Government officials across the country are easing up, or
preparing to ease up, on the stringent business closures and stay
at home orders that helped the nation successfully slow the spread
of COVID-19. Each jurisdiction will emerge from this collective
state of suspended animation by implementing different measures,
and on different timetables.
In many instances, businesses can expect two types of guidance
from their governors and public health officials: (1) overarching
framework materials, setting forth various phases of the
anticipated reopening process and identifying criteria for
advancement through the recovery period; and (2) more specific
orders that supersede prior closure directives and permit
particular operations to resume on certain dates and under certain
conditions. Employers can also expect that these materials will
establish new health and safety protocols for the
workplace—such as mandatory health screenings and face coverings—that may remain in
