COVID-19 shutout streak continues, as province details what can open in Level 2

For the 26th day in a row, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The provincial government announced the continuation of the virus shutout streak with a press release on Tuesday afternoon.

The total number of cases remains 261, with zero active cases in the province.

Also on Tuesday, the provincereleased new guidelines for retailers, restaurants and bars, two days ahead ofthe move toAlert Level 2 of thephased reopening plan.

The province's long-awaited guidelines laid out more detail about precisely how many businesses will be able to function in a"new normal" that is expected to last, effectively, until COVID-19 can be controlled with a vaccine.

Many restaurants and some bars have already opened, but at reduced capacity and on the condition that bars must serve food. Capacity remains set at 50 per cent of maximum.

The new guidelines still prohibitbuffets and other self-serve options.

Spaces for larger gatherings including dance floorsand karaoke areas also remain prohibited.

The government calls for "reasonable" table sizes, suggesting a maximum of six people at any table.

Video lottery terminals will bepermitted as of Thursday, but must be spacedto ensure physical distancing and must also be disinfected after each use. Hand sanitizer must be available for players at eachmachine.

Checkout counters, kitchens and washroomsshould allow for a minimum of two metres for physical distancing, for both staff and customers alike.

"Where environments make it challenging to implement physical distancing, employers need to consider what measures to put in place to protect employees, such as the use of non-medical (cloth) masks or face shields," the guidelines say.

The guidelines also spell out what business owners need to do for mechanical ventilation of their properties.

Product samples curbed

For retail outlets,other than grocery stores,product sampling and testing is prohibited. Toy stores are permitted to open, but have been told to avoid displays that customers can touch.

Bulk dry goods and food products are permitted to be bagged by customers, but self-service of prepared and perishable food items is prohibited.

For second-hand stores, employees handling donations should wear gloves and wash their hands after handling. Items to be picked up for donation should be left outside so there is no contact.

Picking up large donations like furniture might be a challenge, and will be left as "a business decision" for each group. If employees need to enter a home, they should respect physical distancing guidelines, and also wear gloves and a non-medical mask.

For a full list of updated guidelines for businesses and retail visit the N.L. government's COVID-19website.

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