While nonessential businesses have been ordered to close in many states, those that remain open – and even those looking to continue communicating despite being closed – need signage to keep their workers and clients informed.

Lion Circle (asi/67620) in Chicago currently offers a lineup of stickers, magnets and signs suited for healthcare, manufacturing and food service businesses. Designs include handwashing tips and “STOP” signs for houses where inhabitants are self-isolating or have exhibited symptoms of coronavirus.

Lion Circle offers various options in COVID-19 stickers, magnets and signs.

“General businesses are promoting care and safety,” says President Rich Carollo. “We’ve had grocery stores using our ‘Leave packages here’ signs for truck drivers. The handwashing magnets can be used as handouts at points of purchase, the few that are left. And they make a great mailer.”

Beth Friese, marketing services manager at Fey Promo (asi/54040) in Edgerton, MN, says companies are looking for easily mailable, custom decals and magnets that can be affixed to mirrors in bathrooms at essential businesses, to remind visitors of handwashing guidelines. They’re also being used on Plexiglass sneeze guards that stores are installing to protect employees.

Restaurants with delivery service want door hangers to communicate at a distance with guests, says Friese, and grocery stores’ cashier lines are using Fey’s floor adhesives with feet icons that say, “Thank you for practicing social distancing.”

“Signage is really big right now,” says Friese. “It’s great for medical education too, like what coronavirus is, what the typical symptoms are, what you should do if you’re exhibiting signs of it and emergency phone numbers.”

Tekweld (asi/90807) in Hauppauge, NY, is developing a brochure with important information about preventing the spread. “It includes preventative health measures people can take,” says marketing director Rob LoCurto, “and it’s bundled with a microfiber cloth with a large imprint area for health-conscious bullet points or designs.” Chocolate Inn/Lanco (asi/44900) is also offering microfiber cleaning cloths for tablets and phones that include health reminders.

Thom Loreman, owner of Loreman’s Embroidery, Engraving and Screenprinting in Keeseville, NY, says he’s now by himself in the office serving local end-buyers as best he can. “We’re offering ‘essential’ services for signage that’s informational and clear,” he says. “We’re creating imagery that they can hang in their windows to communicate with employees from a safe distance or mount on sandwich boards for doors that will alert employees to dangers and offer suggestions to stay safe. We’re assisting those in need around us.”

Loreman’s designed these signs for a local pharmacy that allows staff to communicate with customers at a safe distance.

This attention-grabbing sandwich board by Loreman’s alerts customers and includes a phone number for additional information.

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The custom printing services at BIC Graphic’s (asi/40480) Minnesota location will be used in the coming days to print safety posters, employee information posters and fact sheets, says marketing and communication manager Carrie Lewis. “Sticky Note adhesive notepads can be used as temporary signage at nurses’ stations, in restrooms, at check-out counters and anywhere people should be reminded to take extra precautions,” she says. “We also set up a COVID-19 resource center for distributors with flyers and links to our blog articles on topics like healthcare, Made in the USA and working from home.”

Gill Studios (asi/56950) in Shawnee Mission, KS, is currently working on signs, decals and labels, says Cindy Scardino, marketing project manager. “These products are meant to inform, educate, warn, instruct and assist during this crisis,” she says.

This rectangle decal (180416) from Gill Studios includes a link to the CDC’s guidelines on effective handwashing.

A roll of labels (315201) from Gill Studios is ideal for prescreened people and goods.

A sticker with ultra-removable adhesive (593033) from Gill Studios is perfect as a quick reminder on restroom mirrors.

A caveat for distributors: Communicate with suppliers to make sure they’re operational and able to fill orders before making promises to end-buyers. “Freight and closed warehouses have been an issue,” said Craig Nadel, president and CEO of Top 40 distributor Jack Nadel International (asi/279600), in a recent webinar with ASI President and CEO Tim Andrews. “Help people manage that. Be honest about what you’re not going to be able to produce.”