The New Normal in Manufacturing

With plans being made to gradually reopen the economy, The Wall Street Journal (subscription) reports on what the new normal will look like across various industries.

“Manufacturers have redrawn factory floor plans and implemented processes, such as staggering shift workers or asking employees to take turns eating lunch in their cars to avoid cafeteria crowding, practices that may become standard as more plants come back online.” The Journal spotlights Tyson Foods, which has installed walk-through temperature scanners at its plants, sending home workers who show potential COVID-19 symptoms.

Yesterday, April 16, Gov. Mike DeWine said the “new reality” is that the workplace will look very different — with masks, sanitizing of surfaces, and employee distancing — until a vaccine is developed.

Meanwhile, the CDC this week updated its guidance on cleaning and disinfecting facilities — and vehicles — as well as its guidance on using face coverings. 4/17/2020