Just one week since the release of its phase one reopening guidelines, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has secured commitments from over 200 local businesses to follow COVID-19 best practice protocols designed to safeguard public health.
As part of the Path Forward Readiness Plan, the chamber developed checklists with recommended safety measures for each of nine sectors:
- Small Business/Services
- Retail
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Restaurants
- The Arts
- Hotels
- Short-term Rentals
- Childcare
- Recreation/Attractions
The recommendations were translated into Spanish and both versions were uploaded to the Path Forward Readiness Plan page on the chamber’s website, thepathforward.org. Earlier this week, this flipbook of the plan was presented to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton town administrators.
The Arts Center and other businesses that pledged to adhere to the guidelines received a “We Took the Pledge” seal to display. Having over 200 establishments all over our community display the seal will help reassure residents and visitors their safety is our top priority.
The protocols were crafted by community-based task force teams made up of more than 175 business owners, residents, workers, faith leaders, and government officials.
The Arts Center was part of that task force. Virtual meetings were organized by the chamber to brainstorm ideas and discuss issues specific to each sector. A steering committee that included the nine task force chairs, Chamber senior staff, and a healthcare professional reviewed the recommendations and compiled the final Path Forward Readiness Plan.
The Arts Center is adhering to both the Path Forward guidelines as well as those recommended by the CDC as part of our commitment to safety to our patrons, staff, artists and volunteers.