Following this morning’s virtual signing ceremony led by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, more than 150 businesses and counting have pledged to sign and support the Pocono Promise. From barber shops and dental offices to restaurants and resorts, businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout the Pocono Mountains voluntarily vow to follow certain guidelines that protect residents, employees and customers once it is time to reopen.
Those guidelines include aggressive cleaning protocols, health surveys for staff before starting their shift, special training, and using personal protective equipment when possible. In return, businesses ask employees and customers to follow certain guidelines as well, which include following social distancing protocols and staying home/visiting another time if feeling sick.
“The more businesses that adopt this promise, the more solidarity we demonstrate to our residents and our visitors,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “Together we’ll attest that the Pocono Mountains is doing everything possible to overcome this crisis in the safest and best way possible.”
While Pike and Monroe counties remain in the ‘red’ phase of Governor Tom Wolf’s statewide reopening plan, Wayne and Carbon counties will enter the ‘yellow’ phase this Friday, May 22nd. When returning to normalcy, the business community must prepare to ensure everyone’s safety while continuing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Businesses that are part of the Pocono Promise will publicly display door signs and flyers at their facilities. When customers see this, they know the business has committed to following guidelines set forth by federal, state and local agencies. Businesses are encouraged to read the Pocono Promise then sign and adopt it.
Media outlets can view and download content related to the virtual signing ceremony here.
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau makes no warranties with respect to the ultimate effectiveness of the Pocono Promise program and assumes no responsibility for assuring compliance by any business with such guidelines. The Pocono Promise is a set of voluntary commitments by local businesses to residents, employees and customers for the COVID-19 recovery period.