The District of Sechelt has released a letter from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) outlining how businesses should prepare for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The letter, from VCH deputy chief medical health officer Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, was sent to the heads of chambers of commerce and similar business groups the day after Premier John Horgan announced the B.C. Restart Plan.
In her May 8 video update, Mayor Darnleda Siegers said the district decided to post the letter, as well as one with advice for the culture and recreation sector, in order to make sure businesses had access to it as soon as possible.
Lysyshyn’s letter opens with a reminder that the only businesses under an order from the provincial health officer were those serving food or beverages, farmers’ markets and personal services.
“[The provincial health officer] has not issued orders requiring closure of other businesses,” the letter says. “Vancouver Coastal Health believes that the risk of COVID-19 transmission in these environments can be mitigated and consistent with B.C.’s Restart Plan, that it is possible to safely operate most businesses at this time.”
Lysyshyn wrote that, as they reopen, businesses not covered by an order should still follow the guidance issued to the hotel, retail food and grocery, food and beverage, farming, manufacturing, mining, construction and other sectors.
“Businesses should implement strategies that allow both staff and customers to follow the Provincial Health Officer’s physical distancing recommendations and keep themselves two metres apart from other people while on site as much as possible,” the letter says. “Other strategies, such as plexiglass barriers between staff and customers that mitigate face-to-face contact, are acceptable alternatives.”
Lysyshyn says in the letter that “customers should not be screened for temperature or symptoms upon entry and should not be required to wear a mask,” but that businesses should post signage advising customers who are ill not to enter.
“Staff should be sent home if they are sick, and advised to contact their health-care provider or 811.”
Business owners are also being encouraged to enhance cleaning of “high-touch surfaces or shared equipment” and to make sure that hand washing, toilet and shower facilities are “open, well stocked and cleaned regularly.”
Lysyshyn wrote that businesses could also take other measures like limiting the number of customers, changing hours of operation or making changes to their premises by installing hand sanitizer stations or physical barriers.
