In the event of a local or regional outbreak, please follow Public Health advice for the affected area.
Preventive Measures
- Consider preparing policies or plans that address COVID-19. However, this policy or plan does not require approval from the Provincial Government. If a policy or plan does not currently exist or does not align with COVID-19 recommendations, it is recommended that one be developed in the event that restrictions change.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if unwell.
Signage
Consider posting signage reminding individuals to:
- stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart from others, when possible;
- not enter the premises if they have COVID-19 symptoms;
- consider wearing a non-medical mask when physical distancing is not possible;
- practice proper hygiene (wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes); and
- consider downloading the COVID Alert App.
Encourage Good Hygiene
- It is recommended that facilities provide access to hand washing stations or hand sanitizer stations at entrances and exits, common areas, registration desks and in washroom facilities. Hand sanitizer should be Health Canada approved (contain at least 60% alcohol).
Physical Distancing
- Two metres of physical distancing is recommended wherever possible.
- Individuals should consider wearing masks whenever physical distance and/or physical barriers are not in place between themselves and others from outside their close consistent contacts.
- Consider adding a physical barrier at greeting and payment areas.
More Guidance on Physical Distancing
Ventilation
Monitor the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are in proper working order. For buildings with no mechanical ventilation, consider increasing natural ventilation by opening windows and doors when possible.
Masks
- Wearing a mask is strongly recommended in indoor public spaces.
Meetings
- Physical distancing is recommended where possible.
- Wearing a mask while using indoor meeting rooms is strongly recommended, even when seated and/or physically distanced from other people.
Cleaning
Cleaning procedures and practices should comply with COVID-19 guidance.
More Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfection
Contact Tracing
- Encourage use of the COVID Alert App by patrons and staff.
- While collection of contact information is not required, any contact information that is normally collected should be held for 14 days to assist with contact tracing, as needed.
Private Sector Testing for Employers
- COVID-19 testing is also available through private clinical laboratories who are accredited to perform COVID-19 testing for non-essential purposes (e.g., asymptomatic travellers, asymptomatic occupational screening).
- Private sector COVID-19 testing, including with the use of Health Canada approved rapid tests, must be done in compliance with the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act, the Health and Community Services Act and applicable regulations to assure the safe operation of services, and only with prior written approval from the Minister of Health and Community Services.
- Businesses interested in offering private sector COVID-19 testing, including pharmacies and private medical clinics, must submit a proposal to the Minister of Health and Community Services for approval before testing can occur. The Requirements for Establishment for COVID-19 Testing in the Private Sector are available in the link below.
Requirements for COVID 19 Testing by Private Companies
Travel
- Prior to travel, learn about any travel restrictions or requirements in the place that you plan to visit, as well as the travel requirements for Newfoundland and Labrador residents returning from travel.