---
title: How to Best Protect Your Video Gaming Business and Your Employees from COVID-19
description: As the emerging COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the coronavirus pandemic) situation continues to grow, it is important that everyone – including business owners – take preventative and protective measures.
image: https://www.accelentertainment.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Kitchen%20porter%20washing%20his%20hands%20in%20professional%20kitchen.jpeg
---
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1 
Company News
# How to Best Protect Your Video Gaming Business and Your Employees from COVID-19
By [Accel Entertainment](https://www.accelentertainment.com/blog/author/accel-entertainment)
March 18, 2020
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As the emerging COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the coronavirus pandemic) situation continues to evolve, it is important that everyone – including business owners – take preventative and protective measures in order to help combat the spread of the virus. While Illinois bars, restaurants, and other video gaming establishments have been ordered to close their doors to the public, there is still much business owners can do in order to help fight COVID-19 in their local communities.
If your business is able to continue to operate during this closure period, we have complied a list of things you can do to help reduce the proliferation of the virus.
According to information from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/), the most frequent spread of the virus happens from person-to-person who are in close contact with each other (within 6 feet). Current evidence shows that the virus may remain transmittable on a variety of surfaces for hours to days. The best way to combat the spread through surface-contact is to regularly clean visibly dirty or high traffic surfaces and then disinfect them for safety. Individuals should also take certain steps to protect themselves from the virus including washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding close contact with people who may be sick.
The CDC has put out a plan for Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers focused on how to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19. While we suggest reviewing this guide in depth, here are some high-level tips for how to deal with this new virus.
**Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home**
Whether or not any of your employees have been tested for COVID-19, it is imperative that all sick employees stay home from work. Due to a lack of available coronavirus testing and the current strain on medical facilities, employees may not be able to be tested, or to provide a healthcare provider’s note to validate their sickness – nevertheless, it is in everyone’s best interest for sick individuals to stay home. Consider adding a work-from-home policy for your employees who are able to do so.
**Encourage Proper Hygiene and Etiquette **
Make sure your employees are doing their part to help reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Instruct your employees to follow proper hygiene and wash their hands often and keep workplace areas clean and disinfected.
**Plan for Extended Employee Absences**
If the virus continues to spread, businesses may see an unprecedented number of employees requiring sick leave. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. In addition, cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent.
These are unprecedented times in our industry and Accel Entertainment is here to assist our partners in any way we can. [See more](https://www.accelentertainment.com/blog/how-covid-19-is-affecting-the-video-gaming-industry) about what Accel Entertainment is doing to help our partners [here](https://www.accelentertainment.com/blog/how-covid-19-is-affecting-the-video-gaming-industry). If you have any questions about these latest industry updates, please contact us at [hello@accelentertainment.com](mailto:hello@accelentertainment.com) or give us a call at [(888) 972-2235](tel:8889722235).
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