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Resources and supplies to prepare for Orangeville’s reopening

June 12, 2020   ·   0 Comments

As Ontario begins to re-open its economy using its phased framework, more businesses are being permitted to resume operations and welcome customers back. While many business owners may greet the opportunity to re-open with anticipation and relief, careful preparation is also required. The safety of both employees and customers must be considered before a business can commit to re-opening its doors.

Follow the guidelines

There are many measures that workplaces can put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Facilitating proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing continue to be the most important strategies to keep workers and customers safe. Additional guidelines have been established by the province’s Ministry of Health to help businesses determine what procedures to implement. These guidelines, found at ontario.ca, are intended to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission in non-health care workplaces. Sector-specific procedures are also available to provide more detailed recommendations for industries such as construction, food processing, restaurants and food services, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. 

Develop procedures 

and find local PPE supplies

Using the guidelines, each business will need to determine how to appropriately prepare to re-open based on its own situation. Making adjustments to typical business operations may be helpful, especially when first re-opening. Reducing store hours, offering appointments, and limiting the number of customers in a business at one time are some options to consider. Some workplaces may need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to operate safely. Signage, floor decals and barriers may be used to help direct customers. Cleaning and sanitation protocols will also need to be enhanced. Many of these measures require supplies that a business may not have readily available. There are many local companies offering PPE and other products. A directory can be found at orangevillebusiness.ca/ppe-suppliers. If your business supplies PPE and you would like to be added to the listing, please contact edo@orangeville.ca.

Promote, promote, promote!

With measures in place to ensure the safety of both employees and customers, businesses can prepare to re-open. Communication is key. Customers need to know that your business is open. Just as important, they need to know how they can interact with you. Update websites and phone greetings with new operating hours and procedures. Use social media to demonstrate new procedures and show customers what to expect when they visit. Ensure that every employee is aware of all measures so communication is clear and consistent. Continually promote any changes so information is always current. 

Join Orangeville’s Business 

Resiliency Map

Adding your business to local directories is another way to communicate that you are open. The Town of Orangeville has launched an online Resiliency Map to help promote businesses that are operating in the community. Each business listing includes contact details along with information about hours and any specific measures that may be in place. All businesses in Orangeville are invited to submit their location online at orangevillebusiness.ca/business-resiliency-map/.

Get support and learn

Re-opening under these new guidelines and during this unprecedented time may feel challenging and overwhelming. The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) can help by providing access to relevant resources.

On June 15, a panel discussion will be recorded to provide more information and guidance on re-opening measures. The panel will include Cathy Moran, Town of Orangeville Human Resources and Health and Safety Officer, Leon Matrosov, consultant/partner with Workplace Safety & Wellness Solutions as well as Christopher Beveridge, Director of Health Protection for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.  The recording will be available for viewing at orangevillebusiness.ca. 

Katrina Lemire is the Co-ordinator of Business, Tourism and Culture with the Town’s Economic Development and Culture office. She can be reached at klemire@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2258. 

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