A new local campaign aims to promote health and safety conscious behavior in Manhattan and the Flint Hills region.
The safe and open campaign highlights businesses, organizations and individuals who have pledged to abide by recommended public health practices such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing face coverings in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Officially launched as of Thursday, July 30, eight businesses have already signed the pledge committing to follow federal, state and local guidelines. Those that have pledged will receive a badge and other marketing materials that can be displayed on windows or inside their place of business. They’ll also be added to lists at MHKsafeandopen.org or FlintHillssafeandopen.org for those in the region outside of Manhattan.
“When people see the Safe & Open logo, they will know those businesses and organizations have made a commitment to help protect the community,” reads a City of Manhattan press release.
The pledge asks businesses and organizations to commit to:
- Encourage physical distancing
- Limit the number of people allowed inside to make it possible to maintain 6-ft of distance
- Arrange workspaces so employees can stay at least 6-ft apart
- Limit staff contact with customers
- Adopt and implement enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures specifically designed to combat the transmission of COVID-19
Individuals who make the pledge promise to:
- Stay home if sick
- Maintain at least 6-ft of distance in public
- Cover nose and mouth with a cloth mask in public situations, both indoors and outdoors, if it is difficult to maintain 6-ft of distance
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available
“The goal is to promote safety and keep Manhattan Safe and Open by doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus,” said City of Manhattan Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall. “By sharing information about safety practices, the campaign also empowers consumers to make informed choices about where to do business.”
As of Thursday, Arrow Coffee, In Motion Dance Company, Loving Arms Child Care and Preschool, Manhattan Fit Body Boot Camp, New Boston Creative Group, Pool House Kitchen & Bar, Sunflower Pet Supplies, and The Well have all signed the pledge. Questions can be directed to safeandopen@gmail.com.
“We are happy to share the campaign with any local communities,” said Marstall. “The more participants, the better.”
