It wasn’t long before gyms, shoe stores, clothing stores, thrift shops, and other “non-essential” retail stores were systematically shut down across the state. Soon, the good people of Texas learned just how hard it was not to be able to run to a local store for a new pair of shoes, beauty supplies, outdoor gear, a swimsuit, etc. People had to rely on what they had or order things online if they were willing to return products they didn’t like.
Governor Abbott’s Checklist for Retailers
Governor Abbot issued executive order GA-18, which says that non-essential retailers are allowed to reopen at 25% of their total listed occupancy. If you’ve shopped at a store like Costco and been told that only a certain number of people per membership may enter the building, now it makes sense if it didn’t before.
To protect customers, retailers must follow these health protocols:
- Consider dedicating a certain period of time every day for at-risk customers only, such as those over the age of 65 or with weakened immune systems.
- Consider delivering customers’ goods to their vehicles.
- If possible, monitor which surfaces are frequently touched by customers and clean and disinfect them after the customer leaves the retail establishment.
- Highly consider payments that involve no contact.
- Train all of your employees on respiratory etiquette, proper hand hygiene, and how to clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Do not allow an employee to work if they have any possible signs and symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, a feverish feeling, or if they’ve had known contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
If you’re able to visit one of your local retailers that re-opened, be sure to wash your hands or sanitize them before entering the store and wash or sanitize your hands after you leave! If you are feeling any possible symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and contact your doctor.
