Back to Work: Industry Sectors Allowed to Reopen in the U.S.

The United States has seen a wave of unprecedented restrictions on the way we do business and conduct our daily lives, designed to control the risks posed by COVID-19.  These changes have caused uncertainty and disruption in the business community, as well as up and down supply chains.  We are helping our clients across the country, and internationally, answer the key questions raised by these developments and the new return to work orders, including:

• Can I reopen or continue to operate some or all of my facilities?
• What do I need to do to ensure that my employees can continue to come to work safely?
• What policies, controls, and procedures do I need to put in place before I reopen by business?
• What do I need to do to ensure that I get the goods and services that I need to continue operating?
• How do I manage the employment and HR implications of reopening my business?
• Are there any programs offering financial relief?

We have prepared the map and checklist below as a general reference resource to help companies get a sense for how their industry is being regulated in each of the 50 states.  The information below is current as of the date listed on the map and chart, but is intended as the first, rather than last, step in a business’ effort to decide how and when to reopen a facility.  The map and chart only reflect statewide orders, and there may be more restrictive local orders.  Even those industries that are allowed to reopen under a state order are almost always subject to specific requirements, and may only be allowed to reopen in a limited or modified capacity.

In addition, some states have allowed industries to reopen in specific regions or counties, but not in others.  These materials reflect the industries that are open in any portion of a state, but businesses should evaluate whether their operations are allowed in their specific region. 

If you have any questions regarding your particular business, please contact the COVID-19 Shutdown Team.  The return to work orders, and the requirements that they impose on reopened businesses are developing rapidly, so we are actively tracking this information on a real time basis for clients.  We would be happy to work with you as you navigate the return to work process, or ensure that your already-operating business stays in compliance with the developing requirements.