resource hub | moving forward

​PROVINCE OF BC'S RESTART PLAN

The Government of B.C. has released its planned series of steps to keep transmission of COVID-19 low as we gradually re-open sectors of our economy and society, and move towards a "new normal." 

worksafe bc

Although WorkSafeBC does not need to approve your specific business safety plan for most businesses, a copy of it must be posted at the worksite and a copy made available on your website, if you have one.

​See fillable PDF below:

​(NEW: 10/29) Due to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases all businesses are asked to revisit their COVID-19 Safety Plans and step up measures as needed for the protection of our workers, our loved ones and our communities. 
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​You can read the Delta Chamber of Commerce's updated COVID-19 Safety Plan (11/19) here. 

​(NEW: 11/09) WorkSafe BC Guidance on controlling exposure in the workplace and specific guidance on masks:

(NEW: 11/19) BC CDC guidelines on selecting, wearing, cleaning & disposing of masks - including in a workplace.

(NEW: 11/25) Mask requirements in public indoor settings

As outlined in the mask mandate order, masks are required for everyone in many public indoor settings. A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.

There are exemptions for:
  • People with health conditions who cannot wear one
  • People who cannot remove a mask on their own
  • Children under the age of 12 (although masks are recommended for those age 2 and over)


Masks are required in many indoor public settings and all retail stores. This includes:
  • Malls, shopping centres
  • Grocery stores
  • Airports
  • Coffee shops
  • On public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
  • Places of worship
  • Libraries
  • Clothing stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Drug stores
  • Community centres
  • Recreation centres
  • Common areas of office buildings, court houses, hospitals and hotels
  • City Halls
  • Restaurants, pubs and bars when not seated at a table
  • Common areas in gyms when not working out
  • Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations


Mask enforcement
You are subject to a $230 fine if you:

  • Do not wear a mask in an indoor public setting
  • Refuse to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer, including the direction to leave the space
  • Respond with abusive or belligerent behaviour


Masks at workplaces and shared living areas
Emergency Management BC is reviewing other community locations where a mask mandate may be advisable and anticipates issuing a further order to enforce requirements for masks in common areas of apartment buildings, condos and workplaces. 

It is strongly recommended that masks be worn in the following areas:

Common areas in apartment buildings and condos, including:
  • Elevators
  • Hallways
  • Lobbies
  • Stairwells

Shared workplace spaces, including:
  • Elevators
  • Kitchens
  • Hallways
  • Break room​

​(NEW: 11/24) Updates to province-wide restrictions were added to the previous (11/07) regional restrictions which had been announced for the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority regions, and to the (11/19) province-wide restrictions announced. Please ensure that your business is regularly checking the Government of BC's website for the latest updates. These have recently been changing daily and not always accompanied by announcements. 

Businesses, recreation centres or other organizations that organize or operate the following indoor group physical activities must suspend these activities. This includes:
  • Spin classes
  • Hot yoga
  • High intensity interval training (HIIT) 
This does NOT preclude these businesses from continuing to operate other types of indoor classes (i.e. regular yoga instead of hot yoga), individual training, or outdoor classes. 

The previous order had required indoor, contact sports to be suspended unless/until they could obtain approval of their updated COVID-19 Safety Plan from their local Medical Health Officer. This is no longer required, although ALL business are required to review, update and their Safety Plans. 

CANADIAN BUSINESS RESILIENCE NETWORK

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.  
CBRN's summary of resources and insights specifically for small businesses. 
A quick reference guide to federal and provincial business COVID-19 health & safety regulation updates across Canada. 
Guidance on COVID-19 prevention that can be applied to your business, what to do if you or your employees experience symptoms and where to find mental health resources. 

employment & legal requirements

Please ensure that you take the time to understand your obligations as an employer at all times, and especially right now as there are ongoing changes to many levels of legislation pertaining to employment; including leaves of absence, temporary layoffs, employee & employer rights, duty to accommodate, safety requirements, etc. Please refer to your Lawyer, Accountant, Human Resources, and/or Payroll professionals for specific advising on your business' particular situation to minimize unnecessary risk.
  • NOTE: Employees working from home ("working remotely") are subject to Employment Standards Act & OHS Regulations which cover employer and worker responsibilities for workplace health & safety. Please take some time to review WorkSafeBC's guidance on ensuring that your business has the right policy & practices in place for those who are working remotely in their homes.

COVID-19 operational resources

BC CDC: cleaning and disinfecting resources (including how to dilute bleach and a link the Health Canada’s approved cleaning products for COVID-19)
 
BC CDC: specific resources for food businesses

Business Continuity & Recovery Planning Guide from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

​Crisis Communications Planning Guide from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Financial Management: Deloitte's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Dashboard

Restaurants Canada: COVID-19 Re-Opening Best Practices

Physical barriers guidelines including cleaning: National Collaborating Centre on Environmental Health

PPE Suppliers: As businesses in Delta implement their COVID-19 Safety Plans, some have been looking for local sources for personal protective equipment (PPE,) physical barriers for their workplaces, and for more information on cleaning protocols. Each industry and business will have different needs and requirements and the BC CDC and WorkSafe BC are the best places to start, however below are some additional options available for your research and sourcing as well.  

articles & webinars

Updated November 9th, 2020
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  • This is a helpful article by law firm McCarthy Tetrault on the federally-announced EI program changes and options available to employers when addressing temporary reductions in work, temporary layoffs, and/or employees facing quarantine or self-isolation: READ ARTICLE

WORKPLACE WELLBEING

Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression from the BC Government

We asked the Executive Director of Alongside You, Andrew Neufeld, MC, RCC, to provide some input for our members on how to maintain your mental health and emotional well-being during times of stress.