Confusion For Some As Restrictions Near An End

There is a lot of excitement in the region’s business community with COVID-19 restrictions set to be lifted Friday night.

But with the excitement comes confusion for some business owners, according to the CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.

David Duplisea said even when the restrictions are lifted, businesses want to do whatever they can to keep their workers and customers safe.

“That’s where the confusion comes in is first, from an employer perspective, what am I allowed to ask of my employees? Am I allowed to ask if they’ve been vaccinated? There’s a grey area there,” Duplisea said in a phone interview.

Duplisea said they are also fielding questions from business owners about what measures will need to be followed in the green phase.

WorkSafeNB has recommended that workplaces keep some protocols in place, such as barriers and directional signage, to help reduce anxiety by staff and visitors during the transition.

Duplisea said businesses should consider their individual risk factors and do what they feel is safe for their employees, customers, and visitors.

“It’s common sense I think that’s going to prevail,” he said. “Have your hand-sanitizing stations there. I’m hearing some businesses say their employees are not comfortable removing their masks at first.”

The province said it will be up to individual businesses and organizations to choose if they want to maintain mask policies for those who enter their premises.

“Recognizing that some individuals are unable to wear a mask, the operator or organizer should respectfully offer alternative ways to access the services,” the province said in a 13-page guide entitled Living With COVID-19.

Duplisea said he expects some people will choose to err on the side of caution and wear a mask, even if a particular business does not require it.

“People are going to find a comfort level, what their new normal is, and businesses are going to adapt to keep everybody comfortable.”