We answer your questions about the outbreak
Plus a closer look at essential services reveals bad news for springtime cyclists
The Montreal Gazette is receiving a steady stream of questions from readers about COVID-19. We are doing our best to answer as many as we can. Here’s a glimpse into our mailbox.
Q Ikea in Montreal is still advising employees they are required to show up for work. My daughter works for Ikea. What are we supposed to do when the government is telling people not to congregate and to stay home, and yet employers like Ikea are bullying 23-yearolds into reporting to work even if they are not comfortable doing so?
A Ikea temporarily closed all its Canadian stores on March18. However as of Wednesday, the company was still selling its products on IKEA.CA, for either store pickup or home delivery. Delivery service is now only to the front door, as opposed to the room of your choice. Returns and exchanges are suspended for the time being. In response to questions about its COVID-19 safety protocol and the company’s decision to keep the above services going when Quebec has banned non-essential services, IKEA emailed the Gazette on Wednesday evening to say that as of the end of the day it was temporarily suspending its Click & Collect store pickup option nationwide. The company also said it has incorporated “rigorous cleaning and sanitization in all units and new operating procedures which ensure social distancing principles are followed. These include a recommended distance of six feet between individuals at all times, increased physical space between workspaces ... and providing protective gear for personnel including latex gloves and separation screens.”
Q (Regarding Quebec’s list of essential services), they never talked about auto repairs. I would like to know if we have to close.
A Gas stations and garages are on the list of essential services announced this week by the Quebec government. On another transportation-related note, bicycle repair shops are not on the list of essential services. As spring begins, that leaves many Montrealers in the lurch for their annual tune-up, particularly when people are told that getting out of the house for a little exercise can do the body good.
Q I am expecting a delivery on Friday of a dryer. That means two delivery guys inside my apartment for about 15 minutes. What are the recommendations on this? Also, if someone is just breathing normally through their nose, or talking, can droplets and virus still spread?
A Coronavirus is spread most easily through droplets projected when sneezing or coughing, or when one touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face. Social-distancing guidelines should protect you from any droplets emitted through normal breathing or speech. The Quebec government recommends keeping a distance of two metres at all times, which means don’t get too close to the delivery people. Once they are gone, let the area air out, then wash/disinfect any area where they have been or that they have touched, including door handles, taps and the dryer. Quebec guidelines say that coronavirus can remain on dry surfaces for three hours, and on humid surfaces for up to six days. For washing, soap and water works best. To disinfect, Quebec recommends commercial cleaning products or a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water.
Q Does the new walk-in testing site at Place des Festivals test children, or only adults? I called the Montreal COVID -19 hotline this morning and they didn’t know.
A The CIUSS website says the test is available to all people (which one would assume includes children) having travelled outside of Canada who returned after March 1; or who have exhibited symptoms for less than 14 days; or who have been in one of the public areas targeted by public health officials. The CIUSS website also says that the test is available to all people who have been in close contact with a traveller who has had symptoms — including fever, chills, cough or difficulty breathing — since returning to Canada in the last 14 days.
Q I was wondering if there has been anything said by the Quebec government about support for those laid off during the pandemic? Help for small businesses? Etc.
A People who are laid off can apply for employment insurance. The Quebec government has also announced a Temporary Aid for Workers Program, for people who, because of COVID-19, “cannot earn all of their work income and are not eligible for another financial assistance program.” The amount granted to those eligible is $573 per week, for a period of 14 days of isolation. The coverage period can be extended due to health reasons for a period of up to 28 days. Quebec also launched a $2.5-billion plan to help companies affected by COVID -19, including low-interest loans and loan guarantees of at least $50,000. On Wednesday, the Canadian government passed an emergency COVID-19 bill that includes $2,000 per month in direct support through the Canada Revenue Agency to those who can’t work because of COVID-19. Finance Minister Bill Morneau said benefits for workers would come as early as the first week of April.