As businesses get ready to begin re-opening after the efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus closed them back in March, the provincial government has prepared an online resource to help them re-open.
On May 11, the province announced the launch of the new alberta.ca/bizconnect webpage (no dashes or spaces). This will provide business owners with information on health and safety guidelines for general workplaces, and sector-specific guidelines for those able to open in stage one of re-launch, to ensure businesses can re-open safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The website includes guidance documents for sectors currently allowed to operate under public health orders:
• Disability service providers;
• Farmers markets;
• Golf course operators;
• Health non-essential services;
• Health sector personal protective equipment guidelines;
• Homeless shelters;
• Industrial work camps;
• Private/municipal campgrounds.
Planning documents to prepare businesses for stage one re-launch are posted for:
• Day camps;
• Day care and out-of-school care;
• Hair salons and barbershops;
• Museums and art galleries;
• Outdoor recreation;
• Places of worship;
• Restaurants;
• Retail.
In particular there is a document “General workplace guidance for business owners re-opening or continuing operations”.
It outlines:
1) Communication related to COVID-19;
2) Sick staff and volunteers:
a. Employee or volunteer NOT diagnosed with COVID-19
b. Employee or volunteer diagnosed with COVID-19;
3) Prevention:
a. Screening;
b. Hygiene;
c. Cleaning and disinfecting;
d. Personal protective equipment;
e. Workplace bathrooms and showers;
f. Distancing and gatherings in the workplace;
g. Retail Items;
h. Home delivery, drive through, take-out and curbside pick-up.
It also offers information on isolation and quarantine and a COVID-19 plan for large production facilities.