COVID-19 Updates

Is Your Business Essential?

Even though service of our products and construction-related installs are clearly defined as “essential services” under the “Stay-At-Home” orders we’ve seen so far, there is confusion regarding retail sales.

The following is a general guideline based on information provided by individual States and how their orders apply to its businesses:

  • Close your retail shop or only allow limited members of the public inside at a time (remember, they will have to have an essential purpose for being there or may risk being fined so please promote online sales for their protection).
  • Keep a bare minimum workforce on hand and let as many people as possible work from home.
  • Provide sales via an online website or through telephone or other technology (using pictures to help people shop).
  • Allow curbside pick-up of product. If the product delivers vital zone heat for a customer and you chose to deliver it, ensure the safety of your employees and customers by disinfecting surfaces, washing hands and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more.

For more information, below is a breakdown by State and a link to their COVID-19 Web sites.

Michigan

Initiated March 24, 2020 and to end April 13, 2020, MI Governor declares only life-sustaining companies may stay open in compliance with EO-2020-21. Under the order, critical infrastructure workers include workers “who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”

  • Covers in-process repairs, installations and emergency repairs to an existing home
  • Applies to in-process remodeling efforts directly related to the health and safety of the home owner
  • Completing projects that have exposed electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc., all of which are a safety and liability concern for the home- owner and your company

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION: All new construction CEASE IMMEDIATELY on single-family and multi-family structures, in compliance with EO 2020-21.

Refer to the Executive Order 2020-21 FAQs for additional information.

Additional State Links:

Ohio

Ohio issued a Stay at Home that went into effect on Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified.

In this order, all businesses and operations in the State, except essential businesses and operations as defined below, are required to cease all activities within the State except minimum basic operations as defined in the order. Essential business include:

  • Hardware and supply stores that sell electrical, plumbing and heating material

  • Critical trades that provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and essential businesses.

Essential businesses shall comply with social distancing requirements, including maintaining 6-foot social distancing for both employees and customers at all times.

Additional State Links:

West Virginia

Effective March 24, 2020 at 8:00 PM, a Stay at Home Order was issued.

Non-essential businesses and operations must temporarily cease operations.

Essential businesses are those identified by the CISA Guidance and to include critical trades that provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, as well as hardware stores and supply stores that sell construction, electrical, plumbing and heating materials.

West Virginia Human Health & Resources COVID-19 Updates

Additional Online Resources

HPBA COVID-19 WEB PAGE

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

STATE AND LOCAL ESSENTIAL BUSINESS RESOURCES