New Haven, Connecticut, businesses have to clarify COVID-19 policies for workers under an executive order that takes effect on Monday.
Mayor Justin Elicker said businesses need to explain what to do if an employee tests positive and how they will be screened for return to work. He said businesses also need to report cases to the city department of health.
“We realize that there’s a lot of strain on businesses right now," Elicker said. "We want to make this as easy as possible. In reality, this is not a huge lift. This is something that the economic development and our health department have worked to help support.”
Elicker said those city departments are available to help businesses with coronavirus protocols.
“The second important part of this policy is to report to the health department any cases so that we’re aware of potential outbreaks and can help support employers,” Elicker said.
Elicker said workers were initially responsible for reporting their own cases. He said most businesses proactively shut down if an employee had COVID, but enough have not that he took action.
The health department can decide to order a violator closed on a case-by-case basis.