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The Salt Lake Chamber launched the statewide campaign, Stay Safe to Stay Open, in partnership with the Utah Department of Health, to change the safety culture of business and its interaction with customers in the community.
Businesses and consumers needed a solution to the problem of remaining safe and open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to provide guidance that can be enduring despite the phase or state of the economic recovery.
The Utah Leads Together plan calls for creating a pledge and seal of approval that businesses could display in their establishments to announce that they are following state public health protocols. Stay Safe to Stay Open businesses take a pledge at stayopenutah.com to receive signage for their establishments that allow customers to know that they are following best practices to protect employees and consumers.
The Stay Safe to Stay Open pledge states:
"As a part of the Utah business community, and as a member of Utah’s community as a whole, we recognize the need to comply with health guidelines to protect our employees, our customers and our vulnerable population. We recognize the importance of following health guidelines to show care, consideration and appreciation for our customers and to do our part to protect Utah’s population and economy.
"On behalf of my organization, I acknowledge that I have read, understand and my business will comply with the current version of the Phased Guidelines for the General Public and Businesses to Maximize Public Health and Economic Reactivation an addendum as referenced in the Utah Leads Together Plan. Additionally, I will provide a point of contact to communicate with customers to help them feel safe in my place of business."
Businesses participating in Stay Safe to Stay Open, pledge to:
- Check symptoms before work and stay home when sick.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid touching face and eyes.
- Practice social distancing including wearing face coverings in close common areas.
- Learn about high-risk groups and help protect them.
- Cover mouths when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean high touch surfaces frequently.
- Follow public health guidance as updated.
Once a business takes the pledge it is entered into a searchable business directory to inform customers that it is following the recommended guidelines to ensure that business is following best practices to prevent coronavirus.
As companies join they can share their stories on social media using the hashtag #StaySafeStayOpenUT. Uinta Mattress is one business that took the pledge because staying safe and open aligns with their values of commitment, family and teamwork. The current pandemic requires a commitment from everyone — employers, employees, and customers. As businesses participate in the program, consumers can reciprocate by wearing masks, sanitizing their hands frequently, and maintaining social distance with others.
The Stay Safe to Stay Open program offers an opportunity for unity, respect, and a demonstration of our common values. As the campaign continues to build momentum please share the link, social media hashtag and visit the directory to encourage your favorite places to join if they have not yet.
