• Federal guidelines for “Opening Up America Again” have been released. The guidelines outline state or regional gating criteria for a downward trajectory in symptoms and cases along with sufficient hospital capabilities, in order to progress through a three-phase reopening process.

• Experts estimate we will be living with COVID-19 for at least the next 18 months. Ohio is working to acquire the necessary testing materials and capabilities for increased testing and contact tracing to control the spread of infection while gradually reopening. Reopening in Ohio will be a phased approach and more Phase I details will be released during Governor DeWine's press conference on Monday, April 27.

• The phased reopening in Ohio will start with companies that demonstrate they can implement and meet safety protocols. Procedures should be in place to enforce social distancing, employee wellness checks, wearing of masks, handwashing, disinfecting and sanitizing regiments, etc. During the press conference on April 22, Governor DeWine ensured that a team in the administration is working on the supply chain to have the needed supplies when the opening day(s) come for many businesses.

• Start planning now. The best practices for safely reopening should be specific to your business. Begin identifying where you can eliminate or sanitize contact points during daily operations, including not only interactions with the public and customers, but also interactions between employees and consideration for heavy traffic areas and gathering places in your business such as copy machines, mailrooms, break rooms, and water coolers. Additionally, it is still recommended that employees that can telecommute should continue to be permitted to work remotely during Phase I.

• Governor DeWine has convened a task force on mass gatherings. No additional details or recommendations are available at this time. In the federal guidelines for reopening, 'large venues' continue to operate with physical distancing protocols through phase III.