Preparing to Open

GPREP has several business ambassadors who are here to help transition your business back to operating as the province lifts restrictions. To get in touch with a Business Ambassador, email business@gprepeoc.com.

Government of Alberta: Alberta Biz Connect

Alberta Biz Connect includes provincial workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely. There are resources available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe.

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

• Define appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your workplace. Consider policies and procedures you can implement to prevent the spread when defining appropriate PPE.
• Develop a screening protocol for your employees to take before every shift.
• Perform a deep clean of your workspace. Alberta Health Services has guidelines for cleaning of public spaces. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to perform an initial deep clean of your workspace.
• Implement procedures for increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas including; common areas, public washrooms, and showering facilities.
• Create a proper physical distancing set up, establish rules, and set up your business accordingly. Leverage signage and spatial markings to ensure co-workers always operate at six feet apart.
• Post external signs indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, along with floor markings where service is provided or lines form.
• Regulate entry into the business, including lines, to prevent congestion.
• Set up your business with a single point of entry.
• No more than 15 people may gather in common areas. Actively discourage congregations of people.

Other Resources:

Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19: Guidance from the Government of Canada on cleaning and disinfecting of public settings, including schools, universities, public libraries, museums, public transit, communal residences and workplaces.

Practicing physical distancing: Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with.

Step 2: Prepare Your Employees 

• Screen your employees before every shift to ensure they are healthy and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19. Employees exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and follow isolation guidelines.
• Provide PPE for all employees including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and possibly face shields.
• Provide employees with everything they need to keep their work surfaces clean, including disposable wipes, hand soap, paper towels, disinfectants, and alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Educate your staff on physical distancing.
• Discourage employees from sharing equipment including phones, computers and tools.
• Train staff in proper hygiene procedures.
• Reduce the number of employees on-site through alternating workdays or shifts.
• Communicate weekly with your employees to ensure compliance.
• Check-in regularly on the mental health of employees.

Step 3: Prepare Your Customers

• Post guidelines at the entrance of your business regarding your expectations for customer behaviour including physical distancing, PPE usage and to not enter if they are exhibiting any symptoms.
• Require that customers use hand sanitizer upon entering.
• Limit the number of people in your business to ensure six feet physical distancing can be maintained.
• Place tape in high traffic areas to direct flow and keep six feet between customers.
• Update your website to reflect the new rules and any other operating changes.
• No more than 15 people may gather in common areas or at one table.

Step 4: Prepare For Transactions

• Sales registers should be six feet apart.
• Avoid cash exchanges and encourage tap payment when possible.
• Install screens between staff and customers if necessary.
• Disinfect transaction areas after each transaction.
• Consider home delivery, take out, drive through and curbside pick-up options where applicable.
• Post a sign for deliveries outlining expectations (PPE, hand sanitizer, masks).

Important Links:

Alberta BizConnect

Print Materials and Other Resources

PPE4Biz Program

Community PPE Suppliers 

Face Coverings, Masks, and Other PPE

Financial Assistance and Utility Updates

Employee COVID19 Screening Questions