With New Brunswick’s COVID-19 recovery plan now in Phase 2 – the Orange level – some businesses and activities are allowed to re-open provided they follow specific health and safety precautions.

In this newsletter, we’ll help clarify who can re-open at this stage, and how to re-open safely and according to the guidelines. You can click on any of the highlighted links for more detailed information.

Under Phase 2 (Orange), some activities and businesses are allowed to open, but they must follow:

• Guidelines on Public Health Measures including physical distancing and,
• the Guidelines for New Brunswick Workplaces issued by WorkSafe NB.

Businesses do not need to be inspected before re-opening, but they must prepare an operational plan that can be provided to officials, if requested. The Province of New Brunswick has prepared a COVID-19 Operational Plan Guide. It’s a basic how-to guide for developing an operational plan.

Businesses may open immediately, but it is up to each business operator to decide if they are ready and if all guidelines have been met.

Re-openings and activities include:

• Elective surgeries and other non-emergency health services, including dental, physiotherapy, optometry and massage therapy.
• Outdoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people.
• Indoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people for in-person religious services, weddings and funerals.
• All in-person programs at post-secondary institutions, subject to the COVID-19 directives from Public Health. Virtual education options should be continued wherever possible.
• Cultural venues such as museums, galleries and libraries.
• Offices not deemed essential during the initial phase.
• Retail establishments, including malls.
• Restaurants.
• Campgrounds and outdoor recreational activities, such as zoos and outfitters.
• Early learning and childcare centres regulated by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will be permitted to reopen as of May 19. The department will contact operators to provide further information in the coming days.
• Non-regulated childcare providers may open, but must adhere to Public Health guidelines, including having an operational plan.
• Day camps, if the organization can adhere to Public Health measures set out in the document called COVID-19 Recovery Phase: Guidance to Early Learning and Childcare Facilities and Day Camps.
• ATV trails across the province.

Face masks will be required to be worn in public if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Office of the Chief Medical Office of New Brunswick  has links to signage that should be displayed in businesses that are able to operate in a safe manner.  You can print them directly from the website. There are signs about physical distancing, effective hand washing, cleaning, wearing masks, and more.

The latest version of the State of Emergency mandatory order is available online. Travel restrictions are explained in the Important Notice on Travel into New Brunswick. And more information on public health recovery phases, measures and guidelines is available online.

Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Re-Opening Resources
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has released a guide, the Re-Opening & Recovery of New Brunswick – A Guide for Businesses & Organizations. It summarizes the guidance information provided by the Government of New Brunswick regarding re-opening the economy over the coming days and weeks.

On Friday, May 15^th, at 10 a.m., the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will host a one-hour webinar, Navigating COVID-19: What Safe Business Operations Look Like & How To Get There. This webinar is free to both members and non-members of the Chamber and you can register here. Dallas Mercer of Dallas Mercer Consulting (DMC) will discuss what businesses need to think about when developing their exposure mitigation and response plans to COVID-19, and how a “one-size fits all” approach falls short.

COVID-19 Supports for Businesses – Important Links

The Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website has updated information all the federal supports available to you, your business and employees.

The Government of New Brunswick COVID-19 Guide for Businesses is an important website to bookmark as it outlines the provincial supports to businesses impacted by COVID-19.

CBDC Resources

Webinar: On Thursday, May 14^th from 9 am to 12 noon, CBDC Southwest will host a FREE half-day webinar, Digital Sales using Social Media, in support of CBDC Youth Entrepreneurship Jeunesse. In this webinar, you will learn how to develop a digital sales strategy, select proper content, stay on budget, attract the right client, and much more. Register here.

Video: Tips on how to maintain cash flow within your business
Professional business coach and author Ron Robichaud shares valuable advice about maintaining cash flow for your business.

Video: CBDC Southwest - General Information, Funding Options and Resources
CBDC Southwest program officer Sean Donovan outlines programs offered through CBDC including loans and the Self Employment Benefit program (SEB).

Finally, Wednesday May 13^th is CBDC Day. This year since we can’t invite the community into our offices, we’re having a Virtual CBDC Day! Please join us online on the CBDC Southwest Facebook page and on the Atlantic Association CBDC Facebook page. We will be sharing contact information, service infographics and educational and learning resources throughout the day. You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

As you develop your operational plan and prepare to re-open your business according to the necessary guidelines, please remember that we are here to help. We will continue to keep in touch with you to share information, updates and supports. In the meantime, if you would like to reach out to CBDC Southwest directly, please call (506) 454-2747