Slowly and gradually, as we pass the critical time of COVID 19 pandemic, the re-opening seems surreal. For many, this transition brings anticipation – but it also brings anxiety as to how should we keep the surroundings virus-free? This new way of working is all-new for everyone, and we all are learning techniques for safe social interactions.
Returning to day-to-day activities may seem like a challenge, but if you follow the provincial guidelines, it will help you to mitigate any possible transmission risk.
Below are the details and highlights of British Columbia Reopening Phase 2
Phase two will focus on the re-opening of the following businesses:
- Hair salons/barbers/other personal service establishments
- In-person counselling
- Restaurants, cafes, pubs – with sufficient distancing measures
- Museums, art galleries, libraries
- Office-based worksites
- Recreation/sports
- Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces
- Transit services
- Childcare
Every business and every individual is responsible for the safety of the self and the safety of others; therefore, implementing modifications and controls is vital to reduce the risk of transmission.
According to the Provincial restart plan (Refer), people must follow protective measures to mitigate any possible risk of transmission. Below are the step-wise instructions
- Create clear workplace policies that ensure people with cold or flu symptoms do not come to work
- Following physical distancing measures and reducing the density of people gatherings. The number must not exceed five people.
- Personal protective equipment is a must, and every individual must wear a non-medical mask.
- Clean “high-touch” areas in workplaces and retail outlets frequently and provide hand sanitizer at entrances.
- Focus on higher-risk employees, including those over the age of 60 and those with underlying medical conditions – from more flexible hours to work from home options and workspace accommodation.
- Provide work from home options if commuting to the office is not a necessity.
- Offer virtual meetings platform for a client in place of face-to-face meetings.
- Using physical barriers like Plexiglass at checkouts as well as increasing ventilation in work areas
- Implementing administrative controls in the form of clear guidelines
In addition to all the above measures, the province is asking everyone to stay close to home.
Recent updates by Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
- Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the current restrictions in place at the border by 30 days. As per IRCC, this is an important decision that will keep people in both countries safe.
- IRCC Services are available online, and applicants are encouraged to apply online.
- All the applications – for Study or work permits, permanent residency are accepted online.
- Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada with employer-specific permits can now start new jobs within ten days. More information on the IRCC website
- IRCC began accepting applications to the Agri-Food Pilot on May 15, 2020. Canada is committed to attracting top talent to the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock raising industries to fill ongoing labour needs
Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc.
Our Services during this time
Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc. continues to serve immigration clients online. Our team has been seating virtually and providing the services to our clients. We understand these unique situations. New announcements are being made by Immigration Canada (IRCC) each day. We continue to service clients for their temporary visa extensions, such as Study Permit Extensions, Work Permit Extensions, Visitor Record Extensions, for their permanent residency applications and other applications. You can reach us at +1-604-484-9474 or email us at contact@canadaimmigrationxperts.com.
