PEI provides updated COVID guidance document and loosens restrictions

ATTENTION RCC MEMBERS WHO DO BUSINESS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND:

Effective July 18, 2021, PEI has updated its COVID-19 Prevention and Self-Isolation Order which featured the removal of its prescriptive guidance documents.  This includes its Retail Guidance document from its website.  The government has replaced these guidance documents with one generic guidance document.  This latest guidance document will continue to be in effect until 80% of the PEI population is fully vaccinated.  The new general guidance document can be found here.  Of note to retailers and quick service restaurants: the core public health measures are still in effect.  This includes the mandate for retailers and restaurants to develop / update / follow operational plans to reduce COVID transmission and spread.  In addition, the following practices are also mandated:

• ensure 2 metres of physical distancing among those in the store / restaurant
• develop and follow a policy to prevent people who are sick / have COVID symptoms / have to self-isolate from entering a facility
• develop / follow enhanced cleaning and disinfection routines
• ensure hand washing and / or sanitizing stations are available and accessible
• signage must be printed and posted regarding all of these policies
• Record keeping for contact tracing must continue for restaurants

Despite these mandated actions, the PEI government will be much less prescriptive in how these actions are achieved.  Eg: no more rules regarding directional arrows on the floor.  In addition, the rules surrounding masks have been lessened.  Masks are no longer mandatory but are highly recommended in retail and restaurant environments.  More details surrounding the impact of the updated mandatory order on retail and restaurants can be found at section 12.1 of the order.