COVID and crowded stores: are we paying a price for Christmas shopping?



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November weather is obviously different in LCBO stores where, at the start of the pandemic, security guards handled outside trainings and customers could only enter when internal numbers were allowed.

An employee not authorized to speak to the media told this newspaper that the number of seats available at the entrance is often exceeded and the management’s feeling was to make shopping as comfortable as possible.

“What they don’t want is long lines of people waiting in the cold.”

An LCBO press office statement says the agency has not loosened the “safety measures and precautions that matter most,” such as cleaning, sanitizing and promoting physical distancing. However, he admitted the changes.

“During the pandemic, driven by public health and with the safety of our people, partners and communities in mind, we have continued to modify our processes to ensure that the measures we have in place in every area of ​​our business meet or exceed standards. established.

“In effect, we have applied a universal capacity standard across our store network which in all cases meets or exceeds the 50% capacity requirement.”

Just last week, the Ontario government announced it was tapping more than 200 provincial crime officials to act as inspectors in corporate sectors where security measures have been imposed. The education and enforcement blitz targets restaurants, bars, gyms and banquet halls in Ontario hotspots.

The extent of the virus’ spread in retail environments is difficult to pin down. Data released by Ontario in late October showed wild variations, from 1% of outbreaks in Ottawa to 19% in Peel and 11% in the York region.

Ottawa Public Health reminds you that wearing a mask and physically distancing yourself – in the store and staff rooms – are of paramount importance this time of year.

“As we approach the holiday shopping season, we encourage business owners to review their current practices and make the necessary changes to ensure they are creating a safer shopping experience.”

To contact Kelly Egan, call 613-291-6265 or email [email protected]

Twitter.com/kellyegancolumn



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