Shopping Guidelines for Customers

At a recent forum held by Manhattan Community Board 4 to support small businesses in the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, multiple business owners singled out enforcing public health guidelines as a major challenge to reopening. These guidelines, which are largely mandated by the State, are here to protect customers, employees, and business owners and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

To avoid confronting patrons over public health guidelines and ensuring a positive customer experience, businesses can post clear signage listing the guidelines to which patrons must adhere. For those businesses open by appointment only, sharing your business’s social distancing and mask requirements, as well as other public health measures before patrons arrive for their appointment is also helpful to ensure customer compliance.

For detailed guidelines by industry, please refer to the State’s New York Forward website. Not only are our small businesses’ futures at stake, but our collective health is at stake as well. Please do your part and follow all guidelines when patronizing your favorite local businesses. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.

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