COVID-19 State and Local Updates
Texas: Gov. Abbott issued an order allowing a partial reopening of businesses in Texas beginning May 1. The order applies to businesses to the extent that they were not previously designated as “essential” during the state’s previous stay in place orders. The order mostly applies to nonessential retail businesses, which are permitted to reopen at 25% of their listed occupancy.
For employers, Texas has provided this checklist (PDF) on safe operations during this stage of the governor’s reopening plan. The governor also lifted travel restrictions for those traveling from Louisiana but kept many in place for travelers from other areas of the country affected by COVID-19, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Washington state, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami.
West Virginia: Gov. Justice issued West Virginia’s plan (PDF) for partial reopening, including stages for relaxed restrictions on different business types and sizes.
Updated April 27 @ 10:45 AM
What you need to know! States are beginning to open up businesses — with restrictions in place. Essential businesses are being required to institute strict sanitation programs, as well as requiring workers to wear face masks while on premise. Social distancing is also a required practice. If you are open or plan to open, it is highly recommended that you first institute these workplace practices. Both federal and state safety agencies are inspecting workplaces for COVID-19 safety violations.
State Updates:
Michigan: The Governor extended her state's stay-at-home order through May 15. The order allows landscapers and lawn-service companies as well as bike shops and plant nurseries to resume operations as long as social distancing rules are followed. Stores selling nonessential goods must remain closed to in-person shopping but can now fulfill orders for curbside pickup or deliveries.
The new order still broadly prohibits nonessential in-person work and requires, rather than recommends, the wearing of face coverings in public spaces such as grocery stores. Employers are now required to provide non-medical face coverings to employees
Marcia Kinter is the Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs at PRINTING United Alliance. Ms. Kinter oversees the development of resources for the Association addressing environmental, safety & health, and sustainability issues. She represents the printing industry, as well as their associated supplier base, before federal and state regulatory agencies on environmental, safety and other government issues directly impacting the printing industry.
In 2008, Kinter, in conjunction with colleagues from other printing trade associations, was instrumental in launching the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership program. The SGP Program is a registry system for printing facilities that includes third party verification. The program successfully launched as an independent organization in August 2008.
Kinter is a member of and serves as Secretary for the Academy of Screen Printing Technology. In 2001, Kinter received the William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award for significant advancement of environmental awareness in the graphic arts industry.
Before joining PRINTING United Alliance, Kinter worked for The American Waterways Operators, Inc., the national association for the barge and towing industry.
She holds bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University.
