With virus cases up, you need to make sure you’re doing your part to combat the spread. In the latest issue of Floral Management, Terril Nell, Ph.D., AAF, research director for the American Floral Endowment, professor emeritus at the University of Florida and a past president of the Society of American Florists, outlines necessary steps to protect your staff and your customers, as well as essential care and handling practices to keep flowers in tip top shape.
“COVID-19 poses special challenges for the safe operation of every business,” Nell said. “Employees need to know how to minimize risks to themselves and customers. As in any business, training is critical. The key elements for flowers include processing upon arrival, sanitation, correct use of flower food solutions, and temperature regulation. Key elements for people include masking, social distancing and sanitation.”
In addition to mandating that employees wear masks (and firmly, but politely requesting that customers do the same) and rearranging workstations and your showroom to allow ample personal space (at least a six-foot radius), Nell recommends the following steps:
- Wash hands frequently. Keep hand sanitizer handy.
- Avoid use of shared tools and materials unless sanitized first.
- Disinfect workspaces regularly.
- Disinfect door handles, cooler door handles, customer service areas, credit card machines, and all other commonly used or touched items at least every two hours.
- Improve ventilation as weather permits by opening windows and doors.
Click here to read the full article, which includes a detailed care and handling checklist to protect your blossoms from disease and to ensure maximum vase life.
Katie Vincent is the senior contributing editor and writer for the Society of American Florists.
