In the last two weeks, many of the cities and states within the USA have moved to a Shelter in Place order in an attempt to reduce public interaction. All of these orders, to date, have listed which businesses must close (primarily because it is not possible to practice social distancing at them), and which businesses are exempt. The businesses which are exempt have been called "Essential Businesses" or "Life-Sustaining Businesses". The USA is not alone, as many of our International Affiliates are facing similar orders. To help keep you informed, we have compiled a list of all the states, certain cities with their own orders, and countries which have these orders. The good news? We haven't found any communities that have asked dry cleaners to close. However, a few locations are not specific or only reference laundries. We made notes for those areas in the list below.
A few areas such as Kentucky and Maine are using a list of Essential Businesses provided by the Department of Homeland Security "Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency" (CISA). This list was not made in anticipation of a global pandemic, but dry cleaners could argue they are exempt because they are part of the Public Works section which makes an exception for "Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences".
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