Background
On March 23, 2020, Massachusetts’s Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order mandating nonessential businesses to cease operations of their physical locations beginning at noon on March 24, 2020, through April 7, 2020.
Summary
The Governor issued a list of designated businesses that have been deemed to provide essential services in the context of COVID-19 that can continue to operate brick-and-mortar locations during this two-week closure.
Due to the evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Governor Baker has directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols. Massachusetts residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and activities during this two-week time period.
The list of essential businesses was created with an aim toward supporting the health and safety of the public, and the full list can be accessed here. If your business fits within a category deemed “essential,” the physical location of your business will be allowed to remain open, so long as it also fits within the social distancing guidelines issued by the Department of Public Health.
If your business does not fit within a category deemed “essential,” beginning at noon on March 24, 2020, you are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter a physical location.
Employers Next Steps
- Communicate to your staff what your next steps are.
- Remember: Clear, open communication with your employees is essential.
- If you are a Full-Service or Virtual HR client and would like our assistance with creating a communication or establishing next steps, please email us at covid19@hrknowledge.com.
- Join us for our webinar tomorrow, March 25 at noon: The Importance of Leadership During Crisis Management
The People Simplifying HR
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We combine an unparalleled passion for service with our decades of HR, payroll, and benefits experience to provide our clients with personalized and actionable advice that is second—to—none.
From managed payroll to employee benefits to HR support, we can help your organization thrive, grow, and reduce operating costs — no matter what industry you serve. Whether you’re interested in our Full-Service solution or just need your employee handbook written, HR Knowledge can help you minimize risk while staying on top of compliance regulations.
The bottom line? We’re not just another cloud-based technology company that also does HR, #WeAreHR.
This content is provided with the understanding that HR Knowledge is not rendering legal advice. While every effort is made to provide current information, the law changes regularly and laws may vary depending on the state or municipality. The material is made available for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. You should review applicable laws in your jurisdiction and consult experienced counsel for legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this content, please contact HR Knowledge at 508.339.1300 or email us.
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