Having Trouble Navigating Federal And State Guidelines On Essential Businesses? We’re Here To Help!

IT STARTED AT THE TOP
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, on March 16, President Trump issued Coronavirus Guidance for America that highlighted the importance of the nation’s critical infrastructure workforce. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was asked to develop an “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list.

THE CISA LIST: GUIDELINES FOR WHAT’S ESSENTIAL
That CISA advisory list, which includes vehicle production and dealers, was developed in collaboration with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. The RV Industry Association was involved in this process and worked hard at the federal level to have manufacturers and suppliers, dealers and service centers, and campgrounds and RV parks classified as “essential businesses.”

The CISA list was intended to help state, local, tribal, and territorial officials as they work to protect their communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security. However, the CISA list was advisory in nature and merely broad guidelines, rather than a federal directive or standard. Individual states and jurisdictions were encouraged to use these guidelines as a starting point as they craft their individual state orders, adding or subtracting critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions as essential categories based on their own requirements and discretion.

Since the CISA advisory list came out, the RV Industry Association has been working at the state level to have any Stay at Home orders reference the CISA language or to have state orders recognize all aspects of the RV industry as essential. Many states have directly followed the guidance from CISA by incorporating the guidelines by reference, while other states have developed their own guidelines, making the entire process confusing - especially for businesses with operations in multiple states. Understandably, manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers have had many questions concerning individual state Executive Orders and what types of businesses are able to remain open as essential.

THERE’S A CHART FOR THAT
To assist in attempting to clarify individual state Executive Orders and what types of businesses are able to remain open as essential, the RV Industry Association has developed a chart (for members only) showing whether vehicle manufacturing and dealer activities (sales, service, or both) are permitted. The chart provides information for manufacturers as to whether or not vehicle manufacturing is covered in each state, along with any specific information on RV manufacturers and suppliers. For dealers, the chart shows the status for service and for sales under state orders, including any explanations specific to how sales can be conducted.

Members View Chart Here

For states that have not adopted Stay at Home Orders or Close Non-Essential Business Orders, the Association’s state affairs team is working with those states to have RV businesses considered essential if the state is contemplating a change. Additionally, as individual state Executive Orders update or expire, the RV Industry Association will be updating the document. Be aware, this information could change frequently so we encourage our members to check back regularly.

As always, any business that decides to stay open should follow the CDC's health and safety guidelines and any other applicable federal, state, and local health and safety guidelines.