PEI to loosen COVID-19 restrictions – all retail to reopen at 50% capacity
March 3, 2021Member Update / Impact
PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer announced that beginning March 4, 2021, the province’s Alert Level Red restrictions will be loosened. Retailers in the province will be able to operate at 50% capacity but entrances and exits must be monitored. Cinemas and restaurant dining rooms can reopen but with no more than 50 people. Restaurant tables will be limited to six people, and the restaurant dining area must close at 10 p.m. Personal services may operate on appointment basis, provided masks are worn at all times by everyone.
Background
Of interest to retail employees: Schools will reopen and daycares can operate at full capacity.
Pending any further announcements, these restrictions will remain in place until March 14, 2021 at 8 am.
The 50% capacity rule is for patrons. This does not include employees. The capacity rule is based on 50% of the fire code and is calculated based on the entire retail floor space. This includes fixtures / displays. PEI follows the National Fire Prevention Act, which allows for:
- Ground level retail space = 1 person per 30 ft sq of retail space
- Basement or Second Floor = 1 person per 40 ft sq of retail space
Additional details can be found on the PEI website.
For questions or more information contact
Jim Cormier
Director, Government Relations (Atlantic)
jcormier@retailcouncil.org
902 422-4144
