All businesses and agencies that congregate people in an enclosed space should create and implement a plan to minimize the opportunity for COVID-19 transmission at their facility.

This checklist will help retail businesses and agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. For more detailed information on the items included, please refer to NCDHHS’ Phase 1 Interim Guidance for Owners, Staff, and Patrons of Retail Businesses.

Required

Signage

Post the following signs:
- A reminder for people to stay 6 feet apart.
- A request that people who are symptomatic not enter.
- Reduced Emergency Maximum Occupancy. Occupancy is limited to no more than 50% of stated fire capacity.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Perform frequent and routine environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
Make hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) available and have a plan to systematically and frequently check availability. Make soap and hand drying materials available at sinks.
Make disinfecting wipes and/or sprays that are EPA approved against SARS-CoV-2 available for shared items (such as shopping carts or gym equipment).

Employees

Have a plan for immediately isolating employee from work if symptoms develop.
Screen employees daily for symptoms before entering the workplace and immediately send symptomatic workers home to isolate.
Educate employees and patrons on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Check that building water and water systems are safe to use and minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans, or other methods.

Social Distancing Plans

Designate times for seniors and other high-risk populations to access services.
Place markings on the floor and designate entrance and exit points to promote social distancing.
Clearly mark 6 feet of spacing in lines and other areas where people congregate and enforce those limitations.
Clearly mark 6 feet of spacing in a designated area outside the establishment where people congregate due to limits on indoor capacity.
Develop a plan to limit occupancy of all operating establishments to no more than 50% of the stated fire capacity, post the Emergency Maximum Occupancy and enforce it.

Employees

Have employees wear cloth face coverings.
Provide employees with information on proper use, removal and washing of cloth face coverings.
Promote telework, limit non-essential travel and limit meetings to no more than 10 people.
Make accommodations for high-risk workers.
Encourage sick employees to stay home and support with sick leave policy.
Exclude employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 per CDC guidance, until they say YES to ALL three questions:
Has it been at least 10 days since you first had symptoms?
Has it been at least 3 days since you’ve had a fever without using fever reducing medicine?
Has it been at least 3 days since your symptoms have improved?
Share information about available help lines (2-1-1 and Hope4NC Helpline, 1-855-587-3463).