Over the weekend, more businesses began taking a proactive approach to do their part in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 by encouraging social distancing. Their actions have ranged from decreasing their operating hours to moving to a pick-up/delivery only model or closing their business entirely for a temporary period. Now, some states are mandating that restaurants close their dining rooms and instituting curfews for bars, clubs, and movie theaters. We fully expect the move toward more social distancing to continue in the coming weeks.
These recent actions may seem extreme to some, but CDC maintains that COVID-19 is primarily spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet). Experts say social distancing will be key to containing the virus. In fact, yesterday, CDC recommended canceling events with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
As you continue to implement your COVID-19 response plans and communicate with your system, we strongly recommend considering how your brand can encourage social distancing while complying with any local and state mandates that have been put in place.
We also encourage you and your franchisees to consider how you can provide help to your community during this difficult time. There’s never been a better time to be a good corporate citizen.
Here are a few ways we’ve seen brands encourage social distancing while still continuing to engage consumers, generate revenue and, most importantly, support their community.
- If stores reduce hours or temporarily close, providing paid leave for hourly employees
- Rolling out contactless delivery or curbside pick-up
- During school closures, providing meals or financial support for families that rely on free or reduced-price meals
- Supporting local food banks, many of which are struggling to meet the increased demand
- Waiving shipping fees for online orders and, if feasible, royalties for franchisees
- Livestreaming workouts and classes on Facebook or other technologies available to your brand
- Leveraging social media channels to share ways to beat the boredom while at-home – tips that may reflect your brand’s unique offering and positioning
These are just some thought starters and we understand some businesses are in a position to do one or more of these things, while others are not.
As your PR partner, we’re here to help with your most important communications needs during this uncertain time. We stand ready to support any crisis communications, development of programs like those noted above or prepare campaigns to “re-open” businesses once the time is right. Your Fish senior account leader will be rounding back with you soon to check in on ways we can help.
We’ll weather the storm together. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
