COVID-19 Guidelines: “Essential Businesses & Services”
Community Partner,
By now, you’ve probably heard or read about Governor Newsom’s Executive Order which requires all Californians to stay home to the extent possible, except for certain services and businesses considered “critical” or “essential,” to slow the spread of COVID-19. My staff and I have already spoken to many of you about what is considered an “essential” or “critical” business or service.
Because you serve a pivotal role in our community, I wanted to pass along clarifying information to you.
WHERE DID THIS LIST COME FROM? The list of workers and industries exempt from the Governor’s Order is based on a list developed by the Federal Government. The purpose of this guidance is to enable continued resilience for public community health and safety of government, economy, and society despite possible impacts to the workforce and critical infrastructure workforce brought on by consequences of COVID-19.
WHO IS ON THE LIST? The list is intended to help states, local governments, and tribal nations determine what activities and sectors are necessary to maintain the continuity of American life. The following list identifies the industries considered critical or essential:
- Healthcare and Public Health
- Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and First Responders
- Food and Agriculture
- Energy (Electricity, Petroleum, and Natural Gas)
- Waste and Wastewater
- Transportation and Logistics
- Public Works
- Communications and Information Technology
- Community Based Organizations and Government
- Critical Manufacturing
- Hazardous Materials
- Financial Services
- Chemical
- Defense Industrial Base
A detailed description of each of these sectors, and examples of the work which falls into each of these sectors, is included in this federal document. It is exhaustive, so I do encourage you to take a look at it.
Please remember that, to the extent possible, critical and essential businesses and employers should consider remote working so that we can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and return to life as we know it. If working remotely is not possible, recognized best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and shift setting, should be applied. Similarly, if your business is not included on this list, it doesn’t mean you need to cease all operations. I would encourage you to pursue remote working, if possible.
This situation is evolving rapidly, so I will continue sending information as it comes out. This is a hard time for all of us, but these steps are necessary to get the pandemic under control. As always, please contact me directly or my staff with any questions or individualized needs.
Sincerely,
Adam