Businesses To Limit Number Of People in Facilities

A Directive was issued, in conjunction with Executive Order 20-10 on March 26, 2020. The Executive Order 20-10 imposed limitations on gatherings of more than ten (10) people to limit the spread of COVID-19 and while the Directive and Executive Order 20-10 exempted certain entities from the restrictions, after consultation with the Governor, the Secretary of Health determined that more actions must be taken to protect the people of the State of Arkansas from COVID-19.

The following was issued by the Secretary of Heatlh:

All businesses, manufacturers, construction companies, and places of worship shall implement the following social distancing protocols:

a. Limit the number of people who can enter into the facility at any one time to ensure that people in the facility can easily maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another;

b. If lines form at a facility (inside or outside), facilities shall mark off six-foot increments at a minimum, establishing where individuals should stand to maintain adequate social distancing;

c. Provide hand sanitizer, soap and water, or effective disinfectant at or near the entrance of the facility and in other appropriate areas for use by the public and employees, and in locations where there is high-frequency employee interaction with members of the public;

d. Retail businesses shall provide contactless payment systems or provide for disinfecting all payment portals, pens, and styluses after each use;

e. Regularly disinfect any high-touch surfaces; and

f. Post a sign at the entrance of the facility informing all employees, customers, and congregants that they should: avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever; maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another; sneeze and cough into one's elbow; not shake hands or engage in any unnecessary physical contact.

Additionally, the following Directive applies to occupancy of commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, which shall be limited to authorized guests:

Commerical lodgings and short-term rentals, including, but not limited to, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, shall only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:

a. Healthcare professionals;

b. First responders;

c. Law enforcement;

d. State or Federal employees on official business;

e. National Guard members on active duty;

f. Airline crew members;

g. Patients of hospitals and their families;

h. Journalists;

i. Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restricions;

j. Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;

k. Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;

l. Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel; and

m. Persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.