The province has provided more detailed resources for businesses planning to re-open as COVID-19 restrictions start to gradually ease.

While some additional businesses may be able to open as early as this Thursday if all goes to plan with the Stage One relaunch, some businesses were critical about the lack of specific guidelines.

Now, the government has launched a new online tool called Alberta Biz Connect, which provides more detailed health and safety guidelines and information. 

“As businesses reopen, we’re committed to making sure they have the information they need to operate during the pandemic and get people back to work," says Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. "We expect businesses to follow these safety measures so that we can continue to reopen our economy while protecting the health and safety of all Albertans.”

Fir says the webpage provides sector-specific information, giving businesses an "easy-to-follow roadmap for re-opening".

"This new business-specific webpage will help businesses learn more about the public health measures they need to have in place before re-opening," says Fir. "These measures will help keep their staff and customers safer while operating during a pandemic. Information will continually be updated to support the various sectors as they relaunch."

Fir explains the delay in getting this information out to businesses.

"We wanted to make sure that we took the time to consult with stakeholders, businesses, industry associations, other provinces with respect to their best practices and what they were doing. We wanted to find the right balance between releasing the information and the website in a timely fashion but making sure that the information on there was effective and useful," says Fir.

The website includes a section for frequently asked questions, a way for businesses to submit their own questions, and a red tape reduction submission form.

Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president Restaurants Canada, Western Canada says they have been working closely with the province to help restaurants get ready to re-open dining rooms.

"We appreciate the guidance that the government has provided to help restaurants prepare to resume on-premise dining services as early as May 14,” says von Schellwitz.

Alberta Biz Connect includes guidance documents for the following sectors currently allowed to operate under public health orders:

  • Disability service providers
  • Farmers markets
  • Golf course operators
  • Health non-essential services
  • Health sector PPE guidelines
  • Homeless shelters
  • Industrial work camps
  • Private/municipal campgrounds

Planning documents are also posted to prepare the following businesses for Stage One relaunch:

  • Day camps
  • Daycare and out-of-school care
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Museums and art galleries
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Places of worship
  • Restaurants
  • Retail

More information can be found HERE.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com