'Not A Matter Of If, But When:' COVID-19 Tips For Biz Owners

WAUKESHA, WI— Waukesha County coronavirus cases are up and not surprising is the increase in businesses with COVID-19 related issues and challenges.

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Restaurant Associated spoke to local business owners about the resources available to them and best practices to follow during the pandemic. The meeting was held at the Destination Bar and organized by Mary Jane Sanchez.

Sanchez, the owner of WurkHub Digital Marketing, reached out to the restaurant association after finding out that a few bars and restaurants had closed.

"We need to get to the point where the confidence of eating out is there. That is the biggest challenge we are facing long term," said Kristine Hillmer, president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Hillmer made the remarks at the meeting on Tuesday.

Hillmer was accompanied by Chef Robert Klemm, Member Engagement Representative.

There are posters, hand-washing guidelines, glove usage tips, and more available on the WRA website for anyone.

'A matter of when'

Even if owners are as sanitary as possible and wear masks, people have lives outside the businesses. Hillmer explained employees could go out on a day off, come back to work and possibly expose people.

"The immediate challenge for restaurants is it is not a matter of if, but when one of your employees tests positive for COVID-19," Hillmer said.

She asked business owners if they have a wellness check and are educating employees to stay home if they are not feeling well.

If an employee comes in and later discovers they have the coronavirus, then the business has to trace who that employee came into contact with.

A frequently asked question the WRA gets is if a business should let customers know if they had a positive case.

"That is up to you to decide. In all the stories I have found, customers appreciate knowing versus having it hit," she said.

Sanchez spoke up about a friend who tested positive along with her daughter. They ended up sharing their coronavirus diagnoses on social media.

"It opened up a dialogue (online) and I was proud of her," Sanchez said.

If there is a positive coronavirus case at a facility, consumers need to understand it is not necessarily that they caught it there. Hillmer said the virus could have been brought into the business.

"Just because there was a positive case doesn't mean the facility is not clean or the facility is not being careful," she said.

Hillmer said it comes down to transparency and hyper communicating the steps owners are taking to keep people safe.

It is not only telling customers but showing them. They are seeing employees wiping things down and the tables are separated.

Sanchez agreed and mentioned that even before the pandemic, she judged business by how sanitary restrooms are.

"It goes back to that customer confidence," Hillmer told the audience.

Mask debate

To wear a mask or not is a hot debate despite the state order from Gov. Tony Evers requiring people to wear face masks when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions. The order expires on Sept. 28, or by a subsequent or superseding order.

"You need to communicate to your staff how to wear a mask and areas where they can take it off or if staff members have a medical reason why they can't wear it," Hillmer said.

The same applies to consumers and they need to know the expectations the business has. She encourages owners to post their policies online, on the door, and in other areas.

There have been cases of people reacting negatively to being told to wear a mask. Hillmer said some people can't wear a mask because of health reasons. If that is the case, accept it and don't get into an argument, she told the audience.

"Even though Waukesha County is not necessarily enforcing the mask mandate, you need to protect yourself liability wise," Hillmer said.

She used the example of not enforcing the masks and someone comes in and it is traced to a business that is where they caught COVID-19. The owner needs to have their practices set out to protect the business.

Hillmer advised owners not to get into arguments with people but listen to the reason why they can't wear a mask. There are other options such as offering carry out.

"Consumers and business owners have a responsibility to say their expectations and that people need to play nice," she told the audience.

Her advice to fellow patrons is to not mask shame.

"You don't know their background or their situation and it is none of your business," Hillmer said.

For resources, hotline information and tips visit the Wisconsin Restaurant Association website.