The news that manufacturer Hope Global had to temporarily shut down its Cumberland facility after several workers tested positive for COVID-19 is a reminder of the risks as the state and employers look to gradually restart the economy.
Manufacturing is one of the few industries operating at or near capacity in Rhode Island. Gov. Gina M. Raimondo has repeatedly praised manufacturers for shifting gears to contribute much-needed medical clothing and supplies.
David Chenevert, executive director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, says Hope Global helped develop best practices to keep local workers safe during the crisis. He believes the company, which employs more than 200 locally, was following the procedures. Yet some workers still got sick. The company did the right thing in closing to try and prevent a widespread outbreak.
Gov. Raimondo was also right to order all employees of customer-facing businesses, along with manufacturers and other businesses, to start wearing cloth face masks at work.
Keeping active businesses operating with healthy employees is the first step in any successful recovery plan.