Virginia Chamber releases blueprint for reopening

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday released its “Blueprint for Getting Virginians Back to Work” plan, which provides reopening guidance to businesses and policymakers.

“As our government and business leaders consider how to best recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that they have the guidance to ensure consumer confidence and worker safety,” Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal said in a statement. 

The blueprint plan outline overarching practices such as implementing telecommuting, physical distancing, sanitation practices, personal protective equipment, screening and testing. There are also industry-specific recommendations for restaurants; brick and mortar retail; manufacturing, distribution and construction; and health care. Policy recommendations such as unemployment insurance and workforce assistance are also included.

More than 26,000 Virginia Chamber member companies and more than 100 local chambers of commerce, industry trade associations and nonprofits were invited to participate in surveys and roundtable discussions about reopening best practices during April and May. More than 1,000 shared input.

“Through this effort, it is clear: Business owners are prepared to open, and keep the health and safety of Virginians as their top priority,” DuVal wrote in the blueprint.

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