Friday June 12, 2020 ~ VICTORIA, BC
by Mary Brooke, editor ~ West Shore Voice News
“We have been monitoring our COVID-19 restart activities closely and
are modifying our approach as we move forward,” it was stated in today’s joint release from Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
This includes amending the provincial health officer’s order for food and liquor service establishments to make restaurants and pubs safer for employees and patrons.
“The amended order goes step in step with enhanced worker guidance that
is now available on the WorkSafeBC website,” it was stated in the release.
“The requirements for this sector have been adjusted in response to small clusters of new cases in businesses, as employees spend more time together and in recognition that a safe number of patrons is highly dependent on the amount of space within each location, not the restaurant capacity.”
Restaurants can use patio and boulevard space now in several municipalities where revised bylaws have made expansion of operational space possible during the pandemic.
“The best way for us to avoid spreading the virus is to ensure everyone, employees and patrons, have the space to stay safe.”
Food service owners are told that they need to remember that protecting
employees and patrons requires layers of protection in the kitchen and in the dining area. Plans need to include such things as frequent handwashing, increased cleaning, using barriers in kitchens and dining areas, and giving lots of space between tables.
“For patrons going to your local establishment, complete your checklist
before going out and when you arrive. Are you healthy? Is your group small? Is the WorkSafeBC safety plan clearly posted? Are physical distancing measures and barriers in place?”
“We all want to stay safe and we all have a role to play. The decisions
we make and the actions we take will protect our communities and allow us to continue to progress,” the PHO says.
==== RELATED:
Langford passes bylaw for restaurants and retail to use patio and boulevard space (May 27, 2020)
