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Coronavirus: Public Health issues guidance for retail businesses

SEATTLE — After Gov. Jay Inslee banned gatherings of more than 250 people Wednesday, Public Health --Seattle & King County also issued a health officer order prohibiting events of less than 250 people, unless specific measures are taken by event organizers to minimize the risk of coronavirus. You can find more information on the measures later in this story.

For retail businesses like grocery and drug stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and others, as well as transportation businesses, Public Health issued an expanded guidance document on how to comply with the new order.

>>Updates: Coronavirus in Washington

The guidance released Wednesday is in addition to guidance released earlier such as staggering work schedules and large work-related gatherings.

Key elements include stopping handshaking, implementing or promoting “tap and pay” methods to limit handling cash, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like door handles, and increasing ventilation.

Retail and service businesses are also encouraged to think of ways to cut down on crowding, such as using scheduling to stagger the flow of customers, using online transactions when possible, and managing customer lines.

Food sharing should also be limited, and staff who handle food directly, along with their close contacts, should practice strict hygiene.

Transportation businesses such as ride shares and taxis should keep vehicle windows open when possible, increase ventilation and regularly disinfect surfaces.

>>Seattle-area events affected by coronavirus ban

Under Public Health’s local health officer order, an “event” is defined as a public gathering for business, social, or recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities.

Organizers of events under 250 people must ensure that:

· Older and vulnerable individuals have been encouraged not to attend

· Recommendations for social distancing and limiting close contact are met

· Employees or volunteers leading an event are screened for symptoms each day

· Proper hand washing, sanitation, and cleaning is readily available

· Environmental cleaning guidelines are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently)

Find the full document here.