Two weeks into the Shelter in Place order extended until May 2, a new system for grocery shopping and other regulations go into effect on Monday (April 20).
National Security Minister Wayne Caines announced changes on Friday, that will see a number of business reopen for business, including laundromats, hardware and paint stores, shipping and freight companies, plant nurseries and pet shops.
Taxi drivers will also be allowed to make deliveries.
Under the new system for grocery shopping, Mondays and Thursdays are for persons whose surnames begin with A to F, Tuesdays and Fridays are for G to Q, Wednesdays and Saturdays are for R to Z, and Sundays are for people 55 and over, disabled persons, essential services workers, and workers not required to work from home.
The businesses allowed to operate as of Monday “have significant restrictions placed on them to ensure that they follow the social distancing guidelines” in effect.
Amendments include:
- Roadside sales by a licensed fisherman;
- Roadside sales by a registered commercial farmer;
- Laundromats under certain restrictions;
- Pet shops;
- Hardware stores [including paint stores];
- Plant nurseries; and
- Shipping and freight company including couriers.
Changes To The Alphabet System Policy
As it relates to grocery stores and gas stations, Minister Caines advised that changes to the alphabet system policy have been made. Instead of two segments it has been expanded to three segments.
“Visits to a grocery store or gas station are as follows:
- Mondays and Thursdays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters A to F only;
- Tuesdays and Fridays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters G to Q only;
- Wednesdays and Saturdays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters R to Z only;
- Sundays are reserved for:
-
- i persons aged 55 years and over
- ii disabled persons; and
- iii essential services workers and workers not required to work from home
♦ These individuals can also shop on their relevant day and on Sundays.
Additionally, pest control operators, are permitted to attend calls to required businesses. These visits are subject to the supervision of the Chief Environmental Health Officer.
Also, those engaged in the wholesale distribution to grocery stores of alcohol and tobacco products can re-stock these businesses. Further amendments will be shared in due course.
Other Shelter in Place updated regulations are as follows:
Laundromats:
Laundromats can only operate with the written permission of the Minister of National Security, and must meet the following conditions:
- a opening hours of 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday only
- b only one customer is allowed in the laundromat at any one time, and by appointment only;\
- c a wash and fold service may be provided, as long as customers do not enter the premises during the drop-off or collection of their laundry
Pet Shops:
Pet shops can only operate with the written permission of the Minister of National Security, and must meet the following conditions:
Operate between the hours of 9am to 5pm on Monday to Wednesday only, with:
- a Mondays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters A to F only
- b Tuesdays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters G to Q only
- c Wednesdays are for persons whose surnames begin with the letters R to Z only
Hardware Stores:
Hardware stores can operate with the written permission of the Minister of National Security under the following conditions:
- a customers should not enter the store but can have curbside pick-ups only;
- b collection of pre-paid goods is permitted from 9am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday only as follows:
-
- Mondays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters A to F only
- Tuesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters G to Q only
- Wednesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters R to Z only
Plant Nurseries
Plant Nurseries can operate with the written permission of the Minister of National Security under the following conditions:
- [a] customers should not enter the nursery;
- [b] collection of pre-paid goods permitted from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Wednesday only, as follows:
-
- Mondays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters A to F only
- Tuesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters G to Q only
- Wednesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters R to Z only
Shipping and Freight Companies
Shipping and freight companies can only operate with the written permission of the Minister of National Security:
- Customers should not enter the premises;
- Collection of goods allowed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Wednesday only:
-
- Mondays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters A to F only;
- Tuesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters G to Q only;
- Wednesdays – Persons whose surnames begin with the letters R to Z only.
Deliveries:
Deliveries are allowed by persons who have the written permission of the Minister of National Security. This includes taxi drivers.
All delivery operators must adhere to the following guidelines:
- They should not enter a customer’s home.
- They must leave the goods outside the customer’s door; and call to let the customer know the delivery has been made.
- They must wear the appropriate protective equipment and follow the hand sanitizing guidance from the Ministry of Health.
Again, these amendments take effect Monday, 20th April 2020.
