Still shopping
Retail industry among many sectors of society affected by new public health measures
SYDNEY — At first glance, it looks like business as usual at the Mayflower Mall.
There is a seemingly endless stream of vehicles entering the expansive parking lot of Cape Breton’s largest concentration of retail stores and services. And, as the day progresses, spaces close to the mall doors become increasingly difficult to find. Certainly all normal in the week leading up to Christmas.
Inside, a woman and her young daughter patiently sit on a bench near a main exit. At their feet are several bags of just- purchased gifts and supplies. Nothing out of the ordinary there.
At the other end of the 40- year- old mall, not far past the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle setup, hungry, thirsty and, perhaps, weary shoppers enjoy a break in the food court. Yep, it appears to be a typical holiday season shopping day.
But, alas, all is not always as it seems.
PROTOCOLS IN PLACE
Not a single person can be found strolling the mall without a mask. Social distancing markers are set up outside shops that must now limit the number of people inside to just 25 per cent of their normal capacity. And, in compliance with the latest Nova Scotia public health measures that came into effect at 12 a.m. on Monday, there are only five markers per store no matter how large the retail space may be. Retailers have been told to inform customers to come back later if all five places in the queue are occupied.
Welcome to Christmas shopping — COVID style.
Mayflower Mall general manager Greg Morrison said the facility and its retailers are adhering to the province's list of COVID-related limits and restrictions while trying to give shoppers a sense of normalcy.
“People have been really good,” said Morrison.
“They are well aware of what's allowed and what isn't under the provincial government's public health measures and they are abiding with those protocols.”
As for the retailers, many shops have a designated door person who keeps track of how many people are permitted inside at any one time, a figure mostly determined by square footage. Within an hour of the mall's Monday morning opening there were already lines outside a number of stores. One store employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said customers didn't seem to have any issues with the new procedure.
FAR FROM EMPTY
Two of those patient shoppers were a mother and daughter who were sat on a chair near the main central entry doors.
“We had to wait for a few minutes a couple of times but it was no problem, everything was fine,” said Ashley MacDonald, a Baddeck native now living in Bridgewater, who was accompanied by daughter Emmaline.
While the mall wasn't jampacked, it was far from empty. A short distance away, Sydney's Welton Street shopping centre was also quickly filling up with vehicles as people converged on the multi-store block for food, liquor, gifts and stocking stuffers. The fast-food restaurants also appeared to be fairly busy with long queues forming over the lunch hour.
The new public health restrictions cover more than just retail shopping.
Restaurants and liquorlicensed establishments must stop serving customers by 10 p.m. and must close by 11 p.m. Indoor fitness facilities, such as gyms and yoga studios, must operate at no greater than 50 per cent capacity and adhere to other sector-specific regulations. Outdoor fitness classes can operate at 100 per cent but with a minimum physical distancing of three metres between participants.
Businesses and organizations are not permitted to host inperson activities, including arts and culture events, organized sports, festivals, social and special events and wedding and funeral receptions.
ATTENDANCE LIMITED
However, faith gatherings, wedding ceremonies and funeral services run by a recognized business or organization are still permitted, although attendance is limited to 50 per cent of a venue's capacity up to a maximum of 100 people.
Rev. Paul Murphy, who presides over the Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish in Whitney Pier, said the new rules are having a definite impact on how many people can attend Christmas mass.
Murphy said the massive Victoria Road church was allowed to hold up to 200 people per mass prior to this week's new restrictions. Each mass is now limited to 100 parishioners. Murphy acknowledges that while less travel this holiday season will mean less demand for pew seats, he said it's imperative that people book their mass in advance.
“The (COVID-19) numbers here in Cape Breton don't seem too significant at the moment, but we must still be vigilant, so it is therefore necessary that we be extremely careful when it comes to our Christmas Mass crowds,” explained Murphy.
“Traditionally, Christmas is the time when many extra Catholics join with us to celebrate the birth of Our Lord.
And while the government is asking people to stay at home this year and not travel unless absolutely necessary, we can still expect some visitors. Hence, I think it is necessary that we try to minimize our Christmas mass numbers to keep us all safe.”
Church-goers across Cape Breton are encouraged to check for services times and limits.
Meanwhile, the new regulations dictate that households can have holiday season gathering of up to 10 people, and more if a single household has more than that number.
For those looking to visit loved ones who are residing in long-term care facilities, it should be noted that designated caregivers are permitted to help residents with specific caregiving tasks such as personal care support, mobility or help with eating. Visits to long-term care homes can continue but on a limited and scheduled basis only.