I’m hoping all this information helps.  Maybe I should send a daily joke, too, to have something else to read 😊 (oops, now I will have to learn some jokes…..)

Betsy

From Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory:

Business social distancing:

Social distancing for customers will include but is not limited to: signage for customers to remain 6 feet apart from one another as well as a concerted effort by owners/employees to sanitize frequently used carts, doors, loading equipment, etc.

• Commonly touched hard surfaces should be routinely disinfected while wearing disposable gloves with 70% alcohol, or other common EPA-registered household disinfectants (see previous email). Soft/porous surfaces should be cleaned with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers. Any fabric that can be laundered (uniforms, table cloths, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry. The use of non-clothing linens should be discouraged. For example the use of tablecloths under cash registers is discouraged.

Employee social distancing:

These same efforts must be applied for social distancing amongst employees, including but not limited to: prohibit sharing of vehicles between different work crews or tightly packing single vehicles, routinely sanitizing commonly used tools and equipment, prohibiting congregations around break/lunch areas, etc.

• Travelers per vehicle should be limited to maximize physical distance between employees/occupants. If possible 1 crew per vehicle for the duration of COVID-19 concerns should be implemented. While conducting business, employee sanitation efforts should be constantly minded. This would include cleaning hard vehicle interiors with disinfectant solutions (70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants) as well as soft interior surfaces with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers while wearing disposable gloves. Any fabric that can be laundered (seat covers, work uniform, bibs, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry.

Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operations.

Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business. This would also apply when nursery deliveries or landscapers services are being performed.

Ideas to generate more business during COVID-19:

• Increase social media marketing, targeting local audiences
• Offer delivery services or order online-pick up at store
• Generate ‘kits’ of easy to grow plants for a new wave of horticulture enthusiasts
• Offer online demonstrations or classes, branding your business as top-notch
• Promote different horticulture techniques that should spur purchases
• Promote unique plants that the average person has not seen and may take interest in

In the case of economic disaster: 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which includes businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profits. Application filing deadline is 12/18/2020.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

phone: (800) 659-2955

email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov