Manitoba retail stores to reopen May 4, 2020

Manitoba has released its Manitoba Reopening Plan that confirms that that effective May 4, 2020, all retail businesses may reopen if occupancy levels don’t exceed 50%.  Stores will be expected to maintain certain guidelines for retail businesses, including allowing staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.   

RCC has worked extremely close with government in establishing the following guidelines for retail businesses:

• All non-essential businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50% of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. There is no change to current essential retail occupancy limits. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders. 
• Staff must use the self-screening tool before coming into work. Go to self-screening tool
• Employees must stay home when ill and customers are not allowed entry if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms.
• Staff are given information about physical distancing. Businesses must post external signs indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, along with floor markings where service is provided or lines form.
• Entry into the business, including lines, are regulated to prevent congestion.
• Businesses must maintain a single point of entry.
• No more than 10 people may gather in common areas. Congregation of people should be actively discouraged.
• Hand sanitizer is available at entrances and exits for public and staff use.
• Washrooms have frequent sanitization and a regime for business sanitization is in place.
• Cashless or no-contact payment should be used to the greatest extent possible.

Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

For more information on this announcement, please contact John Graham, Director of Government Relations at jgraham@retailcouncil.org