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An essential worker is a designated employee that is required to work during a business closure in order to meet operational requirements. Essential worker designation is determined by the state, along with the responsibilities of the employee, and the reasons for closing.
Make use of our general essential worker letter in Microsoft Word format to create a customized letter for your employees.
Special infrastructure functioning is vital for public health, safety, and community well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, certain industries were responsible for the continued operation of services, such as healthcare and emergency services, among others. This infrastructure requires a wide range of essential workers.
There are 14 essential employment categories listed by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Employees that fall under these categories are referred to as "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers" and are generally required to deliver services around the clock.
It's important to note that while our list covers the basic essential worker, they may differ in each state. Since each state can individually determine what classifies as essential, employers need to check with their state's government offices before closing down their businesses.
The healthcare industry, both public and private, provides essential services that cannot shut down in any circumstance. These essential workers are too valuable in the case of an emergency. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare employees performed vital services, such as research and testing, patient care, administration of medication to patients, and much more.
Examples of Essential Healthcare Employees:
Also referred to as emergency management employees, the services they provide are equally as important as healthcare services. During COVID-19, emergency management employees ensured ordinary individuals had access to emergency assistance by law enforcement, the fire department, paramedics, and more. In all U.S. states, first responders are required to work during a state of emergency.
Examples of Essential Emergency Management Employees:
During a state of emergency, it's important for individuals, emergency services, and households to have access to food. This means that businesses like grocery stores and restaurants are required to continue operations.
Examples of Essential Food & Agriculture Employees/Businesses:
All employees that support the electrical, petroleum, natural gas, and propane manufacturing and distribution industry are considered essential. Their work ensures individuals have power at home and enough gas to travel in case of an emergency.
The Energy category comes in three variations: electricity industry, petroleum employees, and natural and propane gas employees.
All employees responsible for or involved in the maintenance, restoration, development, transportation, fuel procurement, safety, expansion, and distribution of electric power. Including call center personnel, utility employees, and maintenance technicians.
All employees that work in petroleum product storage, pipeline, transport, terminals, crude oil storage facilities, and petroleum refinery facilities.
Natural and Propane Gas Employees
All natural and propane gas employees that work in gas transmission and the distribution of pipelines, underground storage of natural gas, processing plants, and natural gas security operation centers.
This category includes all employees needed to manage and maintain drinking water and drainage infrastructure.
Examples of Essential Water & Sanitation Employees:
All employees supporting transportation functions, such as dispatchers and maintenance and repair technicians, are considered as essential.
Examples of Essential Transportation & Logistics Employees:
To ensure public facilities are maintained, public workers are considered to be essential. These employees include those who operate, evaluate, and maintain dams, locks, levees, and bridges.
Examples of Essential Public Employees:
Manufacturing affects multiple industries and essential categories, including transportation and healthcare. Manufacturing refers to all employees responsible for producing materials and products required for medical supply chains and transportation, such as water and sanitation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, etc.).
It's important to note that not all manufacturing employees are considered essential. For example, businesses that produce cosmetics are not essential. Your manufacturing business has to be labeled "critical" by the state.
While many states went on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, the communications and information technology industry was responsible for ensuring the public was kept informed about the latest developments.
All employees responsible for or involved in the installation, distribution, and maintenance of communication infrastructures, including technicians, operators, call-centers, wire-line and wireless providers, cable service providers, and those who support radio, television, and other media services.
Employees who operate and support command centers, data center operators, system administrators, HVAC & electrical, software, and hardware engineers, security personnel, IT managers, and database administrators.
This category refers to critical government workers, as defined by the employer. These can include elections personnel, building employees, security employees, trade officials, weather forecasters, customs workers, and educators. This category will heavily depend on the state your business is situated in.
Financial services mainly refer to banking and lending institutions. While the institution may prohibit person-to-person contact by encouraging online banking, these employees are still considered essential. These include all employees needed to administer and maintain systems for processing financial transactions and services.
Hazardous material management employees work at nuclear facilities, managing medical waste and waste from pharmaceuticals, laboratories processing test kits, and medical material production.
These employees also include those responsible for the cleanup of waste and the maintenance of digital systems infrastructure supporting hazardous materials management operations.
All employees that support, manage and maintain the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and the U.S. military. If you are a contractor or subcontractor that delivers important services to the Department of Defense, you still fall under the essential worker's category.
Examples of Defense Industrial Base Employees:
This refers to all employees that support chemical and industrial gas supply chains, such as employees at chemical manufacturing plants, laboratories, distribution facilities, and employees who transport basic raw chemical materials to the producers of industrial and consumer goods. For example, these employees are responsible for producing hand sanitizers, food and food additives, pharmaceuticals, paper products, and more.
Alabama currently recognizes only healthcare providers, public workers, and emergency services as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this could change if a stay at home order is issued.
On 28 March 2020, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a "safer at home" order that allows some nonessential businesses to open but they are subject to sanitation and social distancing guidelines.
Alaska recognizes the 14 categories listed above as Essential Workers, with a special emphasis on construction workers and hardware supply stores.
On 24 April 2020, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that personal service businesses and restaurants will reopen under strict social distancing guidelines.
Essential workers in Arizona are similar to the 14 categories listed above, with the addition of employees at hotels and motels, laundry businesses, and hardware and supply stores.
On 4 May 2020, Gov. Doug Ducey announced that retail stores will open on 8 May and restaurants will reopen on 11 May. The statewide stay at home order will remain in effect until 15 May.
Arkansas supports the 14 Essential workers categories listed above.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that most nonessential businesses will reopen in stages between 30 April and 11 May 2020.
Essential workers in California are the 14 categories mentioned above. These include emergency services, energy employees, and medical workers.
On March 19 2020, a stay at home order was issued by the California government. On 4 May, the state announced some retail businesses will be allowed to reopen with pickup and physical distancing.
Colorado recognizes employees that work in healthcare, critical manufacturing, financial services, public work, defense, communication, and retail stores (including liquor and firearm stores) as essential.
On 27 April 2020, Gov. Jared Polis issued a "safer at home" order that will end on 27 May. This order permits the reopening of some nonessential businesses.
The Connecticut government recognizes the 14 categories listed above as Essential Workers. The state places a special emphasis on health care, food service, law enforcement, and similar critical services.
On March 23 2020, Connecticut issued a "stay safe, stay at home" policy that excludes any essential business or entity providing essential services.
Essential Workers in Delaware are part of the 14 categories, with the addition of employees in natural resources and mining, construction, trade and transportation, and leisure and hospitality.
On March 24 2020, Gov. John Carney issued a statewide stay-at-home order that will remain in effect until May 15. The order calls for all nonessential businesses to shut down.
The District of Columbia lists most of the 14 categories as essential services, with the addition of employees that work in transportation and shelter operations.
On March 25 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an Executive Order ordering all nonessential businesses to close. These include gyms, tour guides, nightclubs, and more. The order ends May 15.
Essential Workers in Florida fall in the 14 categories, with a special focus on transportation.
On 4 May 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis eased the Florida statewide stay at home order. Nonessential businesses like restaurants and retailers are allowed to operate with 25% capacity.
Georgia recognizes employees that fall under the 14 categories as essential. The official list of essential workers also puts a special focus on employees working in service industries like laundry, childcare facilities, and transportation.
On April 24 2020, Gov. Brian Kemp eased restrictions, allowing most nonessential businesses to reopen.
Hawaii's essential workers work in healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, public services, financial services, defense, and construction.
On May 05 2020, Gov. David Ige announced a "safer at home" order that makes provision for some nonessential businesses to reopen on May 7.
Idaho essential workers work in the 14 categories listed above.
On May 2 2020, Gov. Brad Little announced that Idaho will enter the first stage of the state's recovery plan. The first stage only allows certain nonessential businesses to reopen.
Essential workers in Illinois fall under most of the 14 categories, except for defense, energy, and chemical.
On May 1 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a modified stay-at-home order that allows some nonessential businesses to reopen.
Indiana businesses and employees that are labeled as essential include child protective services, mail services, healthcare, and emergency services, and gas stations.
Gov. Eric Holcomb issued a five-stage statewide reopening plan that allows some nonessential businesses in the manufacturing, retail, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure industries to operate.
Essential workers in Iowa include those that work in healthcare, law enforcement, first responders, long-term care and residential support facility personnel, and public workers.
There is no statewide stay at home order in place.
Kansas recognizes employees as essential if they work in hospitals, childcare facilities, government operations, food and beverage, liquor stores and cannabis production, and lawn care.
On May 4 2020, the statewide stay-at-home order expired and the state entered a stage one of its reopening plan. Some nonessential businesses are allowed to reopen under strict guidelines.
Kentucky's essential workers mostly fall under the 14 categories, with a special focus on manufacturing and supply chain.
On May 4 2020, Kentucky began its phased reopening that will last until May 20. During this time, most nonessential businesses will be allowed to operate.
Louisiana's essential workers fall under all 14 categories recognized by CISA.
On March 23 2020, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a stay-at-home order that will last until April 15. The order has been modified to allow the reopening of some nonessential businesses.
Maine essential workers and services are similar to the 14 categories listed above. However, there is a special focus on construction workers and those involved in home repair.
On March 31 2020, Gov. Janet Mills announced a statewide stay at home order that will last until the end of May.
Maryland recognizes all employees that fall under the 14 categories as essential.
On March 23 2020, Maryland placed a stay at home order in place that prohibits the operation of nonessential businesses.
The Massachusetts government recognizes the 14 categories as essential services. However, officials are yet to release a complete list.
On March 24 2020, Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses that do not provide essential services to close their physical workplaces. This will last until May 18.
The State of Michigan recognizes employees that fall under the 14 categories as essential.
On March 24 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for Michigan residents to stay at home until May 15 but also modified restrictions so some nonessential businesses can reopen.
Minnesota's essential workers fall under all 14 categories listed by CISA.
Between March 27 and May 18 2020, Minnesota residents will be placed on a statewide lockdown. This stay at home order has been modified to allow some retail businesses to reopen.
Mississippi recognizes all 14 categories as essential services and employees, with a special focus on construction and related services.
On 01 April 2020, Gov. Tate Reeves announced a statewide shelter-in-place order that will last until May 11. Nonessential businesses are prohibited from operating.
The different essential workers required might depend on the county. However, Missouri does recognize most of the 14 categories as essential, especially law enforcement and emergency services, and healthcare employees.
On April 27 2020, Gov. Mike Parson officially announced a "Show Me Strong Recovery" plan that permits some nonessential workers to return to work.
Essential workers in Montana include those that work in healthcare, human services, supply chain, critical infrastructure, and government-related functions.
Gov. Steve Bullock released a phased reopening plan that will take effect between April 27 and May 4 2020. Some nonessential businesses will be allowed to operate under social distancing guidelines.
Nebraska currently recognizes healthcare services, public workers, and emergency services as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nebraska has not announced a statewide stay at home order. Nonessential businesses are permitted to continue operations.
Nevada essential workers fall under most of the 14 categories recognized by CISA, with the addition of home maintenance and repair, public and air transportation, and childcare facilities.
On March 17 2020, Gov. Steve Sisolak requested that all nonessential businesses in the state close their doors until mid-May.
New Hampshire essential workers fall under all 14 categories recognized by CISA, with the addition of steam workers.
On March 27 2020, Gov. Chris Sununu issued a stay-at-home order that will last until the end of May. However, some nonessential businesses can operate as of May 11.
Essential workers in New Jersey include those that work in pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries, grocery stores, gas stations, pet stores, laundromats, as well as mail and delivery stores.
On March 21 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a stay at home order that prohibits the opening of nonessential businesses.
New Mexico recognizes essential workers as those that support the public health, safety, and well-being of the State.
On March 24 2020, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham instituted a "statewide stay-at-home instruction" that will not allow the opening of nonessential businesses until May 15.
New York essential workers fall under the 14 categories, with an emphasis on those that work in grocery stores, food delivery service, and public transportation.
On March 22 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all workers in nonessential businesses to close down.
North Carolina does not have an official list of essential workers but the State does recognize the 14 categories listed by CISA.
On May 5 2020, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that some nonessential businesses will reopen on May 8.
North Dakota does not have specific guidelines in place that outline essential services and employees.
There is no statewide stay at home order in place.
The State of Ohio recognizes the 14 categories released by CISA as essential services.
Gov. Mike DeWine instituted a state reopening plan that permits nonessential businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, and construction industries to return to work on 4 May 2020. However, the statewide stay-at-home order will remain in place until the end of May.
Oklahoma's essential workers all fall under the 14 categories recognized by CISA.
On March 24 2020, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order advising Oklahoma residents to stay home but some nonessential businesses can begin reopening during the month of May.
Oregon's essential services include those mentioned in all 14 categories, with the addition of employees that work in childcare facilities and construction.
On March 23 2020, Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order telling Oregon residents to stay home except for essential needs.
Pennsylvania essential workers work in healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, public services, financial services, defense, and construction.
Gov. Tom Wolf instituted a state reopening plan that will permit some nonessential businesses to operate from May 8 2020.
Rhode Island does not have specific guidelines in place that outlines each essential service and employees. However, the State does recognize the need for healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 28 2020, Gov. Gina Raimondo did announce the closing of nonessential businesses until May 8. Thereafter, the state will enter a reopening phase.
South Carolina does not have an official list of essential workers released.
On 4 May 2020, the statewide order expires. Businesses are still required to follow social distancing guidelines.
South Dakota does not have a specific outline of essential services and employees.
South Dakota has no statewide stay at home order in place.
Essential workers in Tennessee include those that work with food and beverage, patient care, emergency services, and public works.
On March 30 2020, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a stay-at-home order that will require all nonessential workers to remain indoors until the end of May. However, some nonessential businesses will be allowed to start reopening.
Texas counties differ when it comes to essential services and employees. Overall, the State recognizes the urgent need for healthcare professionals, first responders, public workers, farmers, and emergency services.
On May 5 2020, Gov. Greg Abbot announced a state reopening plan that will come into effect on May 8.
The State of Utah's essential workers falls under the 14 categories listed by CISA, with special emphasis on childcare, and suppliers and distribution centers.
Utah does not have a shelter in place order in place, but has asked residents to "stay safe, stay home."
Vermont recognizes the essential workers listed above, with a special emphasis on childcare facilities and services.
On March 25 2020, Gov. Phil Scott issued a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order which directs all nonessential businesses to close until May 15.
Virginia recognizes healthcare providers, public workers, and emergency services as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 24 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam ordered all Virginia schools and nonessential businesses to be closed until mid June.
Essential workers in the State of Washington include all those recognized by CISA, including healthcare, manufacturing, and public work.
On March 23, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order requiring residents to stay at home that will last until May 31.
West Virginia essential workers all fall under the 14 categories listed above, with the addition of employees working in hardware stores, motels and hotels, and laundry services.
On April 30 2020, Gov. Jim Justice released a modified order that will allow some nonessential businesses to reopen.
Essential businesses and employees allowed to remain operating include banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations. Wisconsin also recognizes the 14 categories listed by CISA as essential.
On March 25 2020, Gov. Tony Evers issued a "Safer at Home" order that prohibits all nonessential businesses from opening. The order will end on May 26.
Wyoming's essential workers fall under the 14 categories. In addition, the state recognizes that all healthcare, emergency services, and public workers are vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no statewide stay at home order in place. However, on March 19 2020, Gov. Mark Gordon ordered the closing of all public places for a two-week period. These include theaters, bars, salons, and restaurants.
