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COVID-19 Resources Page
The Role of the Mulch & Soil Industry in a National Emergency
Commercial Food Production:
o According to the 2012 Agcensus of the USDA, greenhouse production of fruits, berries, tomatoes and other greenhouse vegetables totals $663,462,674 in the U.S. food supply annually.
o Mushrooms and vegetable transplants add another $1.3 Billion for a total greenhouse production of food crops of almost $2 Billion annually.
o Maintaining our national food supply under all circumstances begins with having the essential growing materials to support crop production.
o Crop production begins with growing media and soil amendments produced by professional mulch & soil manufacturing companies.
Home Food Production:
o 76% of households in the U.S. have a yard or garden (87.4 million households)
o Prior to 9/11, vegetable gardening was estimated at 7%-9% of U.S. households with a yard or garden or up to 7.8 million households.
o After 9/11, rumors of food shortages and food safety caused great public concern, and by 2004, the number of vegetable gardens rose to 68% of households with a yard or garden or approx. 60 million households.
o Not since the Victory Gardens of WWII had there been such a growth in home food production that made Americans more self-sufficient.
o To meet the demand for home food production, the mulch and soil industry provides essential growing media for raised bed gardens, soil amendments for existing in-ground gardens and bark-based soil amendments for organic improvement of soils and mulch for prevention of weeds, temperature control, moisture control and erosion control in garden plots and beds.
COVID-19 Pandemic:
• Agriculture & Food Production:
o Grocery stores are demonstrating unprecedented food shortages
o Consumers are experiencing a very high level of food insecurity
o All this results in more consumer demand for self-sufficiency through home food production
o Due to the very short growing seasons around the country, typical consumer demand (without the pandemic) will utilize 60% of industry production in the 17 weeks from March 1 to July 1. (Approx. 33 million cu yd of mulch and 22 million cu yd soils).
o The time to prepare beds and plant crops is set by the growing season, which is emerging across the nation now.
o The mulch & soil industry must continue production (following CDC social distancing guidelines at plants) if it is to adequately meet the public need for food production in this time of national emergency. That is why mulch & soil manufacturers are considered (and must remain) essential supply chain manufacturers for hardware stores, building materials stores, garden centers, nurseries and landsca pe businesses.
• Essential Retailers: Hardware Stores, Building Supply, Garden Centers & Nurseries:
o Essential retailers are necessary to supply the public with materials for home food production,
o Consumers need access to construction materials to fabricate raised bed gardens for vegetable crop production,
o Consumers also need access to materials to prepare existing in-ground garden beds for new vegetable crop production,
o Essential retailers also can provide one-stop shopping for garden soils, seeds, mulch and other necessary supplies,
o The availability of garden materials and products is critical now as the start of the Spring planting season defines the optimum opportunities for food crop planting, growth and harvest which maximizes the public's self-suficiency during this unpredictible emergency period.
o That is why mulch & soil manufacturers are considered (and must remain) essential supply chain manufacturers for hardware stores, building materials stores, garden centers, nurseries and landsca pe businesses.
• Landscape Businesses:
o Many states are right in recognizing landscape maintenance as essential businesses during an emergency.
o Maintaining your landscape is a health and safety issue.
o Tall grass attracts mice, snakes and other vermin.
o A forest of weeds promotes poor soil health and attracts hordes of crawling insects.
o Mulch & Soil Companies provide the essential soil amendments for landscapers to improve the soils around residences and buildings, landscape & garden soils to fill holes and replace erosion losses, raised bed soils for new above ground planters and potting soils for container vegetable gardening.
o Mulch & Soil Companies also supply landscapers with essential mulch supplies for prevention of weeds (reducing the need for chemicals), temperature control (for plant root health), moisture control (for water conservation) and erosion control in garden plots and beds
• Public Health & Well-Being:
o During this national emergency, Stay-At-Home Orders are causing tremendous family tension and stress.
o Children are home with limited activity options.
o Adults are worried about affording rent and food.
o Gardening:
• is known to reduce stress.
• can provide adults and children with outdoor activities and fresh air that build mind and body.
• can help put food on the table from spring through fall.
o Gardening is an essential activity during a national emergency and it requires the support of Mulch & Soil Companies as essential businesses.
Annotated State "Stay-At-Home" Orders
| Alabama issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order effective April 4 through April 30. The Order recognizes Hhorticulture, agriculture, forest products, warehouse clubs, hardwares stores, building supply stores, home improvement stores, supply chain manufacturers and CISA Guidelines for essential businesses and services including landscape.
***April 30: (Review updated (4/28/20) order: |
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 AR End TBD |
Arkansas Governor plans to loosen business restrictions if Covid-19 cases decline in next few weeks to May 1. Starting April 27, limited surgeries may resume but elective surgeries still prohibited. ***May 1: Download Executive Order: HERE - All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are subject to the directives of the Secretary of Health, - All businesses, manufacturers, construction companies, and places of worship shall adhere to social distancing protocols issued by the Secretary of Health, - All travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and all international locations shall follow the quarantine directives of the Secretary of Health, - K-12 schools and extracurricular activities, including athletic events and practices, will remain closed for on-site instruction, - Clubs and Bars shall remain closed until cleared to open, - Casinos and outdoor and indoor entertainment venues shall remain closed , - State government employees will continue to conduct business through both remote work and on-site work. On-site government work will be limited to employees that are critical to the necessary function of government during a public health emergency and are required to report to work on site. ***May 4: - Gyms (including fitness centersjclubs, fitness classes, and group fitness studios) may resume operations as of May 4, 2020, pursuant to the directives of the Secretary of Health. ***May 6: - Barbers, Body Art Establishments, Body Art Schools, Cosmetology Establishments and Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas may resume operations as of May 6, 2020, pursuant to the directives of the Secretary of Health. ***May 11: - Restaurants may continue takeaway and delivery service, adhering to Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations, and they may resume dine-in operations as of May 11, 2020, pursuant to the directives of the Secretary of Health. ***June 18: - Executive Order 20-33: All businesses and their employees shall be immune from civil liablity as a result of exposure to COVID-19. Immunity does not apply to willful, reckless or intentional misconduct. A presumption that the actions are not willful or reckless if the business owner substantially complies with public health directives. Immunity does not extend to worker compensation benefits. Immunity is effective from today until the emergency is terminated. - Executive Order 20-34: Health care workers and providers are authorized to use crisis standards of care to respond to treat COVID-19 patients. The health care providers as emergency workers are immune from civil liability. Immunity does not extend to willful, reckless, or intentional misconduct. Immunity is effective from today until the emergency is terminated. - Executive Order 20-35: Assures workers compensation coverage for employees. COVID-19 is considered an occupational disease under the law. COVID-19 shall be an exception to prohibition on compensation for ordinary diseases of life. There must be a causal connection between employment and the disease. Extends during the public health emergency. |
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Arizona recognizes landscape maintenance businesses as essential infrastructure and hardware and construction materials stores as essential businesses. Also, businesses that sell, manufacture or supply other essential businesses and operations with the support or materials necessary to operate are essential businesses.> ***May 4: Non-essential businesses can sell goods through delivery, walk-up service, window service, drive-through service, drive-up service, curbside delivery or appointment provided they establish and impliment best practices for Covid-19 as outlined in the order. |
| CA Open Ended |
California's Stay-At-Home Order references the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity Infrastructure Safety Administration's Guidelines for 16 essential Business categories CISA Guidelines. ***May 12: Download CA Roadmap to 4 stages of reopening: HERE***July 13: Roll-Back - CLOSED: All INDOOR operations STATEWIDE for Restaurants, Wineries, Movie theaters, family entertainment, Zoos, museums, Cardrooms. - Bars must CLOSE ALL operations. - 30 counties must CLOSE INDOOR OPERATIONS for Fitness Centers, Places of Worship, Offices for Non-Critical Sectors, Personal Care Services, Hair Salons and Barbershops, and Malls. |
The Colorado Stay-At-Home order refers to a previous Order 20-24 that identifies essential businesses including food, ag and hardware stores and "- any business that produces products critical or incidental to the processing, functioning, development, manufacture, or delivery of any of the categories of products included in this part 3. AND -Any manufacturing necessary to support a Critical Business." Here is a link to Order 20-24 for details: ***April 27: (See EO 2020-44: |
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| CT To TBD |
The Connecticut order actually recognizes nurseries and garden centers as exempt essential businesses. It also includes “Big Box” stores and hardware and building materials stores. ***May 20: Phase 1 Business Reopening (See EO 7PP: HERE),- OUTDOOR dining may reopen with restrictions, - Offices may reopen pursuant to "sector rules", - Large shopping malls and retail establishments may reopen subject to "sector rules", - Zoos, museums and other businesses may reopen subject to "sector rules", - Large gatherings >5 ppl prohibited. |
| DE To TBD |
Delaware recognizes hardware stores as essential businesses and is the first state to specifically name Lawn & Garden Centers and Suppliers as essential businesses. ***June 1: Phase 1 Reopening: - Retailers and restaurants are scheduled to open their indoor spaces at 30 percent of stated fire capacity during Phase 1 of Delaware’s economic reopening, - Restaurants, bars, taprooms and craft breweries may also apply to expand outdoor seating capacity to safely serve additional customers, - Applications to expand outdoor seating capacity will be available on Friday, May 22, and expansions would be authorized to begin on June 1. |
| FL Reopening In Process |
On April 1, Florida issued a state-wide Stay-At-Home Order. Essential businesses are defined by the Dade Councty list of essential businesses that include hardware stores, landscape companies and their supply chain manufacturers which are included in the link to this order. Download the April 29 Executive Order: HERE***May 4: - Groups more than 10 should be avoided - Avoid non-essential travel - Follow 14 day isolation traveling into Fl from esewhere - Bars, pubs and nightclubs remain closed - Restaurants/food establishments can do on-premises consumption of food and beverages if adoptingsocial distancing and capacity is reduced to 25% of permitted occupancy - Outdoor dining is permitted with social distancing and seating parties of 10 or fewer people/ table. Counter food service is closed. - Gyms, fitness centers remain closed - Vacation rentals closed. ***June 5: Phase II Reopening (See EO 20-139: HERE)- Restaurants and other establishments, and bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, may operate at fifty (50) percent of their indoor capacity, excluding employees, as under Executive Order 20-123, Section 1. - Bar areas may be open with seated service. - Outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing. - Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades may operate at fifty (50) percent of their building capacity, with appropriate social distancing between groups and appropriate sanitation. - Pari-mutuel facilities may seek to operate with a written request from the County Mayor or if no mayor the County Administrator to the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the approval of the DBPR Secretary. - Personal services, including but not limited to tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, tanning and massage, may operate with appropriate safety guidelines as outlined by the Department of Health. |
| GA To June 30 |
The Georgia Executive Order dated April 3 describes essential businesses as those covered by the DHS CISA Guidelines that include landscape businesses, hardware stores, building materials retailers, etc. |
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Iowa issued a state medical emergency that closed non-essential retail stores, restaurants, bars, salons, etc., but did not close "discount Stores that sell "essential food, medical supplies and other household items". ***May 13: (See IA Pub Health Notice 2020.05.13: HERE.) - Vulnerable populations should continue to shelter, - Restaurants, fitness centers, malls, reopen at 50% capacity, 6' distancing, no table seating >6ppl, - Salons, Barbers, Mediacl Spas, etc. reopen at 50% capacity, by appointment only, social distancing where possible, - Campgrounds, race tracks, libraries, drive-in theaters, social and fraternal clubs may reopen with limitations, - Bars, movie theaters, casinos, gaming facilities, senior centers, amusements (bowling, arcades, amusement parks, etc.), museums, skate parks and rinks, playgrounds, swimming pools and door-to-door sales are CLOSED. ***June 1: (See Pub. Health Order 2020.05.26: IA)- Most businesses and services can reopen at 50% capacity with additional restrictions such as groups limited to 1-ppl or less, SD, etc., - Indoor theaters for live performances, senior citizen centers and indoor playgrounds remain CLOSED. |
| ID Until Rescinded |
Idaho recognizes hardware stores and landscapers as essential businesses and any “Businesses that supply other essential businesses..." ***April 15, retail businesses can reopen curb-side pick-up orders and deliveries. ***May1-May15: (Download IDAHO REBOUNDS: |
| IL To MAY 30 |
Illinois recognizes and references the Federal CISA Gudelines, hardware stores and supply chain manufacturers for essential businesses.***MAY 1 GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTERS can reopen as essential businesses***Employees and customers must wear face coverings with social distancing |
| IN To May 23 |
The Indiana stay order was revised on April 6 and recognizes the CISA Guidance for essential businesses and now specifically includes hardware stores, building supply stores, mebership clubs and supply chain manufacturers. |
| KS To June 15 |
The Kansas has issued a 4-phase reopening plany you can download:HERE ***Phase 1 – May 4 - Gatherings >10ppl prohibited, - Social Distancing in Public and masks encouraged, - Telework strongly encouraged, - Minimize or avoid nonessential travel, - Community centers, entertainment venues >2,000ppl, fairs, festivals, parades, graduations, public pools, organized sports facilities and summer camps -- CLOSED, - Bars, nightclubs, casinos, indoor liesure spaces, fitness centers, gyms, and personal services businesses -- CLOSED, - Childcare facilities and libraries -- OPEN. ***Phase 2 - May 18 - Gathers >30ppl prohibited, - Social Distancing in Public and masks encouraged, - Telework strongly encouraged, - Minimize or avoid nonessential travel, - Entertainment venues >2,000ppl, fairs, festivals, parades, and graduations -- CLOSED, - Casinos operating under state guidelines and bars and nightclubs operating at 50% of total occupancy -- OPEN, - Childcare facilities, libraries, public pools, community centers and organized sports facilities -- OPEN ***Phase 3 - June 1 - Gatherings >90ppl prohibited, - Individuals follow personal hygiene recommendations, - Employers' on-site staffing is unrestricted, - Nonessential travel may resume. ***Phase 4 - June 15 No limits on travel, gatherings or businesses. |
Kentucky recognizes the CISA Guidelines for essential businesses plus hardware stores and Ag supply & equipment stores. Also, the state recognizes businesses like landscaping for maintenance of residential, commercial and governmental buildings. ***April 27 pre-surgical medical meetings and diagnostics reopen but surgeries still delayed. |
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| LA To June 5 |
The state references guidance by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) which includes language we believe is favorable to members. ***May 15: (See Phase 1 Resilient Louisiana Order: HERE.) - Vulnerable people should self isolate, - Avoid any group that doesn't allow social distancing, - All businesses with direct contact with customers must require employees to wear masks, - All public amusement places and massage parlors, tattoo parlors, etc. remain CLOSED - Essential businesses defined in CISA Guidelines 3.0 remain open, - Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops may open at 25% capacity,face masks, strict social distancing, Reservations only or wait outside at 6ft apart, no buffet or common refill service, - Beauty shops, salons and barbers may open at 25% capacity, waiting areas closed (wait outside), face masks, - Malls may open at 25% capacity, face masks, common seating closed, food mall takeout only, - Churches, casinos, fitness clubs and gyms, may all open at 25% capacity, no open common areas except restrooms, face masks worn by employees. |
| MA To June 1 |
Massachusetts has extended its Stay-At-Home Order to May 4 and issued a new document: COVID-19 Essential Services that recognizes nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, ag supply stores, hardware stores, building materials stores, supply chain vendors and landscapers as essential businesses. Before a business can open it must develop a WRITTEN Covid-19 Control Plan including: - A control plan template ( available at https://www.mass.gov/reopening ), - Compliance attestation poster, - Other posters describing social distancing and personl hygiene for employees, etc. ***May 18 (See Reopening Massachusetts Plan: (HERE.) - Essential business continue to operate, - Manufacturing reopens, - Construction reopens, - Worship services reopen, - Hospitals and health centers who meet public safety standards can do high priority preventative care, pediatric care and high risk patient care. ***May 25: - Lab and life sciences facilities reopen, - Hair salons and barber shops by appointment only, - Pet grooming by appoinment, - Exterior car washes, - Recreation and outdoor (with guidelines), - Other health care providers, - Retail (remote fulfillment and curbside pickup only), ***June 1: - Offices in the city of Boston. |
Paragraph IV(a) of the Maryland Order relies on the CISA guidelines to define essential businesses. On April 15, Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order mandating the public (over age 9) wear face masks using public transit, in retail spaces and for all retail workers in pulic spaces or employee spaces where social distancing is not possible. Download a copy ***April 24, Gov. Hogan introduces state plan to reopen economy titled: |
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| ME To August |
The Maine Order refers to a definition of essential businesses provided by the Department of Economic and Community Development which is provided here: Maine Essential Business List and includes hardware stores and garden centers as essential businesses. Download a Copy of Restarting Maine's Economy: HERE ***May - Stage 1: (No date) - All openings per checklist standards, - Gatherings >10 pp; prohibited, - Work from home encouraged, - Professional services (legal, etc.) done remotely, - Construction firms should deploy additional PPE and safety measures (unspecified), - Drive-in Theaters may reopen, - Healthcare from Maine licensedproviders, - Golf courses open with restrictions, - Guided hunting, fishing and marinas reopen, - Some 30 State parks, trails and historic sites may reopen but coastal publiclands closed, - Barber shops, hair salons and dog groomers reopen, - Stay-in-vehicle church services permitted, - Auto dealers and car washes reopen. ***June - Stage 2: (No specific date) - All openings per checklist standards, - Gatherings >50ppl prohibited, - Restaurants and lodging open with restrictions, - Campgrounds and RV Parks may reopenfor instate residents or out-of-state after 14-day quarantine, - Day camps for Maine children (others ost quarantine), - Coastal state parkswith some services, - Fitness and excercise gyms and nail technicians, - All retail businesses (per checklist standards). ***July/August - Stage 3: (No specific date.) - All openings per checklist standards, - Bars, lodging, such as hotels, campgrounds, summer camps, or RV parks for Maine residents and visitors. The Administration is developing guidelines (e.g. potential testing requirements) to assist them in safely reopening, and reservations should not be taken until those guidelines are issued, - Charter boats <50 ppl, - State park campgrounds, - Summer camps, - Personal services (spas, tatoo parlors, massage facilities, etc.). ***Stage 4 - TBD |
| MI To May 28 |
APRIL 24, Michigan posted a revised Stay-At-Home Order recognizing ***garden centers and plant nurseries. *** as essential businesses that may open with social distancing and other provisions. Also included are hardware stores, landscape businesses and lawn care operations. Download EO 2020-59 from link in left cloumn. ***May 7: Revised Executive Order 2020-77 (Download copy:HERE) - Individuals may leave their homes to travel to perform resumed activities described under §10 of order, - §10(c) RESUMED businesses include: Workers for garden stores, nurseries, and lawn care, pest control, and landscaping operations, subject to the enhanced social-distancing rules described in section 11(i) of this order, - § 11(i). Businesses or operations whose in-person work is permitted under sections 10(c) through 10(e) of this order must also: 2. Limit in-person interaction with clients and patrons to the maximum extent possible, and bar any such interaction in which people cannot maintain six feet of distance from one another, 3. Provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, face shields, and face masks as appropriate for the activity being performed, 4. Adopt protocols to limit the sharing of tools and equipment to the maximum extent possible and to ensure frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection of tools, equipment, and frequently touched surfaces, - §11(k) Manufacturers Must: - Conduct daily employee screenings, - Designate specific facility entry points, - suspend non-essential in-person visits, - Train workers on: how Covid-19 is transmitted, Distance virus can travel in air, symptoms of disease, how to notify business of symptoms, measures facility is taking to prevent workerexposure, rules to follw to prevent spread and how to use PPE. - Reduce congestion in common spaces, - Impliment rotational work shifts if possible, - Stagger start and meal times, - Install work station barriers if possible, - Limit contact on delivery of materials to plant, - Limit sharing of tools and equipment, - Frequently disinfect high contact areas, - Have sufficient hand washing/sanitizing stations available, - Notify management of potentially exposed individuals upon identification of positive case, - Send potentially exposed people home, - Encourage employees to selfreport, - Shut areas of facility for cleaning if virus exposure detected. - §12 Retail Operations: - Must apply social distancing in stores and wait lines, - Stores <50,000 sq ft limit customers to 25% of capacity, - Stores >50,000 sq ft limit customers to 4.1,000 sq ft and create 2 hours/week for dedicated shopping of at-risk/vulnerable populations, - May sell any merchandise normally carried in the store. - §15 Face Masks: - Everyone who can medically tolerate wearing a face mask MUST wear a mask in public, - An individual may be required to temporarily remove a face covering upon entering an enclosed public space for identification purposes, - All businesses and operations whose workers perform in-person work must, at a minimum, provide non-medical grade face coverings to their workers. |
| MN To TBD |
The Minnesota Order is very short and references the CISA Guidance for essential businesses which includes hardware and building supply stores and landscapers. April 8 MN expanded its definitions for essential workers to include sawmills, wood products, landscape & lawncare, garden centers, hardware stores, building supply stores: Download a copy ***May 3: Download a copy of the Reopen Order: |
Missouri issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order effective April 6 - 16. The Order recognizes CISA Guidelines that include hardware stores, building materials, landscape services, and supply chain manufacturers as essential businesses. ***May4: Download a new order: |
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| MS To May 25 |
The Missippi Order recognizes Hardware stores and workers/businesses classified as essential under the Federal CISA Guidelines.
***April 27: (See EO 1463: HERE) |
| MT TBD |
The Montana Order References the CISA Guidelines on essential businesses, and recognizes hardware stores and supply chain manufacturers. ***April 30: many retail operations can open with distancing. ***May 4: restaurants and bars can open at half capacity. ***May 7: school districts can decide if they reopen. Download a copy of the current reopening order: ***Phase 2:No Date Given (See Phased Approcah to Reopening The Big Sky Montana: HERE.) - Avoid Groups >50, - Vulnerable populations continue to self isolate, - Gyms/pools/hot tubs can reopen, - In addition to churches, other assembly places can reopen under group size restrictions. ***Phase 3: No date Given - No limit on group size, - Vulnerable populations reume normal activities. - Employers resume full staffing, - Senior Facilities reopen, - All businesses and places of assembly fully operational. |
| NC To JUNE 26 |
The Stay-At-Home Order for North Carolina recognizes the CISA Guidelines, and defines essential businesses as: hardware stores, lawn & garden equipment retailers, landscaping businesses and supply chain manufacturers. NC also acknowledges and permits local jurisdictions to enact even more stringent provisions than the state order if they want. Beware of more stringent local orders. ***May 8: Download a copy of Executive Order #138 / Phase-1 Reopening: HERE. - Everyone should social distance in public, - Gatherings >10 people are prohibited, - High risk individuals should shelter in place, - Most retail businesses can be open but capacity limited to 50%, social distancing required, mark floors for 6' separation in lines and congested areas, do frequent disinfecting of surfaces, make had washing/sanitation available, do daily worker screening for virus, sendsick workers home, have a plan to isolate sick workers, - See order for additional guidelines for other businesses, - Restaurants may remain open for carry-out or delivery only - no dine-in service, - Bars may not serve alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption, - Special guidelines are directed for child care and day camps, - Schools remain closed for current session, - Personal care (hair and nail salons, barbers, tatoo shop, etc.) remain closed, - Entertainment facilities without a dining component (bingo parlors, bowling, health clubs, gyms, movie theaters, skating rinks, etc.) remain closed, - Long-term care facilities shall restrict visitors except for critical care and end-of-life care, These are minimum requirements and locat jurisdictions may add more stringent rules or restrictions. ***May 20: Enter Phase 2 - Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness, - Teleworking is also urged when possible, - Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches, - Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including: bars; night clubs; gyms and indoor fitness facilities; indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, and bowling alleys, - Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations including: restaurants at 50% dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; pools at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees of personal care businesses will be required to wear face coverings, - Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements, - Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level, - Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices. |
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No state Stay-At-Home Order has been issued but non-essential businesses are closed. (Download order at left.) ***May 3: Download North Dakota Smart Restart Document: HERE. SUMMARY: Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, Distilleries and Food Trucks: -- Open at 50% capacity, 6 ft between tables, no table >10ppl, -- Waiting areas spaced at 6 ft, tables sanitized between seatings, -- Salad bars with employee serving only (no self-serve), -- No standing in bars and seating 6 ft between groups of 2, -- Drink refills require new cups, no reusable items like condiments, menus or table electronics without sanitizing between customers, -- Restaurants must close minimum of 4 hours daily for deep cleaning in Phase-1, -- Blackjack tables CLOSED, -- Gaming machines 6 ft apart or placed out of service, -- Dance floors and use of handheld reservation devices prohibited, -- Encourage customers to download Care19 app for contact tracing (CELLPHONE TRACKING BY THE GOVERNMENT!!) Hair Salons, Barbers, Nail Salons, Tanning Studios, Waxing Studios, and Other Cosmetology Related Businesses: --Physical distancing in service and waiting areas, -- Employees MUST wear face masks and clients where possible, -- Limit services that require removal of PPE, -- Advanced hygiene practices for work stations and equipment, -- Clients should cover clothing with disposable robe or washable smock, -- Other special measures are required(see document). Tattoo and Body Piercing, Massage Therapy, Fitness Centers and Movie Theaters: --- See special requirements in state document. |
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No state Stay-At-Home Order has been issued, but a helath emergency closed restaurants, bars and similar businesses. ***May 15: Governor Ricketts asks: Throughout May, we are continuing to ask everyone to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy: - Stay home. Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home. Respect the ten-person limit. - Socially distance your work. Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace. - Shop alone and only shop once a week. Do not take family with you. - Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports or playgrounds. - Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term care facilities. - Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity. |
| NH To May 31 |
The New Hampshire Emergency Order references essential businesses as defined in (EXHIBIT A) that lists garden cernters, nurseries, hardware, forest products manufacturing and supply chain manufacturers as essential businesses.. ***Stay-At-Home 2.0 is the state's guideline for returning to work. Download a copy:HERE. General guidelines focus on employer health screening of employees before they are admitted to the facilities each day and policies to follow social distancing, personal hygiene, frequent sanitation of the work space, etc. |
The New Jersey Order is very short but cites "Hardware and Home Improvement Stores" as essential businesses. While it does not mention the supply chain manufacturers as essential businesses, it also does not exclude them. |
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| NM To May 31 |
New Mexico updated its SAH Order on April 7. It is very narrow recognizing hardware stores as essential businesses but no other green industry businesses or services. ***May 15: (Read on-line "COVID-SAfe Practices for New Mexico" Plan: HERE) EXCERPT: Manufacturing, Warehouse & Food Production: - Follow all Covid-19 state practices for all employers (page 9), - Adhere to maximum occupancy limits in state guidelines, - Use signs and decals to prmotesocial distancing at 6ft apart, - If social distancing is not possible, install a separation barrier between work stations, - Do daily stringent cleaning and clean shared workstations between shifts, - Arrange for contactless signatures for deliveries, - Vendors entering premises must follow employee PPE and social distancing, - Restrict use of communal dishware and provide single-use items in break rooms. |
| NY To May 31 |
In the "New York Pause Order" please reference items 3 and 4 on page 3 that exempts agriculture/farms and hardware and building materials stores. Agriculture & Farms was clarified to include Horticulture in the following document: Interim Guidance Horticulture. On April 9, NY issued Guidance for Determining Whether a Business Is Subject to a Workforce Reduction Under Recent Executive Orders. restricting landscaping to only "maintenance or pest control and not cosmetic purposes". Effective at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020 any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance. ***May 14: NY EO 202.31:HERE - Reductions and restrictions on the in-persan workforce at non-essential businesses or other entities shall no longer apply to Phase One industries: Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Retail- (Liurited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off); Manufacturing and Wholesale Trade, - Such businesses or entities must be operated subject to the guidance promulgated by the Department of health, - Only those businesses or entities in a region that meets the prescribed public health and safety metrics, as deten:uined by the Department ofHealth, will be eligible for reopening. - Drive-in movie theaters shall not be required to close. |
| NV To May 30 |
The Nevada Stay-At-Home Order is short but references essential businesses as defined in another NV regulation (NV Emergency Regulations) that lists manufacturing and production businesses and hardware stores as essential. ***May 1: — All retail businesses, including those previously deemed nonessential, will be allowed to operate under a “curbside commerce model” similar to curbside pickup now allowed for restaurants and eateries. This includes curbside sales for retail marijuana dispensaries, which have been limited to only delivery orders since mid-March — Places of worship can have drive-up religious services, as long as people stay in their vehicles and maintain social distancing parameters with people who are not part of their household. — Nevadans can once again play golf, pickleball and tennis “as long as they do it safely and in a way that prevents the spread of COVID-19.” ***May 8: Nevada Roadmap To Recovery: Download this List of Individual Industry Guidance Sheets HERE. Manditory Guidelines and Recommended Best Practices for: - Agriculture, - Applicance and Furniture Showrooms, - Auto Dealerships, - Banking and Financial Services, - Barber Shops and Schools, - Drive-In Operations, - Food Establishments, - General Office Environments, - Hair Salons, - Nail Care Salons, - Real Estate Leasing, - Retail and Consumer Services, - Transportation, Couriers and Warehouses. See Updated Phase-1 Directive 18: HERE. |
| OH To May 31 |
Ohio references the CISA Guidelines for essential businesses. It also recognizes hardware stores and supply chain manufacturers and has newly added garden centers and nurseries as essential businesses. Ohio's Order has been extended from April 6 to May 1. ***May 1: Dental visits, veteranarian and surgeries that don't require over night stays, |
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Oklahoma has updated its ExecOrder referencing its state "Essential Businesses List" based on NAICS codes including Mfg of forest fibers, Building Materials Retailers, Garden Equipment Retailers, General Merchandise Stores (supercenters) and Misc Retailers. Download a copy of the list: ***April 24, OK issued |
| The Oregon order was not meant to be easily understood due to numerous cross references in state code and regulations that were not provided; however, it appears hardware stores are not ordered closed under any specific mention. No manufacturing operations are mentioned in the closure order. Stay tuned for updates. | |
| PA RED SDUntil June 4 |
Pennsylvania issued an updated chart of essential businesses that includes crop production, forestry, ag support, other wood product manufacturing, etc. HOWEVER, PA lists hardware stores as essential businesses but garden and garden equipment supplies stores are specifically classified as non-essential. |
| RI To May 8 |
The Rhode Island Order reduces the permissible gathering of people from 10 to 5. It recognizes hardware stores as essential businesses. Providence closes parks, golf courses and recreation areas. Reopening RI: Testing the Waters (Get presentation: HERE.) ***Phase 1: Stay Close: - The stay-at-home order lifts, but we should still aim to stay close to home: limit our networks, - Everyone who can work from home should continue to work from home, - Elective medical procedures resume under safety guidelines, - All Rhode Islanders who have deferred healthcare needs, including immunizations, well visits, or specialty care, are encouraged to reach out to their primary care doctor. Many specialty providers such as orthopedists, neurologists, and cardiologists remain open for telehealth and needed care, - Some parks open, and public parking is now available, - Non-critical retailers that were previously closed reopen with capacity restrictions, though preorders are encouraged, and shoppers should limit browsing time, - Continue ordering delivery and take-out from restaurants, - Nursing homes, assisted living and other congregate care facilities remain closed to visitors. |
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South Carolina's order to close non-essential businesses is well defined to include entertainment venues, recreational and athletic facilities, and close contact service provides. If you are not listed, you may continuew business following social distancing rules and guidelines from the CDC. The order is effective April 1 through April 30. ***May 11: Executive Order 2020-34 (Download Copy:HERE. ) - Restaurants may begin limited in-door, on-premises dining. - Restrictions on the beaching or rafting of boats, whether on a sandbar, lakeshore, riverbank, or island, and the requirement that vessels must remain underway at all times unless exigent circumstances exist are rescinded. |
| No state Stay-At-Home Order has been issued. | |
| TN To April 30 |
Tennessee recognizes landscape maintenance, hardware stores and supply chain manufacturers as essential businesses in the state.
***April 27: restaurants can reopen with social distancing (See order 29: |
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Effective April 2 through April 30, Gov. Greg Abbot issued Executive Order GA 14 relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster. The Order recognizes the CISA Guidelines designating workers in Ag, food production, landscaping and retail hardware and building supplies as essential services. 4/17/20 Gov Abbott appoints "Strike Force to Open Texas" with charge to define how businesses can reopen between now and May 1. ***May 4: (Download a copy of Reopening Order: |
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Utah's latest order closes dine-in restaurants from April 1-15, 2020. No order was found that impacts the Mulch & Soil Industry. ***May 1: Governor declares state under Orange (Medium) risk for Covid-19. ***May 15: Governor moves the state to Yellow (Low) risk status for Covid-19. |
| VA To June 10 |
Virginia recognizes hardware stores and lawn & garden equipment retailers. |
| VT To May 15 |
The Vermont Agency for Commerce and Community Development issued a Resumption of in-person shopping at outdoor retail operations, such as garden centers and greenhouses offering mulch, stone, plant, tree, seed sales; provided, however, these operations shall not permit any more than a maximum of 10 total people including customers and staff. Outdoor retail operations shall take steps to schedule or stage customer visits, such as waiting in cars until ready, to ensure no congregation. (see revised order: HERE) |
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WA To May 31 |
The Washington Order includes a sub-order (
Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers) list naming the essential business operation. The sub-order appears to be a modified version of the CISA Guidelines and recognizes hardware stores and garden centers and nurseries (that support food cultivation and production) as essential businesses. ***May 4 - Safe Start Washington / Download copy: HERE -PHASE 1: Essential businesses, existing construction, landscaping, auto/boat/RV sales, Retail (curbside pickup orders ONLY), car washes and dog walkers. -Phase 2: Remaining manufacturing,additional construction, in-home services, retail (in-store purchases with restrictions), real estate, professional servcies, personal services, pet grooming, restaurants dine-in at 50% capacity w/table size no more than 5. - Phase 3: Restaurants & Taverns at 75% capacity, Bar areas in restaurants/tacerns at <25% capacity, movie theaters at 50% capacity,libraries, museums, all other business activities except nitclubs and events.50ppl. -Phase 4: Nightclubs, concert venues, large sporting events and other unrestricted businesses. |
| WI To May 26 |
Wisconsin recognizes the CISA Guidelines for essential businesses and hardware stores. Suppliers to essential businesses are arguably included in paragraph 13(r) on page 13. |
| The West Virginia Order recognizes the CISA Guidelines on page 4 and identifies hardware and supply stores as essential businesses on page 8 and supply chain manufacturers and distributors on page 9. | |
Federal Program Guidelines and Instructions
| This is a copy of the updated (version 3.0, April 17) Department of Homeland Security: Cybersecurity Infrastructure Safety Administration (CISA) Guidelines for essential businesses during a national emergency. The updated version (March 28) includes hardware, Ag and landscape workers. | |
| This is an excellent article on "8 Ways Business Owners Can Take Advantage of the Federal Stimulous Package" | |
| This is a very simple explanation of the Paycheck Protection Program for employers <500 to access a forgivable cash loan for 2.5 times your monthly payroll cost as an incentive to keep employees on your payroll for up to 26 weeks. Check this important Federal opportunity. | |
| Here are Treasury Department answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the Paycheck Protection Program as of Agugust 4, 2020 | This is a guideline and FAQ for the provisions for Emergency Paid Sick Leaveand Emergency Paid Family Leave enacted under the Families First Coronavirus Response ACT (H.R.6201). |
| This document provides valuble information on programs designed to provide capital to cover the cost of retaining employees under the Paycheck Protection Program; a means for a quick infusion of a smaller cash support under the Emergency Economic Injury Grant; information on easing payments on existing SBA loans under the Small Business Debt Relief Program; and more. | |
| This is an excellent guide from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Coronovirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist. | |
| This document details who is qualified for delayed tax filing to July 15, 2020. | |
| This CDC/CISA document is a 1-page guideline on "Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19". | |
| Open America Plan |
This is a copy of the White House plan to Open Up America Again. |
Industry Information & Documents
| Press Release from the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association on COVID-19. | |
| Press Release from Growing Media Europe | |
| This is a copy of the MSC petition to the State of Vermont requesting reclassification of soils, mulches and related garden products for greenhouse and home vegetable garden food production. Download a Word version:HERE. |
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| This is a copy of the letter sent to the Michigan Governor's Office requesting amendment of Executive Order 2020-42 to reclassify Garden and Plant Nurseries as essential businesses and products based on their function in greenhouse and home food crop production. Download a Word version: HERE. |
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