Re-Entry Amid COVID-19 | Responsible Restart Ohio

How To Re-Open For Business Amid COVID-19

As we prepare to re-open our economy, we've started pulling together resources to provide you with the insight and information you need to make the transition as comfortable and compliant as possible. Please take a look at the following information. If you have questions, email us and we will put you in touch with the right Rea professional to address your specific challenges.

Decision Tree Documents To Assist With The Re-Entry Process

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together and made available one-page documents to assist business owners, school officials, and others during the re-opening process.

Responsible Protocols For Getting Back To Work

The Ohio Department of Health has released key protocols for all businesses to follow as part of it's "Responsible Protocols For Getting Back To Work." These protocols include:

Require face coverings
Conduct daily health assessments
Maintain good hygiene
Clean and sanitize

Of course, there are additional guidelines. You can click here to learn more or click here to download the printable "Responsible Protocols" document.

Webinars

We know you have a lot of questions about the re-entry process, which is why our COVID-19 task force will begin focusing on the topic during our "What's Life After Coronavirus?" webinar series. You can click here to learn about webinars we have scheduled in the next week or two as well as to view past webinars. For past webinars pertaining exclusively to "re-entry," keep scrolling. We will do our best to group them all on this page so that they are easily accessible.

Next Steps for ReStart Ohio & Workplace Safety Compliance

Leading the Re-Entry Process: People & Business

Responsible Restart Ohio

Ohio's healthcare establishments will be given the green light to re-open on May 1. Other businesses will be allowed to re-open a bit later. See below for the dates certain businesses will be allowed to open. You can click on the images to view the full versions of the flyers below, which includes mandatory procedures for businesses that are reopening as well as recommended best practices. Click here to learn more about Responsible Restart Ohio.

Additional Assistance For Employers During Re-Entry

During this time, as we attempt to re-open our businesses, much will continue to remain uncertain - not just for you, but for the men and women you employ. Throughout our COVID-19 Resource Center, we have provided a wealth of information to assist you every step of the way while ensuring that you have the tools necessary to lead your team throughout this challenging time. To access this information, keep scrolling or follow the links in the navigation field located on the right side of your screen if you are accessing this page from a computer.

Unemployment Insurance

While we, as a state and as a nation, are taking steps to re-open the economy, the process will certainly be a slow one. As a result, unemployment insurance benefits will continue to be an essential component of these re-opening efforts.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

Residents of Ohio can continue to seek unemployment assistance from the State of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Click here to learn more.

FAQ: One of the most common questions being asked by employers at this time is - "If I call an employee back to work but they refuse, what should I do?" The ODJFS has answered this question in the "unemployment eligibility" section of its website. Click here to learn more. According to the government agency:

"We first encourage employers to engage in dialogue with an employee who expresses reluctance to return to work about the measures that employers are taking to help employees feel safe. It is our expectation that in most situations employers and employees will be able to work together to ensure a safe environment for employees to return to work. The ODJFS process for determining whether to deny unemployment benefits for a refusal to return to work existed prior to the pandemic. The Return to Work Guidelines provide employer access to online reporting, which is more efficient than calling or emailing information. The analysis centers around whether good cause exists for refusing an offer of suitable work. That determination involves these factors: prior training and work experience, wages and benefits, travel distance, shift and hours, health and physical fitness, and health and safety. Also as part of the process, facts will be sought from both the employer and employee and each party will have an opportunity to appeal the decision to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission. Employers can learn more by going to unemployment.ohio.gov/employer and clicking on 'COVID-19 Return to Work Guidelines'."

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program

The new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (or "PUA") program provides benefits for many individuals ineligible for state unemployment benefits, including self-employed workers, 1099 tax filers, and part-time workers. Click here to learn more.

Additional Resources

Don't forget to check out our dedicated COVID-19 Resource Center page for information and insight into key financial resources for employers. Our COVID-19 task force specifically dives into the Paycheck Protection Program, Main Streat Lending Program, the CARES Act, and more. Click here to check it out.

Contact Us

We understand that you have a lot of questions concerning the re-entry process - and if you don't yet, you soon will. The Rea & Associates' COVID-19 task force consists of financial experts, human resources professionals, and industry specialists, all of whom are committed to finding solutions for your unique business challenges. Click here to email a member of our task force today.