TRSA – Keeping the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry Running

Posted March 24, 2020 at 5:25 pm



TRSA is continuing to work with federal and state government officials to get the linen, uniform and facility services industry designated as an essential service in the midst of several state-mandated shutdowns of businesses deemed “non-essential” as the United States attempts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus nationwide.

“TRSA is ensuring that TRSA members can still operate in this challenging environment,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “We have a great track record of success in the states we are working with to include our industry as an essential business.”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), recently issued a guidance letter that does not specifically list the linen, uniform and facility services industry as an essential business; however, it does allow for service providers of industries listed to operate. This letter has been referenced by several states when issuing executive orders to shut down businesses to stem the spread of the virus. TRSA’s government relations staff is working with DHS officials and staff at the White House to push for the industry to be specifically mentioned in this document of essential businesses to clear any confusion.

Additionally, TRSA is working with state-level government officials to get the linen, uniform and facility services industry included as an essential service in any state where there are government-mandated business closures. Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations, noted that TRSA has been successful in getting the industry added to the list of essential services in several states, including New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Schwalb is currently working with officials in several states, including New Jersey and Michigan, among others, to get commercial laundries specifically named in the list of essential services.

To view a full list of states that have issued executive orders on shutdowns and whether they have designated commercial laundries as an essential service, click here (members only). If you are having trouble keeping your operation open in your state, contact Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org or Ricci at jricci@trsa.org. For more guidance and documents on getting your laundry operation included as an essential service, visit www.trsa.org/covid19. Several customizable documents are available under the header “Essential Services Guidance.”

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