Home furnishings suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and delivery services respond to COVID-19
In the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all learned useful and effective ways to manage the spread of infection. Wearing masks, gloves, and other protective equipment, frequent hand washing, disinfecting shared objects and surfaces, and social distancing are now routine for all of us who are committed to responsibly addressing this issue.
In addition to protecting the health of our communities, we believe these practices are essential to maintaining their economic well-being. The induced slowdown of spring 2020 was effective in reducing the rate of infection. It also demonstrated that all businesses are essential to those whose livelihoods depend on them, and the cost of a shutdown, in lost jobs, lost income, lost tax revenues and massive expenditures at all levels of government, can be crippling. To avoid those consequences, businesses must commit to operating safely, and those that can operate safely must be allowed to remain open.
Home furnishings suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and delivery services have followed guidance from the CDC, state and local governments, and industry consultants to develop a set of practices and protocols to ensure the safe production, sale, and delivery of our products. We believe these practices provide the pathway to the continuing safe operation of our factories, stores, and delivery services. For those companies that must operate in the absence of state and local guidelines – or wish to exceed them – we offer the following examples of practices our industry has implemented to protect health and preserve jobs.
Limit access to specific entry doors
Regularly disinfect door handles and other frequently-touched surfaces
Provide hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves, as needed
See how manufacturers are securing their facilities
Encourage social distancing
Encourage or require wearing of masks and gloves, as appropriate
Increase hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection practices
See how manufacturers are creating safer workplaces
Require employees who display COVID-19 symptoms to seek immediate medical attention
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched and shared surfaces often
See how retailers are keeping customers safe
Wear masks, gloves, and shoe coverings at customer’s home
Maintain social distancing when interacting with customers
Clean delivery trucks and hand trucks after each stop
See how delivery services are ensuring safe installation