Guidelines for Gradual Reopening of Businesses

PHOENIX, ARIZONA, USA – This morning, Arizona authorities issued the guidelines for the operation of businesses for the gradual opening expected to start the next week.

The main instructions are to stay home if you feel sick, order online, and pick up at the store and protect yourself while shopping.

According to the order, retail companies that are not currently operating can start curbside delivery on Monday and by May 8, they can open to customers in person as long as they implement social distancing and sanitation.

For Customers

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and waiting in line.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth covering when you have to go out in public.
• When you have to visit in person, go during times when there will be fewer people there (for example, early in the morning or late at night).
• If you have a higher risk of infection, find out if the store has special hours for people in your group. If they do, try shopping during those hours. People with a higher risk of infection include adults age 65 and older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
• Disinfect the shopping cart, use sanitizing wipes when available.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• If possible, use contactless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keyboard). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keyboard, use hand sanitizer immediately after paying.
• After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer. When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• To the extent possible, retail establishments should appropriately facilitate their customers to follow these guidelines.

For Businesses

• Maintain physical distance.
• Operate with reduced occupancy and capacity based on the size of the business location, with special attention to limiting areas where customers and employees can meet.
• Implement comprehensive sanitation protocols.
• Continue to provide delivery or curbside options, even if a location allows customers inside the store.
• Close dressing rooms in clothing stores, meeting rooms, or other closed spaces accessible to customers that do not allow adequate physical distance.
• Implementat symptom detection protocols for employees before the start of their shift.
• Consider offering fabric covers for employees and visitors.