While the curbside pick up accommodation is meant to help businesses get going again, it is strongly hoped that business will be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the continuing public health challenge – i.e. no sales or promotions designed to attract big crowds and adherence to guidelines set out below.
It is important that everyone adjust how they operate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Implementing processes to ensure physical distancing are key.
A downloadable package of all the information is provided here (includes signage)
General Information
- Curbside pick-up does not include sidewalk sales or displays of goods on the sidewalk at this time (outdoor marketing displays by grocers with existing City permits are still allowed)
- Customers are not permitted to enter your store to select goods, try on or sample goods, or return or exchange goods
- Post signage encouraging at-risk customers (ie: symptoms, recent travel, exposure to someone with COVID-19) to return home and self-isolate
- Encourage employees and customers to wear face coverings (non-medical masks or cloth masks)
- Restrict public access to your location as much as possible
- If pre-payment is not possible, have a wireless card reader available outside and disinfect frequently
- Encourage no-contact payment (credit, debit) instead of cash
- Workers should wash or sanitize their hands each time they handle cash
Encourage Remote Interactions
- Customers should order online or by phone if possible
- Have customers pre-pay online or over the phone
- Establish a process to minimize the time required to complete the curbside transaction
- Schedule pick-up times
- Have customers notify you when they arrive by phone or text
- Load the product into the car if possible – ask the customer to remain in the vehicle to limit contact
- Ensure employees sanitize hands and surfaces after each interaction
- Advise customers not to use their own containers, reusable bags or boxes
Physical Distancing
- Place multiple signs near entrances about the physical distancing methods being used and what customers should do
- Have someone in place to direct customers
- Set up queue lines at entrances – cones or ropes work well – be sure pedestrians are able to safely use the sidewalk as well
- Place markers (tape or cones) every two metres to act as distancing cues
- For in-person payments, have cashiers step back from customers if the card reader cannot be relocated two metres away from cashier
- If the queue outside your store gets too long to manage, consider ways to have customers queue up digitally and leave their contact information