How to safely operate your business during COVID-19

St. Joseph County Department of Health: COVID-19

If you run a business, consider reaching out to the county health department to build a trusting relationship, learn the basics of reopening safely and make sure you are in step with proper procedures and timing. My team worked with these health professionals early and often at the onset of this health crisis, and we found them to be extremely helpful and accommodating.

Downtown South Bend Inc.

The DTSB staff at has spent countless hours working with officials from the state and county health departments, as well as discussing best practices for safe reopening amid COVID-19 with those managing businesses and organizations in other cities. Amy Paul, DTSB’s director of business engagement, is available to share these insights with you.

COVID-19: Reopening Guidance

For those trying to safely reopen an eatery, you can find industry-specific information in this guide from the National Restaurant Association. It covers food safety, cleaning and sanitizing, employee health monitoring and social distancing. Because the association lobbies on the federal level, it often has access to relevant information as it’s being formulated, helping you plan into the future.

Best Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The federal Food and Drug Administration has an interest in not only helping to prevent pathogens from affecting customers, but in providing resources to help ensure the well-being of employees and employers. This FDA guide addresses key considerations for how foods offered at retail can be safely handled and delivered to the public, as well as best practices regarding employee health, cleaning and sanitizing, and personal protective equipment.

How to Reopen

This constantly updated package of stories from Fortune magazine provides a wide lens, reminding us that even as COVID-19 plays out in South Bend, the situation is affecting our business colleagues across the country and around the world, as well.