The novel coronavirus has caused massive societal upheavals, deaths in the hundreds of thousands and illness in over 15 million people worldwide. The public health crisis has an uncertain future. One thing is definite: social distancing helps to curb the spread of COVID-19.

About COVID-19

Remaining at least six feet apart from people in public places has been shown to reduce transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Ample distance ensures that potentially infected human respiratory droplets do not reach the respiratory systems of others and cause illness.

Talking, coughing, and sneezing emit respiratory droplets and allow the particles to linger in the air for up to three hours. If the individual is sick with COVID-19, the infectious particles can invade the respiratory system of a person in close proximity and lead to mild or severe infection.

As a result, social distancing has become the norm, at least for now. Until a cure or effective treatment for COVID-19 is developed, social distancing mandates will continue throughout societies nationwide and worldwide. Social distancing will have a profound effect on public and private events.

How Event Venues Accommodate Social Distancing

Maintaining social distance is not an easy task. Event attendees are accustomed to packed stadiums and concert halls. These venues are undergoing drastic changes. Weddings and private ceremonies held in community centers, churches, or banquet halls, will also be different during the COVID-19 era.

Sports Arenas

Sports arenas will no longer be filled to maximum capacity. Stadiums limit capacity to 17 to 20 percent of what the arena is built to hold. Dire reductions in capacity will have an adverse effect on stadium revenue since incoming funds offset the costs of operational debt and retaining employees.

If the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds a year, sports teams will be forced to consider making permanent changes to fan seating. Long-lasting adjustments can affect capital investments. A fixed solution, such as removing seats, however, would allow for adequate social distancing.

A short-term approach would be to temporarily take out the seats. Modifying arenas using this tactic is cost-efficient and practical. Loge box seating, which is where four seats are separated from surrounding ones by six feet, would follow social distancing rules.

In addition to changing seating arrangements to accommodate social distancing, sports arenas are implementing cashless payments and online concessions ordering. Hygiene practices are receiving an overhaul, as arenas install touchless doors and automated technology to prevent person-to-person contact between fans and staff.

Movie Theaters

Movie theaters are responding to the coronavirus outbreak by showing movies on the same night and on multiple screens. Capacities are limited inside movie theaters to ensure moviegoers maintain proper social distancing. The safety of customers and staff is the number one priority.

AMC, Regal and Cinemark, which are among the nation’s largest theater chains, have closed in response to governmental advice and the coronavirus pandemic. But movies have been around for decades, and the current health crisis will not stop people from enjoying shows on the silver screen.

The resurgence of drive-in theaters demonstrates just how resilient moviegoers are. Drive-in theaters give film buffs the opportunity to be entertained while remaining more than six feet apart and avoiding the slightest possibility of microbial transmission. Bargain ticket prices make drive-in theaters even more enjoyable.

People who have never visited a drive-in are flocking to the outdoor movies. Drive-in moviegoers wear masks and queue up at proper distances at the snack bars. Drive-in theaters are one surefire way to escape being stuck at home and give businesses a chance to turn a profit.

Music Venues

Music venues are resorting to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to review operational plans. In venues that can hold a maximum capacity of 300, only 75 people are allowed inside for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bands that play to huge crowds may now open to groups of no more than 50. Virtual entertainment is taking center stage for the time being, as the coronavirus makes safe social gatherings impossible. Virtual events include live streaming of local concerts and even the much-needed comedic shows.

While the majority of event venues are closed due to the COVID-19 health crisis, some are taking advantage of the situation. Renovations are being done behind closed doors. Repainting, replacing chairs, adding drop ceilings, and replacing lighting are efforts to help improve event venues.

The coronavirus pandemic will not last forever, and entertainment venues are looking forward to the day when they can welcome back sports fans, movie buffs, concert attendees and theater goers. Those renovating hope to make their space more welcoming and user-friendly for patrons upon their return.

Help with Renovations

If you are among business owners who choose to renovate while your event venue is closed to the public, look to Chicago Office Movers. As an office mover, we provide a range of comprehensive services to assist with all aspects of office renovation and remodeling.

Crews from Chicago Office Movers are available to temporarily move large furniture around through our decommissioning services while your renovations are underway. Our team members are capable of lifting heavy goods with the help of advanced moving equipment. We also move furniture of all sizes.

Business owners place full trust in the professional moving crews at Chicago Office Movers, since each member of our team is background checked, licensed, and experienced. We are also union movers. When you need a hand before or during your renovation, Chicago Office Movers is ready to help.

Most importantly, Chicago Office Movers is careful to practice safety measures to protect our clients and team during the coronavirus outbreak. We clean and disinfect moving trucks daily, our moving crews practice social distancing to avoid contact, and restrict sick personnel from working.

Get a Free Estimate

Choose Chicago Office Movers when you are ready to renovate or remodel. You can expect competitive pricing, efficient service, and safe practices. As a commercial mover, we also provide reliable commercial relocation services.

Call our friendly representatives at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the airline industry doubly hard. Approximately two million passengers had passed through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) checkpoint on March 30, 2019. On the exact day this past March, a meager 154,000 air travelers did the same.

Business people travel for either work or other professional reasons. But since the coronavirus pandemic peaked in the first quarter of 2020, airports had seemingly turned into ghost towns. Rather than concourses filled with people, just one or two individuals were present.

How the Pandemic Affected the Airline Industry

Adding further tension to the already worrying situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic were the increased stress levels of flight attendants, customer service personnel, and pilots. Shops in airports were also closed, leaving only the solitary coffee stands to provide air travelers with a jolt of caffeine.

As the worst of the pandemic seems to be over or at least somewhat under control, more business people are choosing to fly now than during the height of the pandemic. This past May, 14 percent of consumers say they will board a plane once flight restrictions are lifted.

Changes within Airports

While airline executives believe it could take years for air travelers to resume flying as frequently as they had done in prior years, planes are still taking off—albeit with significant changes. Basic adjustments are being made, but major changes will take some business passengers by surprise.

The changes to business travel are likely to be permanent. These alterations will be apparent as soon as the air travelers arrive at the airport. Large international hubs will see drastic changes. All these efforts are intended to help passengers feel and remain safe from COVID-19.

1. Changes to Flight Experiences

Measures to reduce contact between airplane passengers, crew members and airport employees are being enforced. While social distancing is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19, doing so on a 186-seat Boeing 737 airplane is difficult. However, airlines are exploring new seating arrangements.

For instance, airlines might reduce cabin capacity by leaving the middle seat empty. Future design enhancements to seating could include facing the middle seat backwards or adding a plastic shield around seats. But such retrofitting is expensive and could affect ticket prices.

Occasionally, packed planes will fly, angering passengers. New airline policies are in place, where passengers are notified if their flight will be over 70 percent full. But most major airlines limit the passenger capacity to 60 percent, and more flights are being added to meet demand.

2. Modifications at Airports

At the airport, the TSA will limit contact between air travelers and airline personnel by having the former scan their own boarding passes, whether paper or electronic. Efforts to reduce touch points while screening also include passengers placing phones, keys, and wallets into carry-on bags.

Food items are known to set off the alarm in the x-ray scanner. To prevent TSA officers from removing and handling the food, officers now request that all food items be placed in clear, plastic bags. Passengers should remove the bags of food from carry-on luggage.

When checking in, business travelers can expect to see sneeze guards at the counters. TSA officers will be wearing face masks, and passengers are encouraged to do the same. More touchless kiosks will be added to US airports to allow passengers to print bag tags with a smartphone.

3. Implementation of Health Screenings

Health screenings at the airport will be commonplace. Airline personnel are exploring thermal scanning and temperature checks at airports. While the risk of exposure to the coronavirus is not fully avoided, airlines can request that travelers with elevated temperatures reschedule.

Airlines will prevent travelers with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher from flying. Temperature checks are done safely using touchless thermometers prior to passengers boarding. Temperature screenings are imperfect, given that a small percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have fevers.

Passengers boarding major airlines will be required to complete a checklist prior to entering the aircraft. The checklist displays COVID -19 symptoms, and the traveler must declare to not have experienced any symptoms or been in close contact with an infected person within the last 14 days.

With the addition of health screenings, business passengers can expect longer lines. The coronavirus may be sniffed out by dogs in the foreseeable future. The rationale is to train bomb-sniffing dogs to detect the coronavirus. Research on these capabilities is currently underway in labs.

4. Assessments of Business Flights

Not every part of the world is equally affected by COVID-19, making air travel to some regions safer than others. However, the situation can change rapidly, as researchers uncover more details about the novel coronavirus. Business travelers are urged to assess all business trips for risks.

If a business trip has multiple risks, consider canceling the flight. Business professionals should also consider national and international guidelines prior to booking their trips. Those evaluating whether or not to fly should give significant weight to their comfort levels in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Also consider business travel insurance in the event flights are canceled due to the coronavirus. Certain companies offer specialized travel insurance to businesses, given the fact that business trips occur more frequently and are thereby subject to cancellations more often than leisure travel.

Need Help with Moving Your Business?

Company executives may have plans to scout a new business location, necessitating business travel. When it’s in your company’s best interests to relocate, consult a premier office relocation service, like Chicago Office Movers. We are open and ready to relocate your company in the safest ways.

Chicago Office Movers takes care during the coronavirus pandemic to disinfect moving trucks, practice social distancing and take employee temperature checks prior to each shift. Our moving crews are trained, licensed and background checked to ensure a secure commercial move.

Free Estimate

Consult the Windy City’s most reputable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers. We provide quality corporate relocation services, whether you are moving internationally or interstate.

Call our friendly representatives at 312-244-2246 for a free moving estimate when you are preparing for an upcoming relocation.

Businesses still have to move, even during a pandemic.  Businesses may relocate for many different reasons. These could range from more customer traffic and better growth opportunities to the possible need for more or less space. However, relocating a company can also be time-consuming, disruptive, and during a pandemic, even downright dangerous. A business relocation plan has always been an important part of a corporate move, now even more so with the extra added considerations and regulations in place.  A detailed checklist of relocation tasks is a must!

Is It Possible to Move During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The short answer to this question is yes, but there are many precautions you must take to protect yourself and your employees and ensure a safe move. We understand while you may want to hold off your business relocation until after the pandemic, you may have no choice but to move due to the end of a lease, expenses, or other factor.

When preparing your company for relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need answers to the following questions:

Can I Hire a Moving Company?

Yes, moving companies like Chicago Office Movers are still providing business relocation and commercial moving services during the pandemic. Our professionals will take certain precautions to make your move as safe as possible such as disinfecting our moving equipment and trucks daily, using personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing. For more information, consult our COVID-19 moving guidelines.

Can I Tour New Offices and Buildings?

If your business needs to move during the pandemic but has not found a new office or building, it is still possible to find a new space. If you find a space that interests you, you may be able to take a virtual tour. This will allow you to get a good look at the new space without showing up in person. If you really want to see the new space in person before making a decision, you may be able to view the space while taking precautions like wearing gloves and a mask and practicing social distancing while on the property.

How Should I Protect My Employees During the Move?

It is probably best to involve as few of your employees in the move as possible, but we understand that some employees will need to be present during the move. Direct your employees who will be present during the move to wear masks and gloves, wash and sanitize their hands frequently, and practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet of personal space. You and your employees should take every precaution necessary and be mindful during the move to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 Business Move Plan

Once your reasons and destinations are set forth, here are some top things to put into your plan.

1. Assign appropriate people to manage the move plan

There should be an internal leader that serves as the move coordinator, department coordinators, and your moving company single source coordinator.  All these people will be working together to plan and execute all the parts of the relocation. Keep open communication between your staff and coordinator from Chicago Office Movers.

2. Assess and compare the potential risks and benefits of relocation during a pandemic

Assuming this is something your organization must and can do during this time, make sure your staff and all parties are safe and following pandemic guidelines. Never push past the limits of what is allowed during the time of crisis. Also be aware of the moving company’s guidelines during the pandemic.

3. Have multiple contingency plans due to the unknown

There is always some sort of unknown that should be considered but in times of many unknowns, you must be as prepared as possible.  You may wonder, how should I prepare for unforeseeable issues? Check and double check the process, have a back up plan for anything of major significance, and confirm things twice before executing. Communicate with all coordinators throughout the process.

4. Use a checklist

Use our comprehensive checklist of essential activities for the countdown to your relocation including assigning responsibilities.  Include a list of important contacts for the relocation period.  This also includes things such as using our identification program for tagging items.  Schedule all meetings with department coordinators and hold meetings and training sessions via face to face or virtually during times like COVID-19.  Schedule Electric Data Processing, workstation, phone and all IT relocations.

5. Finish your packing ahead of time

Finishing your packing before your move is always an important step. However, having all of your items and equipment packed at least 24 hours before your move is essential during the pandemic. This is because the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Finishing your packing and leaving the boxes untouched for at least 24 hours will help ensure that the boxes are not contaminated.

If possible, get new cardboard boxes instead of using old ones that may be contaminated. Take the opportunity to clean and sanitize items as you pack. Once your items arrive to the new office or building, wait another 24 hours before beginning to unpack. Creating an unpacking plan will help reduce the time spent unpacking and lower the risk to your employees. If you need professional assistance with the packing or unpacking, talk to us about our packing services.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

If your business is located in the Chicagoland area, Chicago Office Movers is ready with sanitized vehicles, equipment and packing materials to ensure a safe company relocation. As an essential business, our union movers practice safe handwashing, social distancing, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and never work when sick. As always, we keep our commitment to provide a safe, quality move for businesses of all types and sizes.

Free Estimate

Get a free estimate on your next move, even during social distancing, by giving us a call at 312-244-2246 or filling out a form. We look forward to working with you.

Dear Chicago Office Movers Client,

Chicago Office Movers (COM) continues to follow all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19.  We continue to ensure the safety of everyone.  COM is monitoring all new information regarding the virus from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Center for Disease Control and more.

Concerning Chicago Office Movers Booked Client Moves and Appointments:

We want to assure you that we take the health and well-being of our community, customers, employees and associates very seriously.

Safety measures we are taking to protect our team as well as our clients:

• We clean and disinfect moving equipment and trucks daily. 
• We are restricting all sick employees from working. 
• We are temperature testing multiple times daily.
• We ask all clients to inform us if they are sick before we enter their homes or offices.
• We continue to provide hand sanitizer, gloves and masks for employees.
• We are practicing social distancing to avoid contact.

To assist our clients, please see the following resources:

• Centers for Disease Control COVID-19
• CDC Workplace, School, and Home Guidance
• Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19
• IDPH COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-889-3931
• World Health Organization
• Local updates from our partners, The Schaumburg Business Association
• Local Updates from our partners, The GOA Regional Business Association
• Chicago Office Movers COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Letterhead

If anyone in your household or office has any respiratory illness, we ask that you please reschedule your appointment for a future date