The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance announced that the organization received an email from Jennifer Campbell, the chief legal office for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation that has adjusted the essential/non-essential guidance for the pool and hot tub industry.
(PHTA highly recommends keeping a copy of this email in your trucks.)
The adjusted guidance is as follows:
Pool/Sauna Construction
In-Process Construction
Construction includes, but is not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care and assisted living facilities, public works construction, school construction, Essential Business and Operations construction, construction necessary for Essential Governmental Functions. Under Section 10, 13.m, and 13.v of the order, construction material producers, suppliers, and retailers are essential businesses and operations. Housing construction is also included, except that optional or aesthetic construction should be avoided. Ongoing optional or aesthetic construction should stop as soon as it is to a safe point.
Not-Started Construction:
New pool/sauna construction should not be commenced unless the contractor can demonstrate that the pool/sauna is not optional by providing documentation from their client that the construction of the pool/sauna is necessary for the Essential Business or Operation or Essential Governmental Function to operate.
Pool Maintenance
Businesses that provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Businesses and Operations. Under Section 13.n of the order, these are considered “Essential Businesses and Operations.” Pool maintenance is considered a Critical Trade pursuant to 13.n to the extent it is required by ATCP Ch. 76. Optional or aesthetic pool maintenance should be avoided.
Retail Sales of Supplies and Parts
Businesses that provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Businesses and Operations, considered “Essential Businesses and Operations” under Section 13.n of the order. The retail sale of supplies and parts is considered a Critical Trade pursuant to 13.n to the extent such sales support the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Businesses and Operations.
However, all businesses must:
1. Avoid meeting in person whenever possible, and switch to virtual meetings, teleconference, and remote work (i.e. work from home);
2. Comply with all Department of Health Services guidelines for businesses; and
3. Follow Social Distancing Requirements between all individuals on the premise to the maximum extent possible.
All businesses are encouraged to follow WEDC’s best practices for a COVID-19 response plan.
To provide guidance and help you and your company navigate COVID-19, make sure to visit PHTACoronaUpdate.com. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
