1851

As states across the country begin to reopen, most franchise brands, particularly food service franchises, are hoping for a quick return to normal. Of course, if we’ve learned anything over the past few months, it's that things are never that simple. <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/almost-one-in-four-adult-workers-is-vulnerable-to-severe-illness-from-covid-19/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">According to a new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>, almost one in four U.S. workers is at “high risk for serious complications” from COVID-19 if infected with the novel coronavirus.The analysis estimated “37.7 million workers, or 24% of employed U.S. adults in 2018, are at high risk, including 10 million who are 65 years or older and an additional 27.7 million with pre-existing medical conditions.”Roughly two-thirds of Americans think everyone should be tested for the disease before returning back to their jobs, <a href="https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/1-in-4-workers-at-high-risk-for-serious-covid-19-illness-as-states-reopen-d/579804/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to a recent survey by healthinsurance.com.</a> However, nearly five months into the national public health emergency, the country still lacks the necessary testing system to pinpoint new outbreaks and quickly tamp down on potential transmission, even as infections are increasing in <a href="https://www.covidexitstrategy.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">at least 27 states</a>. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen more than 10% in at least nine states since Memorial Day, according to data tracked by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/06/14/coronavirus-live-updates-us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the Washington Post</a>.<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2020/06/17/there-is-no-playbook-restaurants-are-closing-again-after-workers-test-positive-for-coronavirus/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">No brands want to reclose stores immediately after reopening</a>. Many of the nation’s largest franchise chains, including McDonald's, Denny's, KFC, Taco Bell and Potbelly have implemented various system-wide safety standards to minimize COVID-19 exposure, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-the-restaurant-industry-is-planning-to-reopen-2713166#home">such as requiring temperature checks and requiring staff to wear masks and gloves.</a> Restaurants have also designated staff members to sanitize tables after use and make sure guests are following social distancing standards.Of course, the big question moving forward is what business owners should do if they find that an employee tests positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests restaurants that learn of a sick worker close off all areas used by that person, wait 24 hours, then clean and disinfect them. If waiting a day isn’t “feasible,” the CDC recommends that restaurants wait as long as possible.State and local rules differ depending on the area. In Washington, for example, a restaurant where a worker has tested positive <a href="https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/coronavirus/page_content/attachments/COVID-19_DC_Health_Guidance_Restaurants_Phase_1_Reopening_05282020_Update.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">must close for 24 to 48 hours</a> for cleaning and can reopen only on the advice of the D.C. Department of Health. Most states aren’t as restrictive or specific. <a href="https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Checklist-Restaurants.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">In Texas, for example, the rule</a> is that a sick worker be sent home until he or she meets certain standards. <a href="https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/SC%20restaurant%20reopening%20guidelines%20FINAL%205.1.20.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen-2713321" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">South Carolina’s reopening guidelines</a> say only that workers exposed to or diagnosed with the virus should be “excluded.”Every day new information is coming out that could throw a wrench into reopening plans, but the more brands stay up-to-date with relevant knowledge, the better they will be prepared to curb infection and promote safety.&nbsp;

New Study Finds 1 in 4 Workers Are at High Risk for COVID-19 as States Reopen

1851 Franchise

As states and businesses grapple with a complex reopening process, franchisors are preparing themselves for the possibility of positive cases in the workplace. 


new-study-finds-1-in-4-workers-are-at-high-risk-for-covid-19-as-states-reopen

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

New Study Finds 1 in 4 Workers Are at High Risk for COVID-19 as States Reopen

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS