STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, ONE SMALL NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR BUSINESS AT A TIME

After months of closures and uncertainty, Canadians are starting to get back into local shops and restaurants. But the fears and anxiety about the spread of COVID-19 continue to weigh heavily. That stress is compounded by confusion born from inconsistent approaches to closing down and reopening our economy across the country. Many people still don’t feel confident going out, and small businesses are suffering.

Public health and government guidance may vary by region, but there is one indicator every Canadian can look for to know they are safe. The POST Promise logo in a storefront window is a nationally recognized symbol of a businesses’ commitment to do its part to protect the health and safety of customers and employees as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Participating businesses commit to following five steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These steps are maintaining physical distance, washing and sanitizing hands, keeping workplaces clean and disinfected, telling employees to stay home if unwell, and practising respiratory etiquette, including wearing a mask when recommended. Businesses that make the POST Promise receive important information on how they can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and have direct access to the most up-to-date government and public health information.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, dozens of businesses have made the promise and are doing their part to keep us safe. Businesses like Ooh La La Pet Spaw in Mount Pearl, Gear's Gains Fitness Centre in Happy Valleygoose Bay, The Music Corner in Conception Bay South, Dockside Motel in Saint Barbe and the Gander Pharmachoice.

The POST Promise is free and for the common good. It's designed to help consumers feel confident the coffee shop, hardware store or chiropractor’s office is aware and doing what they can to help slow the spread. Businesses can only use and display the POST Promise logo after receiving the COVID-19 health and safety information, and committing to the five steps.

We want to thank the businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador that have made the POST Promise. You are leaders in keeping your customers and employees safe as our communities reopen. We welcome more N.L. businesses to make the POST Promise by going to postpromise.com.

We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe during the pandemic. Let’s stay healthy, support local businesses, and get our economy moving again, together.

Laura Hearn, President and executive director POST Promise