State urges retailers to test workers for coronavirus symptoms before their shifts

The state is urging retail stores to test their employees for coronavirus symptoms before the shift as non-essential retail stores get ready to resume partial operations next week.

On Wednesday Gov. Doug Ducey extended his stay-at-home order for the coronavirus pandemic through May 15. On Friday, his office issued guidelines for businesses and their customers as they are permitted to begin reopening on May 8.

Customers are advised to follow the recommendations on social distancing and hygiene of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and urged to stay home if sick and order online or use curbside pickup, if possible. In addition:

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and waiting in line
• Wear a cloth covering over the mouth and nose when out in public
• When you do have to shop in-store, go during hours when fewer people will be there (early morning or late night, for example)
• Those at higher risk for severe illness should ask if the store has special hours for shoppers at higher risk
• Disinfect the shopping cart, with disinfecting wipes, if possible
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• If possible, use touchless payment (without touching money, a card or keypad). If you must, use hand sanitizer right after
• Use hand sanitizer when leaving a store. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home

The state Department of Health Services recommends that retail stores implement employee screening for coronavirus symptoms before their shifts start. In addition, they are asked to:

• Maintain physical distancing
• Operate with reduced occupancy and capacity based on the size of the store, with special emphasis on limiting places where employees and customers can congregate
• Implement comprehensive sanitation protocols
• Continue providing options for delivery or curbside service even if customers are allowed inside a store
• Close fitting rooms at clothing stores, meeting rooms and other enclosed spaces accessible to customers
• Consider making face coverings available to employees and visitors to wear in-store

On Wednesday, Ducey announced a goal to resume dine-in services at restaurants in May. Additional guidance being developed in coordination with public health officials will be issued in the coming days, his office said. The City of Maricopa is reopening select parks and recreational facilities beginning Friday.

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