Essential Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Essential Businesses – Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Essential Business or Essential Work under the Stay at Home Order and Curfew?
- Police stations
- Fire stations
- Hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations
- Human service operations
- Community based organizations that provide meals and social services
- Jails/Prisons
- Garbage/sanitation
- Transportation, including airports
- Utilities: Water, power, gas, etc.
- Public works
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Food:
- Grocery stores
- Food banks
- Convenience stores
- Restaurants for: Delivery, take-out, curbside delivery
- Banks and financial institutions
- Laundromats/laundry service
- Funeral services
- Hotel and lodging
- Hardware and supply stores
- Critical trades such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, security personnel etc.
- Post offices and other shipping services
- Garden centers and nurseries
- Animal services
What if I am unsure whether my business should be open or closed?
Essential businesses will remain open during the Stay at Home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of our Hopi community. Those businesses include, but are not limited to, pharmacies, certain government offices, day care centers that provide care for the children of essential employees, and restaurants providing take-out meals. If you work for an essential business, you should continue to practice social distancing and should stay at home outside of work hours.
If you believe your business is nonessential but are still being asked to show up to work, you may discuss with your employer. Businesses and employees with questions can call the Hopi Tribe’s Office of the Chairman.
Can I visit friends and family?
For your safety, as well as the safety of those in your community, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members or friends who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate supply of food or medicine.
Can I leave home to exercise?
Yes. Outdoor exercise like running or taking a walk is perfectly acceptable; however, exercise gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus. While exercising outside, you should still practice social distancing by running or walking at least six feet away from other people. You must wear a face covering if you are unable to maintain social distancing while outdoor exercising with other people.
Can I go out to do laundry?
Yes. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses that will remain open. You should continue to practice social distancing and please wear a face covering if you are unable to maintain social distancing.
What about religious activities?
The Executive Order does limit gatherings to no more than ten people and requires social distancing. At the same time, the Executive Order does not prohibit Hopi religious and ceremonial activities. The Executive Order does not prohibit other religious and church organizations to provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life, to its congregants and individuals.
What about funeral services?
Funeral, mortuary, and related services are designated as essential businesses and operations. All funeral services must ensure adequate social distancing, taking into account the space of the facility where the service is held, whether it is indoors or outdoors, etc.
Will grocery stores be open?
Yes, essential services will still be operational including, but not limited to:
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Police stations
- Fire stations
- Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations
- Garbage/sanitation
- Public transportation
- Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines