns for social distancing.
· Encourage curbside, online, or call-in pickup and delivery service options to minimize contact and maintain social distancing.
Sanitation and Safety Requirements
· Prohibit or limit the use of changing rooms while ensuring proper sanitation and compliance with social distancing protocols.
· Establish procedures for safe exchange and returns of goods and materials.
· Do not allow self-serve products (e.g., “testers”); consider limiting customer contact with retail products before purchase.
· When possible and appropriate, use plastic shields or barriers between customers and clerks at service counters and clean them (the shields and service counters) frequently.
· Prohibit the use of reusable bags (reusable bags may carry COVID-19).
· Every person working, living, visiting, or doing business in the City of Tampa shall wear a face covering in any indoor location that is open to the public, other than their home or residence, when not maintaining social distancing from other person(s), excluding family members or companion(s).
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Georgia
Marine Retail Operations: All retail businesses shall implement the following additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as practicable.
Such measures shall include:
1. Limiting the number of patrons inside the store to 50% of fire capacity occupancy of the entire store or eight (8) patrons per 1,000 square feet;
2. Encouraging patrons to use hand sanitizer upon entering;
3. Encouraging non-cash payments when possible;
4. Sanitizing entrance and exit doors at least three times per day;
5. Encouraging Workers to report any safety and health concerns to the employer; and
6. Installing protective screens or other mitigation measures where Worker-patron interactions are likely.
Click here to view a complete list of retail guidelines.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Hawaii
Marine Retail Operations: Hawaii is currently in phase 2 “Act with Care” of their reopen strategy. Click here to view the current phase guidelines. In phase 2, retailers are allowed to be open for business with the following social distancing protocols and reduced occupancy:
Social Distancing – Employees (Phase 2)
Ensure employees stay 6 feet apart whenever practical. Adjust seating in break rooms, cafeterias, and other common areas to reflect social distancing practices. Prohibit gatherings or meetings of employees of 10 or more during working hours, permit employees to take breaks and lunch outside, in their office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where proper social distancing is attainable. Restrict interaction between employees and outside visitors or truck drivers; implement touchless receiving practices if possible. Adjust training/onboarding practices to limit number of people involved and allow for 6 foot spacing; use virtual/video/audio training when possible. Discourage employees from using colleagues’ phones, desks, workstations, radios, handhelds/wearables, or other work tools and equipment. Prohibit handshaking and other unnecessary person to person contact in the workplace.
Special Protocols for Home Delivery/Installation Employees. Wear protective face coverings and gloves during in-home delivery and/or installation services. Ensure proper social distancing between employee and customer. Clean and disinfect any surfaces which will be regularly contacted throughout the duration of any installation. When delivery/installation is complete, clean and disinfect all surfaces which were contacted throughout installation. Clean and disinfect any tools or supplies used throughout delivery/installation upon leaving the home.
Social Distancing – Customers (Phase 2)
To support smaller retail businesses, who may lack staff necessary to closely monitor customer flow, it is recommended to reduce store occupancy to no more than 50%, and no less than 20%, of the stated maximum store capacity according to the National Fire Code. Alternatively, thresholds of no more than 5 customers per 1,000 square feet of total store square footage excluding employees, may also be appropriate. Place conspicuous signage at entrances and throughout the store alerting staff and customers to the required occupancy limits, six feet of physical distance, and policy on face covering. Establish hours of operation, wherever possible, that permit access solely to high-risk individuals, as defined by the CDC. Demarcate six feet of spacing in check-out lines to demonstrate appropriate spacing for social distancing. Ensure six feet of distance between customers and cashiers and baggers, except at the moment of payment and/or exchange of goods. Arrange for contactless pay options, pickup, and/or delivery of goods wherever practical.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Idaho
Marine Retail Operations: Marine retailers may open at 100% of capacity if they implement social distancing protocols found here. They include: Identify how the business will provide adequate sanitation and personal hygiene for employees, vendors and patrons. Identify how the business will provide services limiting close interactions with patrons such as, but not limited to:
· Online, digital or telephonic ordering
· Curbside pickup
· Delivery
· Establishing hours of operations for vulnerable populations
· Limiting numbers of patrons in the business at a time
· Directing the flow of traffic in the business
· Use of signage and barrier protection to limit movement and maintain distancing
Identify strategies for addressing ill employees, which should include requiring COVID-19 positive employees to stay at home while contagious and may include restricting employees who were directly exposed to the COVID-19 positive employee, as well as the closure of the facility until it can be properly disinfected.
On a case-by-case basis, include other practices such as screening of employees for illness and exposures upon work entry, requiring non-cash transactions, etc.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Illinois
Marine Retail Operations: On Friday, June 26, Illinois and Chicago moved into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, which continues to allow for retail to be open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance. Retail operations can operate at maximum of 50% store capacity OR 5 customers allowed per 1000 square feet of retail space (see DCEO guidance here).
Additionally, the retailer should design a plan to allow for social distancing. Read retail business guidelines here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Indiana
Marine Retail Operations: Indiana is in Stage 4.5 of the Back on Track Indiana reopening plan, which allows for retail stores to be open at full capacity (100%) with social distancing guidelines in place and face coverings are recommended. Read more about Stage 4.5 here. Read full retail suggested guidelines here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Iowa
Marine Retail Operations: Retail locations can operate at 100% capacity with social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures. This includes supplying adequate hand sanitizing stations, and marking out six-foot increments for check-out lines. Outdoor mass gatherings of more than ten people may be held pursuant with social distancing and hygiene standards. Additional retail guidance can be found here.
On July 24, Governor Reynolds signed a new proclamation extending the State Public Health Disaster Emergency until August 23, 2020, including current restrictions on businesses and other establishments. Retail locations are no longer required to accept empty bottles and cans.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Kansas
Marine Retail Operations: The state is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan. Retail specific guidance can be found here. All businesses can safely open and should:
· Maintain at least six feet of distance between consumers (individuals or groups).
· Follow fundamental cleaning and public health practices as designated by KDHE. Businesses should follow industry specific guidelines as outlined on covid.ks.gov. Following additional best practices guidance from each business sector are strongly encouraged.
· Avoid any instances in which groups of more than 45 individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. This does not limit the total occupancy of a business, but requires that businesses limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which physical distancing cannot be maintained such as in tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, checkout areas, etc.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Kentucky
Marine Retail Operations: Retail businesses should provide services and conduct business via phone or Internet to the greatest extent practicable. Any retail employees who are currently able to perform their job duties via telework (e.g., accounting staff) should continue to telework.
Retail businesses must limit the number of customers present in any given retail business
to 33% of the maximum permitted occupancy of the facility, assuming all individuals in
the store are able to maintain six (6) feet of space between each other with that level of
occupancy. If individuals are not able to maintain six (6) feet of space between each other
at 33% of capacity, the retail business must limit the number of individuals in the store to
the greatest number that permits proper social distancing.
If a retail business has more customers wishing to enter their business than is possible
under the current social distancing requirements of six (6) feet between all individuals,
the business should establish a system for limiting entry and tracking occupancy numbers.
Once a retail business has reached its capacity, it should permit a new customer inside
only after a previous customer has left the premises on a one-to-one basis. Retail
businesses experiencing lines or waits outside their doors should establish a safe means
for customers to await entry, such as asking customers to remain in their car and notifying
them via phone when they are able to enter the store or marking off spots six (6) feet
apart where customers can safely stand without congregating.
Retail businesses should ensure employees wear face masks at all times. Retail employees are not required to wear face masks while alone in personal offices or if doing so would pose a serious threat
to their health or safety.
Click here for the complete list of retail guidelines. Additionally, guidance has been released allowing gatherings of 50 people or less beginning on June 29, read more here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Louisiana
Marine Retail Operations: On June 5, Louisiana moved into Phase Two of the Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana, which allows non-essential retail to open under strict occupancy, protection and social distancing guidelines. Non-essential businesses and retailers (sometimes called “gray area” businesses) may remain open at 50 percent of their occupancy. Full guidance can be found here. Louisiana has paused their reopening movement and will remain in Phase Two until further notice. Louisiana is currently paused until at least August 28th.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Maine
Marine Retail Operations: Governor Mills announced that Maine will be entering Stage 3 on July 1. Maine will now allow gatherings of groups up to 100 people for outdoor events starting Saturday, August 1, 2020. Indoor gatherings the prohibition on indoor gatherings of more than 50 people will remain in place, as will the 14-day quarantine or the alternative set out in the Keep Maine Healthy plan on people entering Maine. All businesses that have been open may remain open. At-risk people should stay home when possible.
Governor Mills extended the State of Civil Emergency through September 3.
Retail locations are allowed to operate as long as the business implements adequate social distancing and hygiene standards set forth by the state. This includes requiring customers and employees to wear face coverings, good hygiene, and frequent handwashing. Businesses are limited to 5 customers per 1,000 square feet.
A full retail checklist can be found here.
Maine's Department of Ecomonomic and Community Development opened its Economic Recovery Grant Program, funded through the CARES Act. This program is meant to provide businesses and non-profits that demonstrate financial need to acquire funding to remain viable. More information on the program here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Maryland
Marine Retail Operations: Subject to applicable Local Orders, retail businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities in the State of Maryland that principally sell goods (“Retail Establishments”) may open to the general public, provided, however, that the total number of persons permitted in a Retail Establishment at any one time shall not exceed 50% of that Retail Establishment’s Maximum Occupancy. Additional guidelines for retail operations can be found here. County specific information can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Massachusetts
Marine Retail Operations: Massachusetts entered phase three step one of their Reopen Plan statewide on July 13. Retail is allowed to have patrons with restrictions, including a max of 10 persons (including store staff per 1,000 square feet of accessible indoor space or 50% of the retail store’s maximum permitted occupancy. Read more here. In order to reopen and expand operations, businesses must develop a written COVID-19 Control Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mandatory guidance for safety standard can be found here.
Reopening Standards for Recreational Boating Businesses were updated on August 18 and can be found here. As of August 7, Governor Baker has paused reopening plans indefinitely.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Michigan
Marine Retail Operations: Michigan is currently in Phase 4 or 5 pending the region of the Michigan Safe Start plan. Phase 4 allows for retail operations to be open with additional safety measures and guidelines in place (ie capacity limits). In person retail is operational but stores must create communication materials for customers to inform them of changes to store practices as well as establish a line to regulate entry. In regions 5 & 6, capacity limits for stores under 50,000 square feet (excluding employees) must limit to 25% of total occupancy limits established by the state fire marshal or a local fire marshal. More details can be found here. Current retail guidance can be found here. MIOSHA requirements can be found here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Minnesota
Marine Retail Operations: Retail operations are open as long as the business has developed and implemented a COVID-19 Business Preparedness plan that addresses state requirements and guests comply with state social distancing guidelines. Furthermore, previously marine sales (by appointment only) and marine repair were included under critical sectors, which can be read here. Current retail guidance can be found here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Mississippi
Marine Retail Operations: On June 1, Mississippi entered the final stage of the Safe Return plan. All businesses and non-profits in Mississippi are allowed to open, following CDC and Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) guidance to limit transmission. Retail businesses should continue to implement reasonable measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including limiting the number of customers in their stores at one time to no greater than 50% of their store capacity and making hand sanitizer available to customers upon entry. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Missouri
Marine Retail Operations: Retail sales are open at full capacity without coronavirus-related restrictions. Requirements for social distancing and cleanliness are here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Montana
Marine Retail Operations: Montana is currently in phase 2 of their reopening strategy. The current retail guidance is as follows:
Health assessments must be conducted for all employees at the beginning of each shift. In establishments where customers wait in a line, non-household customers should remain physically distanced. Waiting areas where adequate physical distancing cannot be maintained must be closed. Customers should be encouraged to call for a reservation or an appointment, or establishments should use an online wait listing application. Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained between non-congregate customers, this may require:
· A reduction in capacity;
· A reduction of seating in service and waiting areas;
· Management of waiting areas and waiting lines; or
· Systems that reduce the amount of contact time between customers and staff.
For phase 2, all Non-congregate group size has increased from 10 people to 50 people.
Click here for more information.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Nebraska
Marine Retail Operations: Retail operations were not impacted during the pandemic, but encouraged to implement social distancing.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Nevada
Marine Retail Operations: Nevada is moving from a phased reopening strategy to a more long-term recovery plan. Final details will be outlined next week and are expected to include enforcement measures for businesses not complying with the face covering mandate resulting in a closure of the property for a “period of time,” and targeting specific businesses rather than industries writ large.
Nevada’s State Legislature passed a bill that would provide legal immunity to most businesses as long as they follow state, local, and federal health standards and do not exhibit “gross negligence.” The bill also includes worker protections for casinos, hotels and resorts requiring time off and testing for employees exposed to coronavirus, as well as setting out cleaning standards for bars, hotel rooms, restrooms, and elevators. Governor Sisolak is signed it into law on August 11.
Retail operations are permitted as long as businesses follow hygiene standards set out by the state. These include mandatory face coverings, providing disposable gloves to employees, daily symptom assessment of employees, requiring frequent hand washing, and coordinating shifts to be socially distanced. Dealers must stagger or limit employee and guest arrivals, and test drives must be limited to the customer’s household. Please see MRAA’s suggestions for sea-trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional retail guidance can be found here.
On August 25, Governoer Sisolak issued authorization to the State Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation to open the application process for the Lost Wages Assistance Program. This program was established by President Trump through executive order following the expiration of the additional unemployment benefits through the CARES Act in July.
New Hampshire
Marine Retail Operations: Retail operations may operate as long as businesses comply with the state’s universal guidance. This includes screening employees each day for COVID-19 symptoms, employees wearing cloth face coverings, strongly promoting frequent hand-washing, implementing workplace sanitation practices, encouraging social distancing, and allowing employees to work from home as much as possible. Additional retail guidance can be found here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
New Jersey
Marine Retail Operations: On May 20, boat dealerships were included on the list of essential businesses that may open however they must operate following strict provisions, found here.
New Jersey entered Phase 2 on June 15. Non-essential retail businesses are allowed in-store operations at 50% capacity while following sanitizing and social distancing guidelines. Additional retail phase 2 guidelines are found here. Governor Murphy announced on June 29 that the current reopening restrictions are paused until further notice.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
New Mexico
Marine Retail Operations: Retailers are permitted to be open with limitations of 25% occupancy. Safe practices for employers can be found here. Read retail specific guidance here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
New York
Marine Retail Operations: Five regions in New York moved into the fourth and final phase of the state’s reopening plan on June 26th. Social gatherings of 50 people are permitted, up from 25 previously. New York has implemented a 14-day quarantine from 34 states and 2 territories including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Travelers who leave the airport without completing the State Department of Health’s traveler form will be subject to a $2,000 fine and a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Phase 4:
· Central New York: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego
· Mohawk Valley: Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie
· North Country: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence
· Southern Tier: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins
· Finger Lakes: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates
Phase 4:
Retail businesses must meet the following criteria:
· Strict cleaning and sanitation standards.
· Social-distancing protocols must be in place.
· Employee hours and shifts must be designed so as to reduce the density of people working at the business.
· All employees and customers must wear face coverings in situations where there is person-to-person contact.
· Businesses must trace, track, and report COVID-19 cases to regional public-health officials.
· All nonessential travel is restricted.
· Businesses must have liability processes in place.
New York is encouraging businesses to use their online lookup tool to see what category they fit into, and what restrictions they are under
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
North Carolina
Marine Retail Operations: North Carolina is currently in phase 2 of their reopening strategy. Retail Businesses are required to:
· Limit occupancy of all operating establishments to no more than 50 percent of the stated fire capacity or 12 per 1,000 square feet if there is not a fire code number readily available.
· Post the reduced “Emergency Maximum Occupancy” in a noticeable place. Sign templates are available in English and Spanish on NC DHHS COVID-19 response site.
· Post signage reminding attendees and staff about social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from others). Know Your Ws sign templates are available in English and Spanish on the NC DHHS COVID-19 response site.
· Mark six (6) feet of spacing in lines at point of sale and in other high-traffic areas for customers, such as at deli counters and near high-demand products. It is recommended that Retail Businesses:
o Clearly mark designated entry and exit points; if a building has only one entry/exit point, try to stagger entry and exit times if possible.
o Clearly mark 6 feet of spacing in a designated area outside the establishment where people congregate due to limits on indoor capacity.
o Allow staff to work remotely as much as possible.
o Stagger shifts when remote working is not possible.
o Develop and use systems that allow for online, email, or telephone transactions.
Click here for the complete list of interim guidance to NC retail businesses.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
North Dakota
Marine Retail Operations: Retail operations were not impacted during the pandemic, but were encouraged to use extreme caution. ND Smart Restart Plan has suggested best practices for employers. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Ohio
Marine Retail Operations: In the initial Stay at Home order, boat repair and sales were included in critical sectors. As Governor Mike DeWine has implemented the Responsible Restart Ohio program, retail operations were opened on May 11. Social distancing of six feet is mandatory and masks are recommended. Responsible Restart Ohio outlines specific guidelines for retail, which can be found here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Oklahoma
Marine Retail Operations: Oklahoma proceeded to Phase 3 of the Open Up and Recover Safely plan on June 1. Phase 3 allows businesses to resume unrestricted staffing at their worksites by observing proper CDC-recommended social distancing protocols and are recommended to continue increased cleaning and disinfecting practices. Retail operations are advised to follow CDC industry guidance regarding use of masks and other personal protective equipment, found here. Industry specific guidelines can be found here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Oregon
Marine Retail Operations: As of August 27, Clackamas, Lincoln, Malheur, Morrow, Multnomah, Umatilla and Washington counties are in Phase 1, all other counties are in Phase 2 of the Reopening Oregon plan.. In Phase 1 and 2 – retailers must limit the number of customers in the retail store and focus on maintaining at least six (6) feet of distance between people and employees in the store. Store management should determine maximum occupancy to maintain at least six (6) feet of physical distancing, considering areas of the store prone to crowding (like aisles) and limit admittance accordingly. Full phase one retail guidance can be found here. Face masks are now required for all indoor public spaces. All counties have paused their applications.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Pennsylvania
Marine Retail Operations: In Pennsylvania, each county is categorized as either Red, Yellow, or Green phase. The entire state has moved into the Green phase where businesses can be open at 75% of maximum occupancy. Pennsylvania is moving forward with a phased in approach to reopening, with restrictions for each phase found here.
Click here to view the complete list of guidelines for each phase and county.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Rhode Island
Marine Retail Operations: On July 7, Rhode Island moved into Phase 3 of “Reopen Rhode Island.” Phase 3 allows non-critical retail to reopen with capacity limits, including one customer per 100 square feet and other social distancing requirements. Full phase 3 guidance can be found here. Marinas are included as critical businesses. Read more here. Guidance for marina operations can be foundhere.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
South Carolina
Marine Retail Operations: On June 11th, Governor McMaster eliminated all retail capacity restrictions in the state of South Carolina. Retailers that intend to open at full capacity are encouraged to follow the following guidance from the Department of Health and Environmental Control, click here.
SCDHEC has release an interim business guidance scenario document that can be found here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
South Dakota
Marine Retail Operations: Business operations, including retail, were never required to close during the pandemic. South Dakota’s “Back to Normal Business Plan” outlines encouraged practices for business operations. Read more here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Tennessee
Marine Retail Operations: Governor Lee lifted all capacity restrictions on retail businesses with the signing of executive order #30.
To protect consumers, the State recommends:
· Limit the number of customers inside a store at a given time if appropriate spacing between persons cannot be maintained, as density of people within a confined area increases opportunity for virus transmission.
· Strongly encourage (or at business discretion, require) customers to wear face coverings inside the store according to CDC guidance.
· Consider dedicated shopping hours or appointment times for the elderly, medically vulnerable and health care workers.
· Establish one-way aisles and traffic patterns for social distancing.
· Increase curbside, pickup and delivery service options to minimize contact and maintain social distancing.
· Assign dedicated staff to prompt customers regarding the importance of social distancing.
· Add social distancing “reminder” signs, personal stickers, floor decals and audio announcements.
For the States’ complete list of retail business guidelines, click here.
Local Ordinance (City of Nashville): Nashville has returned to phase 2 of their reopening strategy which allows retail and other commercial business to open, with social distancing maintained at 75% capacity and groups of no more than 6 people. Social distancing can be accomplished through physical barriers between people and groups. Cleaning of carts, explicit expectations for frequent hand hygiene and wearing of cloth masks by employees and patrons are required. Businesses must screen all employees daily with symptom checks. Employees with symptoms or a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater must leave the premises immediately. Businesses must post information about health precautions for patrons, employees, and staff (such as maintaining an appropriate social distance while lining up for checkout). Reduce the number of people using elevators. Provide hand sanitizer at all entrances. Advise employees with any symptoms of illness to be tested and to stay home until they receive medical clearance. Establish policies that make it possible for employees to isolate and quarantine. Read more here.
Local Ordinance (City of Memphis): Memphis is currently in phase 2 of their reopening strategy which requires retail stores to limit occupancy to 50% building capacity. Employees that interact with the public should wear cloth facial coverings; all other employees should wear cloth facial coverings. Read more here.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Texas
Marine Retail Operations: Retail businesses may operate at 50 percent of capacity. However, in rural counties with ten or fewer laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 may, on an individualized basis, increase occupancy limits for certain businesses to 75 percent if thecounty judge certifies and affirms to DSHSthat certain requirements have been met. Health and safety protocols can be read here.
Every person in Texas shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household. Click here for more details.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Utah
Marine Retail Operations: Most counties are in the yellow (low risk phase) of the States’ reopening strategy. The counties in each status are below:
The Utah COVID-19 Public Health Risk Status is:
· Orange (Moderate Risk) in Salt Lake City;
· Green (Normal Risk) in Beaver County, Daggett County, Duchesne County, Emery County, Garfield County, Kane County, Millard County, Piute County, Uintah County, and Wayne County; and
Yellow (Low Risk) inother areas of the state.
Retail businesses must adhere to guidelines based on the counties health risk status, which can be found here.
Retail businesses in those counties must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Face coverings are worn for interactions that take place within a 6-foot distance
- Maintain signage to remind and help individuals and at least 6 feet apart, including in store check-out lines.
- Assign an employee to disinfect carts and baskets regularly.
- Resume to normal patron capacity if physical distancing guidelines can be maintained.
- Make hand sanitizer readily available to customers and employees (e.g. at checkout counters and entrances, etc.)
- Set an established daily window of time for high-risk individuals to come in without pressure from crowds.
- One-way aisles to support physical distancing.
- Consider installing a clear plastic partition between cashier and customer where it is not possi-ble to maintain 6 feet of distance.
To view a complete list of guidelines for businesses in all risk categories, click here.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Vermont
Marine Retail Operations: Vermont’s Restart Vermont program outlines specific reopening plans. Retail establishments may resume limited operations in accordance with the Work Safe Guidance.
Vermont has updated certain guidelines for parts of our industry.
Marinas
Marinas may operate with minimum necessary staff, including retail operations, dining, maintenance, and fuel services, in accordance with state social distancing restrictions. Indoor marina retail operations are subject to a 25 percent maximum capacity of the store.
Consumer Retail
Consumer retail locations, such as recreational boat dealerships, are limited to the greater of:
· 50 percent of approved fire safety occupancy, or
· 1 customer per 200 square feet, or
· 10 total customers and staff combined
Click here to view the complete list of guidelines that retail businesses must follow to open their store.
Contact: David Dickerson ([email protected])
Virginia
Marine Retail Operations: All counties in Virginia entered Phase three on July 1. Phase three allows brick and mortar retail to reopen at 100% capacity while following social distancing.Phase three guidelines can be found here.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
Washington
Marine Retail Operations: As of July 16, the following counties are in phase 3: Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Island, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whitman; the following are in phase 2: Adams, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grant, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Whatcom. All other counties remain in phase 1. Retailers must follow the guidance found here. Full guidance for phases 1 – 3 is available here.
Phase 1 allows: essential businesses open; auto/RV/boat/ORV sales; retail (curb-side pick-up orders only). Phase 2 allows: retail (in-store purchases allowed at 30% capacity). Phase 3 allows: no changes to the retail capacities.
Effective July 28th all county applications have been paused indefinitely.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])
West Virginia
· Marine Retail Operations: West Virginia has released an updated version of the West Virginia Strong – Comeback Plan. Create a social distancing plan to manage and reduce contact with consideration for the West Virginia DHHR limitation of 2 persons per 1000 square feet;
· Reduce touch points to the maximum extent possible;
· Increase cleaning frequency and the availability of hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes;
· Establish an open line of communication with employees regarding safety.
In addition to these general provisions, West Virginia has outlined the following guidelines below for retail businesses.
Click here for small business guidance (10 or fewer employees.)
Click here for larger retail store guidance.
Click here for retail stores connected to mall and similar facilities.
Contact: Lee Gatts ([email protected])
Wisconsin
Marine Retail Operations: Business and retail operations are open but may be subject to local health orders, as the statewide order was overruled by the Supreme Court on May 13. The Supreme Court decision can be read here. Businesses should check with their county and local governments to see if there are any current orders impacting business operations. Outdoor recreation business guidelines can be found here and retail guidelines can be found here.
Contact: Jill Sims ([email protected])
Wyoming
Marine Retail Operations: Business and retail operation are allowed to be open. Guidance on screening employees and how to handle different situations that may come up is available here.
To the greatest extent feasible, stores should limit crowding and encourage social distancing for personnel and patrons. While not possible in every situation, personnel and patrons should remain 6 feet apart. In addition:
· Consider posting floor stickers to highlight appropriate distancing.
· Consider posting signage encouraging distancing. The Food Industry Association developed signage for grocery stores. CDC also has signage and posters that can be used.
· Offer or enhance alternative shopping methods, including online shopping, curbside pickup, and delivery options.
· Provide shoppers and personnel with wipes or other disinfectants to use on carts, handles, touch pads, or other frequently touched areas. Provide alcohol-based sanitizer throughout the store.
· Increase cleaning and sanitation as much as possible.
Click here to view the complete guidance for retail stores.
Contact: Libby Yranski ([email protected])