{"id":8168,"date":"2020-06-01T14:26:53","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/?p=8168"},"modified":"2020-06-01T14:30:43","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:30:43","slug":"pandemic-times-how-to-reopen-your-tourism-hospitality-or-retail-business-in-rhode-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/risbdc\/pandemic-times-how-to-reopen-your-tourism-hospitality-or-retail-business-in-rhode-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Pandemic Times: How to Reopen Your Tourism, Hospitality, or Retail Business in Rhode Island"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Throughout the state\u2019s response to COVID-19, the RISBDC has been working closely with Rhode Island entrepreneurs to understand and implement the many changes and requirements placed on small businesses. As the Ocean State moves through phases of reopening, we\u2019re here to smooth your path through recovery.<\/p>\n

Here we outline the state requirements for reopening your tourism, hospitality, or retail business, along with some additional ideas to consider as we all adapt to a new normal.<\/p>\n

Requirements for reopening RI businesses<\/h3>\n

You can find current requirements for each new phase, including guidelines for specific industries, on the ReopeningRI website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All businesses are required<\/strong> to complete and sign a reopening checklist<\/a> confirming the steps they are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The checklist, which should be posted at your place of business where it is easily visible to employees and customers, includes affirming that you are committed to:<\/p>\n

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  1. Cleaning<\/strong> and disinfecting<\/li>\n
  2. Wearing masks and putting social distancing safeguards<\/strong> in place<\/li>\n
  3. Screening<\/strong> customers and visitors to your premises, or posting self-screening guidelines<\/li>\n
  4. Developing a control plan<\/strong> (prior to reopening) that outlines steps your business will take should transmission occur at your place of business or in the process of conducting your work. The state website offers a COVID-19 control plan template<\/a> to streamline this process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Businesses are not required to submit the checklist or the control plan template to the state prior to reopening, but they must be made available to the state if requested\u2014particularly in case of an outbreak traced back to your business. At the time of writing this post, RI is also distributing free PPE (personal protective equipment)<\/a> while supplies last to businesses that submit their control plan to the state through local Chambers of Commerce.<\/p>\n

    Consider what \u201creopening\u201d looks like for your business<\/h3>\n

    \u201cBusiness as usual\u201d is not the goal at this time. As we move through the phases of reopening and anticipate possible setbacks, each business needs to carefully consider what it looks like to reopen. If your business had been holding out and waiting for brick and mortar retail spaces to reopen, now is the time to recognize that making a permanent shift (as part of your overall strategy) may be the only way some businesses will survive changes that may be long-term. Social distancing is now both a requirement, and often a customer preference. The more measures you can take to show that you\u2019re offering ways to do business that all patrons feel comfortable with, the sooner customers will \u201creturn.\u201d<\/p>\n

    For many retail businesses and restaurants, social distancing requirements make it impractical to open their physical space, or unlikely that doing so will bring in sufficient revenue to make it worth reopening. Investing in the time and technology to move to (or expand offerings for) online or phone orders with curbside pickup and delivery will be a requirement to remain competitive. If you have the ability to be responsive to your customers, this type of \u201cconcierge\u201d service can be quite appealing.<\/p>\n

    At the time of writing, RI restaurants are allowed to open for outdoor dining as of May 18. Many towns and municipalities are working quickly to loosen or retool regulations for expanded outdoor seating for restaurants. Check with your local government to explore how these processes are changing and what the new regulations might allow you to do.<\/p>\n

    Use technology to drive your reopening strategy and communicate with customers<\/h3>\n

    Technology can ease the friction caused by evolving business models. It provides new outlets for sales and also vastly expands the possibilities for communication. Some examples:<\/p>\n