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Even as stay-at-home orders and restrictions are lifted, daily operations won’t be business-as-usual for many across the country. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still going on, despite businesses reopening. Moreover, public health officials and experts are warning of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases.

Of course, no one knows if or when a second wave of infection will strike—or whether it will be as bad as or worse than the first wave. As such, businesses across the country should start planning today so they’re properly prepared for a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused organizations across industry lines to reassess workplace protocols and procedures—and the agricultural sector is no exception. After all, common industry practices such as having staff work in close proximity in the fields or frequently share farm tools could easily contribute to the spread of COVID-19 without proper precautions in place.

With this in mind, consider the following guidance to help maintain a healthy and safe work environment as you conduct agricultural operations in the midst of the pandemic. Keep in mind that this is general guidance based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—depending on the location of your organization, you may need to account for additional state and local requirements or restrictions.