Return to Work Resources
BUSINESS FEEDBACK NEEDED:
Survey to Gauge Business Concerns During Reopening Process
The Commerce Lexington team is working hard to provide the right resources for your business as you navigate these challenging times. It helps us immensely to know what concerns and issues are top of mind for you and your business, so that we can relay those concerns on to elected officials, connect you with the right people, and provide resources, information and virtual events that will help you as Kentucky's economy begins to reopen. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey about your concerns and needs during the business reopening process.
Survey to Gauge Business Concerns During Reopening Process
The Commerce Lexington team is working hard to provide the right resources for your business as you navigate these challenging times. It helps us immensely to know what concerns and issues are top of mind for you and your business, so that we can relay those concerns on to elected officials, connect you with the right people, and provide resources, information and virtual events that will help you as Kentucky's economy begins to reopen. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey about your concerns and needs during the business reopening process.
Sample Business Reopening Plans:
Nonprofit Organization Plan for Employees With Acknowledgement Form
Local Manufacturer Plan 1 | Local Manufacturer Plan 2 + Self Screen Document
Sample Communication to Clients:
DENTISTS OFFICE | EYE DOCTOR | PEDIATRICIAN | LEXTRAN
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY | COLLINS BOWLING
Template COVID-19 Business Preparedness Plan:
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has put together a template document for businesses to develop their own COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Reopening. This document can be tailored to the individual business' needs. VIEW & SAVE THE DOCUMENT HERE
Nonprofit Organization Plan for Employees With Acknowledgement Form
Local Manufacturer Plan 1 | Local Manufacturer Plan 2 + Self Screen Document
Sample Communication to Clients:
DENTISTS OFFICE | EYE DOCTOR | PEDIATRICIAN | LEXTRAN
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY | COLLINS BOWLING
Template COVID-19 Business Preparedness Plan:
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has put together a template document for businesses to develop their own COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Reopening. This document can be tailored to the individual business' needs. VIEW & SAVE THE DOCUMENT HERE
Mayor Gorton Sends Lexington Economic Recovery Plan to Governor
Mayor Linda Gorton and Luther Deaton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank, today forwarded a blueprint for Lexington’s economic recovery to Governor Andy Beshear. Gorton and Deaton thanked 132 community members representing the city’s major economic sectors, who put together a total of 330 recommendations for reopening the economy. The report was compiled over a two-week period and included 33 committee meetings. Approximately 1,100 citizens watched as the meetings were held on-line and were open to the public.
Gorton said it is important to remember that Lexington citizens made it possible to begin reopening the economy by staying healthy at home. “Our citizens followed the social distancing guidelines and stayed home,” Gorton said. “We need to remember that those guidelines are still important as we begin the transition to being healthy at home.”
Getting back to work is very important to everyone, and very important to our City, Gorton said. In February, prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic here on March 6, the Lexington/Fayette County jobless rate was 3.1%. Beginning the week of March 8, unemployment numbers began to increase to levels not seen in almost 100 years. More than 44,000 Lexington residents, over 25% of the civilian workforce, have filed initial unemployment insurance claims since the beginning of March.
The 50-plus page Lexington Blueprint for Economic Recovery report features sections on Agriculture and Equine; Education; Entrepreneurship, Small Business and Technology; Faith-Based; Government and Economic Development; Healthcare; Non-Profit, Arts and Culture; Professional Services, Finance, Headquarters, Business Industry and Services; Airport, Transportation and Cargo; Distillery and Craft Beer; Equine Tourism; Hotels and Convention Centers; Restaurants and Bars; Retailers; Tourism Attractions; University and High School Athletics.
Mayor Linda Gorton and Luther Deaton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank, today forwarded a blueprint for Lexington’s economic recovery to Governor Andy Beshear. Gorton and Deaton thanked 132 community members representing the city’s major economic sectors, who put together a total of 330 recommendations for reopening the economy. The report was compiled over a two-week period and included 33 committee meetings. Approximately 1,100 citizens watched as the meetings were held on-line and were open to the public.
Gorton said it is important to remember that Lexington citizens made it possible to begin reopening the economy by staying healthy at home. “Our citizens followed the social distancing guidelines and stayed home,” Gorton said. “We need to remember that those guidelines are still important as we begin the transition to being healthy at home.”
Getting back to work is very important to everyone, and very important to our City, Gorton said. In February, prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic here on March 6, the Lexington/Fayette County jobless rate was 3.1%. Beginning the week of March 8, unemployment numbers began to increase to levels not seen in almost 100 years. More than 44,000 Lexington residents, over 25% of the civilian workforce, have filed initial unemployment insurance claims since the beginning of March.
The 50-plus page Lexington Blueprint for Economic Recovery report features sections on Agriculture and Equine; Education; Entrepreneurship, Small Business and Technology; Faith-Based; Government and Economic Development; Healthcare; Non-Profit, Arts and Culture; Professional Services, Finance, Headquarters, Business Industry and Services; Airport, Transportation and Cargo; Distillery and Craft Beer; Equine Tourism; Hotels and Convention Centers; Restaurants and Bars; Retailers; Tourism Attractions; University and High School Athletics.
Weekly Webinar Series to Help Businesses Adjust to the New Normal
In an effort to evolve with the new “ever-changing” business landscape, Commerce Lexington Inc. has introduced a weekly webinar entitled 4 O’Clock Focus. Join local business and community leaders each week as we prepare to re-open small businesses over the next few weeks and months. Each Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. on Zoom, Bill Dotson (Rocker) and Debbie Green (Bringing in the Green) will moderate a discussion with business and community leaders on a variety of topics to get you ready as our economy starts to reopen. VISIT HERE to register for upcoming 4 O'Clock Focus events.
In an effort to evolve with the new “ever-changing” business landscape, Commerce Lexington Inc. has introduced a weekly webinar entitled 4 O’Clock Focus. Join local business and community leaders each week as we prepare to re-open small businesses over the next few weeks and months. Each Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. on Zoom, Bill Dotson (Rocker) and Debbie Green (Bringing in the Green) will moderate a discussion with business and community leaders on a variety of topics to get you ready as our economy starts to reopen. VISIT HERE to register for upcoming 4 O'Clock Focus events.
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WATCH: April 29th 4 O'Clock Focus on human resources featuring Lyle Hanna (Hanna Resource Group) and Leslie Jarvis (Forcht Group).
WATCH: May 13th 4 O'Clock Focus entitled "The New Face of Retail & Effective Consumer Marketing Strategies." Guest speakers included Joshua Sowards (Tempur + Sealy International) and Myron Worley (Fayette Mall).
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WATCH: May 6th 4 O'Clock Focus on Legal Guidance and Compliance in the New Workplace featuring Adrianne Strong and Faith Whittaker, both partners with Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP.
WATCH: May 20th 4 O'Clock Focus covered finances and investment with Peyton Tierney and Brandon J. Gaines of Todd & Gaines, Integrated Wealth Planning, a division of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.
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Kentucky American Water Recommends Large Building Operators Flush Pipes to Maintain Water Quality
Extended periods of inactivity in buildings can cause lead leaching or legionella growth in water pipes and taking proper steps can help minimize potential exposure to both these contaminants. As buildings reopen, businesses, school districts and property management teams will begin the process of restarting building systems that have been dormant for a significant amount of time. These reopening procedures will help in making sure water systems and equipment are in working order. Kentucky American Water encourages large building owners and operators to adopt a proactive approach that includes proper flushing procedures, assuring the presence of disinfectant residuals, adjustment of hot water temperature, and proper maintenance of building plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Proper flushing of plumbing before reoccupying these buildings is essential to maintain water quality and should be performed biweekly while the building is closed and, if possible, again the weekend before opening. READ MORE HERE
Extended periods of inactivity in buildings can cause lead leaching or legionella growth in water pipes and taking proper steps can help minimize potential exposure to both these contaminants. As buildings reopen, businesses, school districts and property management teams will begin the process of restarting building systems that have been dormant for a significant amount of time. These reopening procedures will help in making sure water systems and equipment are in working order. Kentucky American Water encourages large building owners and operators to adopt a proactive approach that includes proper flushing procedures, assuring the presence of disinfectant residuals, adjustment of hot water temperature, and proper maintenance of building plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Proper flushing of plumbing before reoccupying these buildings is essential to maintain water quality and should be performed biweekly while the building is closed and, if possible, again the weekend before opening. READ MORE HERE
Governor Beshear Outlines Gradual Plan for Reopening Businesses
On April 27, the first of four Kentucky healthcare reopening phases began with health care practitioners being allowed to resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services in the following areas, provided they follow the guidelines set forth by the state's PLAN.
Other Healthcare Reopening Phases:
Phase 2 of the healthcare reopening is set for May 6, when outpatient/ambulatory surgery and invasive procedures may resume. On May 13, healthcare reopening Phase 3 will allow non-emergent/non-urgent inpatient surgery and procedures to resume at 50% of pre-COVID-19 shutdown volume. Finally, Phase 4 starting on May 27 will permit non-emergent/non-urgent inpatient surgery and procedures to resume at a volume determined by each facility.
On April 27, the first of four Kentucky healthcare reopening phases began with health care practitioners being allowed to resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services in the following areas, provided they follow the guidelines set forth by the state's PLAN.
- Hospital outpatient setting.
- Health care clinics and medical offices.
- Physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists.
- Dental offices (but with enhanced aerosol protections).
Other Healthcare Reopening Phases:
Phase 2 of the healthcare reopening is set for May 6, when outpatient/ambulatory surgery and invasive procedures may resume. On May 13, healthcare reopening Phase 3 will allow non-emergent/non-urgent inpatient surgery and procedures to resume at 50% of pre-COVID-19 shutdown volume. Finally, Phase 4 starting on May 27 will permit non-emergent/non-urgent inpatient surgery and procedures to resume at a volume determined by each facility.
Reopening of Other Industries Set to Begin on May 11th:
On April 28, Governor Beshear unveiled a new plan that aims to guide businesses as they prepare for a gradual reopening, while continuing to keep all workers and patrons safe. He said the guidelines apply to most employers. The 10 rules to reopening a business under the Healthy at Work plan include:
Then on April 29, the Governor announced his plan to begin reopening other industries beginning on May 11. However, he emphasized that this date will be contingent upon the results of the healthcare reopening phases. All businesses and individuals in Kentucky should be prepared to wear masks for the start of reopening on May 11. Review the minimum requirements for all businesses to reopen HERE.
Businesses Reopening May 11:
On May 11, 2020, Kentucky will begin Phase 1 of Healthy at Work. The first step of Phase 1 will include the reopening of some additional non-life-sustaining businesses in the following economic sectors: manufacturing, distribution, supply-chain, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, office-based businesses (50% or less in office), photography, and horse-racing (no fans). Review industry-specific guidance at HealthyAtWork.ky.gov HERE.
Reopening May 18:
Reopening May 20:
Reopening May 22:
Reopening May 25:
Reopening June 1:
Reopening June 11:
Reopening June 15:
Reopening July 1:
NOTE: People should be prepared for state and local public health orders to be extended, amended, or changed as needed to protect public health.
On April 28, Governor Beshear unveiled a new plan that aims to guide businesses as they prepare for a gradual reopening, while continuing to keep all workers and patrons safe. He said the guidelines apply to most employers. The 10 rules to reopening a business under the Healthy at Work plan include:
- Continue telework where possible
- Phased return to work
- Onsite temperature/health checks
- Universal masks and other necessary PPE
- Close common areas
- Enforce social distancing
- Limit face-to-face meetings
- Sanitizer/hand wash stations
- Special accommodations
- Testing plan
Then on April 29, the Governor announced his plan to begin reopening other industries beginning on May 11. However, he emphasized that this date will be contingent upon the results of the healthcare reopening phases. All businesses and individuals in Kentucky should be prepared to wear masks for the start of reopening on May 11. Review the minimum requirements for all businesses to reopen HERE.
Businesses Reopening May 11:
On May 11, 2020, Kentucky will begin Phase 1 of Healthy at Work. The first step of Phase 1 will include the reopening of some additional non-life-sustaining businesses in the following economic sectors: manufacturing, distribution, supply-chain, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, office-based businesses (50% or less in office), photography, and horse-racing (no fans). Review industry-specific guidance at HealthyAtWork.ky.gov HERE.
- Manufacturing, distribution & supply chain
- Construction
- Vehicle & vessel dealerships
- Office-based businesses (at 50%)
- Horse racing (no fans)
- Pet care, grooming & boarding
- Photography
Reopening May 18:
- Government offices and agencies
Reopening May 20:
- Retail (in a reduced capacity)
- Funeral homes
- Houses of worship **Moved to May 9th due to court ruling.
Reopening May 22:
- Restaurants (at 33% capacity + outdoor seating)
- 10 person social gatherings can resume
Reopening May 25:
- Acupuncturists; Cosmetology Businesses; Hair Salons/Barbershops; Massage Therapy; Nail Salons; Tanning Salons; and Tattoo Parlors
Reopening June 1:
- Movie theaters
- Fitness centers
- Auto/Dirt Track Racing
- Aquatic Centers
- Bowling Alleys
- Fishing Tournaments
- Kentucky State Park Lodges
Reopening June 11:
- Campgrounds
- Kentucky Horse Park
Reopening June 15:
- Some Childcare
- Youth sports (low touch & outdoors)
Reopening July 1:
- Bars and groups of 50 people or fewer.
NOTE: People should be prepared for state and local public health orders to be extended, amended, or changed as needed to protect public health.
