The Government of Quebec has announced the lifting of
restrictions for retail businesses within the Montréal
Metropolitan Community that are not considered essential.
Businesses falling within this category may reopen as of
May 25, 2020 (Reopening).
As noted in our May 2020 Blakes Bulletin: Considering Sanitary
Standards for Quebec's Deconfinement and Economic
Relaunch, the Commission des normes, de
l'équité, de la santé et de la
sécurité du travail (CNESST) published a virtual
toolkit for Quebec employers and workers with the purpose of
ensuring the successful reopening of workplaces across the province
following the shutdown to counter the spread of COVID-19. The
toolkit includes a Workplace Sanitary Standards Guide –
COVID-19 (Guide), as well as quick reference guides for
employers and workers.
The Guide proposes various measures to be adapted to each workplace
and sector. As part of the Reopening, the CNESST has recently
published, in addition to the Guide and the quick reference guides,
a daily checklist to be used by retail businesses that resume or
pursue their operations in the context of COVID-19.
According to various documents published by the CNESST, retail
businesses should put in place prevention measures that follow
guidance with respect to the exclusion of symptomatic workers from
the workplace, physical distancing, hygiene and respiratory
etiquette, as well as maintaining a sanitary environment. The
CNESST's recommendations for retail businesses include the
following:
- Validating workers' state of health prior to the start of every shift
- Rearranging workstations and reviewing work methods to comply with the two-meter physical distancing guideline whenever possible
- Cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched by employees and customers, such as counters, cash registers and computer accessories
- Putting up a sign at the business' entrance indicating all necessary information for customers, such as a reminder of instructions, organization of service and queues, accepted payment methods, removal of merchandise and returns
- Limiting the number of customers on site and questioning customers as to their state of health with respect to COVID-19
- Installing signage within the store to guide customer traffic, as well as physical barriers at checkouts
- Requiring contactless payment methods, such as bank cards and contactless terminals, and encouraging cashless payment methods.
Finally, as of May 24, 2020, retail businesses may also
open on Sundays.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.