WELLINGTON COUNTY – The list of service restrictions is growing as more and more businesses temporarily shut down so employees and customers can observe social distancing and self-isolation orders.
Banks are closing branches and encouraging customers to pay bills online. The LCBO and Beer Store are reducing hours and the Beer Store has stopped accepting empties. Couriers and Canada Post are delivering packages but figuring out how to keep both customers and delivery people safe.
It’s a fluid landscape, but here’s what we know so far:
LCBO: Hours have been reduced at LCBO stores. They now operate from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday, but stores may restrict the number of shoppers allowed inside at one time. Fewer cash registers will be open, and customers are asked to pay with debit or credit cards to reduce the handling of cash money.
CEO and president George Soleas said in a statement on the LCBO website stores will not be accepting product returns, but to hang on to product and receipts and they will be honoured when restrictions are lifted.
In-store tastings have been suspended and customers are asked to bring their own shopping bags.
Soleas said asks that the public not visit the LCBO if they are feeling unwell.
The Beer Store: Hours have been reduced to 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday; same hours on Sunday; and they are no longer accepting empties. Don’t put them in your blue box though. The service will return when restrictions are lifted.
The Beer Store is also restricting the number of shoppers at one time.
Banks: The Big Six banks have agreed to work with their personal and small business customers on a case-by-case basis to find flexible solutions to pay disruptions, childcare disruptions, and those facing illness from COVID-19. This support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.
Many branches will close temporarily and those that are open may have limited hours. Banks are encouraging customers to use online banking or banking apps to make bill payments. Staff is working from home where possible.
Check online to learn the particulars of your bank and branch hours and what number to call if you need assistance.
Meals on Wheels: The food delivery program is still continuing in Ontario for the time being but Davina Wong, regional executive director of VON, that runs the program, said in a statement that things may change depending on the availability of supplies and direction from public health.
“We encourage individuals to call their local VON for more details. Ongoing program cancellations, reductions and modifications are being regularly assessed and updated on our website,” Wong stated.
For up-to-date information, visit www.von.ca.
Mail/parcel delivery: Mail and parcels will continue to be delivered by Canada Post, but the service is implementing a Knock, Drop and Go approach.
This will eliminate interactions at the door and the need for customers to sign for items. It will also reduce line-ups at post offices.
Post offices are reducing hours of service, opening an hour later and closing an hour earlier to clean and restock. Some post offices may be temporarily closed because of local conditions or personnel availability.
Also, the first hour of operations is for those at higher risk of COVID-19
Customers at post offices are asked to stay away if they’re sick, and to practice physical distancing. The agency has also suspended normal delivery guarantees for parcel services.
Purolator will also release packages with verbal consent as opposed to requiring a signature. Check websites for other companies’ policies.
