Listed below are the specifics of the U.S. Government and CDC's three-phase plan, Opening Up America Again.
The guidelines listed on this page come directly from the White House with consultation and guidance from public health experts.
Hopeful Implications of the Plan
The phased approach of the United States government will be executed based on up-to-date data and readiness and will be implementable on a state- or county-wide basis at the discretion of each state's governor. The two main goals of this approach are to MITIGATE THE RISK OF RESURGENCE and to PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS
"These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives."
- The Trump Administration
Local Preparedness and General Guidelines
The following criteria must be met in each state (based on local circumstances) before they proceed with the phased plan...
Symptoms:
Downward trajectory of Influenza-like Illnesses reported within a 14-day period AND downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period
Cases:
Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period OR downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests)
Hospitals:
Treat all patients without crisis care AND robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing
The government has also listed several Core Preparedness Responsibilities for states to follow as they open up...
Testing and Contact Tracing
-
Ability to quickly set up safe and efficient screening and testing sites for symptomatic individuals and trace contacts of COVID+ results
-
Ability to test Syndromic/ILI-indicated persons for COVID and trace contacts of COVID+ results
-
Ensure sentinel surveillance sites are screening for asymptomatic cases and contacts for COVID+ results are traced (sites operate at locations that serve older individuals, lower-income Americans, racial minorities, and Native Americans)
Healthcare System Capacity
-
Ability to quickly and independently supply sufficient Personal Protective Equipment and critical medical equipment to handle dramatic surge in need.
-
Ability to surge ICU capacity
Plans
-
Protect the health and safety of workers in critical industries
-
Protect the health and safety of those living and working in high-risk facilities (e.g., senior care facilities)
-
Protect employees and users of mass transit
-
Advise citizens regarding protocols for social distancing and face coverings
-
Monitor conditions and immediately take steps to limit and mitigate any rebounds or outbreaks by restarting a phase or returning to an earlier phase, depending on severity
Each phase of the plan has been split into sections that cater to individuals and employers. Listed below are general guidelines to be followed by both groups throughout the entire process...
Individuals
"Continue to adhere to State and local guidance as well as complementary CDC guidance, particularly with respect to face coverings."
1. CONTINUE TO PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
2. PEOPLE WHO FEEL SICK, STAY AT HOME
-
Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces.
-
Avoid touching your face.
-
Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
-
Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
-
Strongly consider using face coverings while in public, and particularly when using mass transit.
-
Do not go to work or school.
-
Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider.
Employers
1. Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding...
-
Social distancing and protective equipment
-
Temperature checks
-
Sanitation
-
Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas
-
Business travel
2. Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.
"Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider."
Phase One
For states/regions that have satisfied the initial criteria
Individuals
ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
All individuals, WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
Avoid SOCIALIZING in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., receptions, trade shows)
MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Employers
Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.
Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
Minimize NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
Certain Employers
SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES (e.g., daycare, camp) that are currently closed should remain closed.
VISITS TO SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.
ELECTIVE SURGERIES can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.
GYMS can open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.
BARS should remain closed.
Phase Two
For states/regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the initial criteria a second time
Individuals
ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
All individuals, WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 50 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL can resume.
Employers
Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.
Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION.
.png)
Certain Employers
SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES (e.g., daycare, camp) can reopen.
VISITS TO SENIOR CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols.
ELECTIVE SURGERIES can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient and in-patient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.
GYMS can remain open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.
BARS may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate.
Phase Three
For States and Regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the initial criteria a third time
Individuals
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
LOW-RISK POPULATIONS should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
Employers
Resume UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.
Certain Employers
VISITS TO SENIOR CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene.
LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.
GYMS can remain open if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.
BARS may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.