The response to the COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed the way business is being conducted. Suddenly, small and large businesses are talking about PPE and PPP and EIDL and social distancing, all the while trying to navigate the unusual economic conditions.

Caroline County business leaders are working to protect their companies by protecting their employees and customers. The first line of protection is PPE – personal protective equipment. Until earlier this year, PPE was thought about in terms of first responders and health care professionals. Now, with the COVID-19 response, PPE is an important tool to retail operations, restaurants, day care providers, manufacturers, and every other business that has people working alongside one another.
WHAT IS REQUIREMENT – GUIDANCE?

Acquiring PPE has brought new challenges to businesses. As with any supply, it comes to price and availability. There were many stories of lack of masks and disinfectant at the beginning of the COVID-19 response, but it seems that more products are now available. Businesses are finding PPE through online retailers, such as Amazon, Office Depot, or Grainger. There is a website dedicated to Maryland manufacturers that are producing PPE (https://marylandmanufacturingnetwork.com/). Hand sanitizer and disinfectant for wiping surfaces are in short supply. Some establishments are using CDC approved diluted bleach water for surface cleaning (the CDC recommends 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of room temperature water or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol to disinfect surfaces).

Having and using PPE is not enough and communication is vital to protecting business. Several business owners shared that signage helps customers and clients know what to expect and helps employees understand the expectations. Training on how to properly wipe down surfaces and don PPE is important for new employees. Most establishments use masking tape and signs to make it easier to visualize six feet apart.

Masks, gloves, plexiglass, and social distancing are all new elements of conducting business in 2020. It is about protection – business, employees, and customers – so that the economy can become strong for 2021.