Businesses should be reimbursed for COVID cleaning

We’re walking the fine line between protecting our local economy and protecting individuals’ health.

The Monongalia County Health Department released a new ordinance Tuesday to take effect today stating, “any business that serves the public, that is identified as having three new cases of COVID-19 in staff and/or patrons will be required to close and do a deep clean before our inspection and reopening.”

The new ordinance goes on to explain guidelines for subsequent new cases connected to the business and procedures for reopening after each incident.

This seems like a reasonable step given that, unfortunately, some local businesses have become the flashpoint for a coronavirus explosion, especially in Morgantown, and our priorities need to be focused on limiting transmission. That said, “deep cleaning” an entire business carries a hefty price tag.

Government relief funds have targeted payroll (the Payment Protection Program) and loans for other general expenses (Emergency Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Economic Injury Grants), but none have specifically sought to cure the financial ailment businesses are facing right now: Keeping their facilities clean and COVID-free.

Businesses are spending thousands of dollars for deep cleans and general cleaning supplies. In addition to the usual soap for bathrooms and disinfectants for floors, now businesses have to buy copious amounts of hand sanitizer for employees and patrons alike; personal protective equipment for employees; and gallons of disinfectants for frequent cleaning of touchable surfaces.

We’re talking four to six figures in additional expenses just to be allowed to open their doors — and keep their doors open. Some businesses can’t afford those extra costs and have already closed their doors again — if their doors ever opened.

As members of the general public, we appreciate all the steps businesses have taken to keep their facilities as germ-free as possible. And we think they should get more help with it.

Considering how hard the federal government is pushing to open businesses and keep them open, Congress should include a special fund in the next coronavirus relief package specifically to refund businesses for cleaning expenses. Businesses should be able to keep receipts for cleaning products and services, then turn them in for full or partial reimbursement. Or get a tax credit at the end of the year.

This fund should be targeted to small businesses — actual small businesses, not individual chains’ facilities — and should be closely monitored so it doesn’t experience the same pitfalls as the PPP. Unlike the PPP, for which owners could request up to $10 million for each location, this program would be based on provable expenditures, so qualifying businesses get what they need.

We want our businesses to survive the pandemic. We want to keep people safe. We want businesses to do their part to keep us safe. But we don’t want businesses to be punished for being responsible.