Supporting Vulnerable People

While many businesses have established processes to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that additional steps be taken, where possible, to accommodate and support the specific experiences of individuals who may be at heightened risk.

Individuals may include:

  • Seniors;
  • People with disabilities;
  • People with chronic health conditions, such as a compromised immune system;
  • People with mental health issues;
  • People facing social or financial barriers;
  • People who communicate differently;
  • People who require support accessing transportation;
  • People who are experiencing homelessness, or are geographically or socially isolated;
  • Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • Non-native English speakers.

This list may not be exhaustive so businesses should try to be aware of anyone who may be encountering barriers to protecting themselves from COVID-19.

These are examples that individuals may experience:

  • People may need to go to pharmacies daily.
  • Interpreting or translation services may be required.
  • An aid, guide or support person may be required to assist in shopping.
  • People may have difficulty being in public spaces.
  • Financial insecurity may prevent the ability to purchase essential services at one time, requiring multiple visits.
  • Some households may require more than one person accessing essential services.
  • People may encounter difficulty accessing or transporting goods and services.

You can support people to have access to essential items by:

  • Designating specific shopping hours for seniors, people with disabilities, and people with health conditions to avail of.
  • Designating specific hours with reduced lighting and sound.
  • Ensuring individuals’ direct entry or access to check out lanes, who may not be able to wait in line.
  • Ensuring staff are aware of accessibility supports, including access to accessible shopping carts or sighted guides.
  • Establishing a telephone line to take orders for individuals who are unable to use online options. Ensure that Video Relay Services are welcome.
  • Considering the options of:
    • Reserving online orders/pick up time slots;
    • Delivering groceries; and
    • Accepting cash from individuals who have no banking/credit cards.
  • Ensuring arrows are high contrast colour, preferably, they should be touchable and tactile.
  • Ensuring signage is large, visible and high-contrast.
  • Being mindful of privacy protocols and business continuity plans.

You cannot always readily identify barriers to accessing essential services. Businesses should strive to be flexible in increasing people’s access to their services.