COVID-19 Safety Plan - Updated Oct 2021
Art’s Nursery is committed to the health and safety of our customers, staff and guests. In response to recent COVID-19 health orders, we have pro-actively updated our in-store protocols and procedures
Summary:
As a predominantly outdoor location, Art's Nursery is open for business, with social distancing, access control and use of PPE's and frequent sanitation. Masks are required in indoor areas. Staff only areas have revised working/usage arrangements, access controls and capacity limits as well as the use of PPE's and frequent sanitation.
As an essential agriculture-based business, we understand our role in the market and take our responsibilities seriously:
Our COVID Safety plan is summarized as:
Emphasis Social Distancing
As a predominantly outdoor 10.5+ acre location, our facility allows ample opportunities for social distancing. Areas that require additional protocols include:
the cash desk, offices, indoor greenhouses and staff only areas like our lunchroom.
Cash / Front Desk
Our cash register area was reconfigured in Spring 2020 to maximize social distancing and personal protection. Where possible, cash desks have been moved to outdoor areas to maximize air flow and social distancing. All cash stations have been outfitted with plexi-sneeze guards and cashiers are required to masks indoors. Sanitation supplies are available for staff and customer use at all cash stations.
Offices
Two offices are located on the premises, both of which are staff only, and have a signed maximum capacity. Staff and vendors are asked to wait outside the offices until capacity becomes available. Excess employee workstations have been removed from the area and relocated. Staff working in these areas must wear masks for their own protection and that of others. Offices and frequently used surfaces, tools and equipment are sanitized regularly. Sanitation supplies are also available in both offices.
Indoor Greenhouses
Two greenhouses on our premises have implemented COVID safety plans. Other greenhouses on-site are either predominantly outdoors with good airflow, or have historically had very low simultaneous customer traffic.
The Cactarium has a signed maximum capacity (4) at each entrance informing customers of the requirement for social distancing and access control.
The larger Tropical/Gift greenhouse (7500sq ft) has a maximum capacity of 120, but we have volunatrily limited it to 50. The previous access control pass system has been discontinue as our slower seasons rarely, if ever, has that many simultaneous visitors. Frequently used surfaces, tools and equipment are sanitized regularly by staff. This includes doors, handles, telephones, computers, printers etc.
Located in this building are staff washrooms. Each washroom is cleaned regularly and DIY sanitation supplies are available for use.
Staff Only Areas
Safety protocols and reminders have been posted in staff only areas such as the Lunchroom. Lunchroom access has been limited to 4 persons at a time. Additional outdoor break/lunch areas have been created to permit social distancing. DIY Sanitation supplies are present for staff use. The lunchroom is also sanitized on a schedule each and every day. Access to the lunchroom has been altered to reduce traffic through our greenhouse. Staff are asked to enter and exit the lunchroom via the staff only external door. Offices are limited to staff only, as earlier state.
Frequent Sanitation
Customer Shopping carts and baskets return areas are equipped with self-serve sanitizer. We sanitize shopping carts whenever possible, and encourage customers to do the same.
All frequently used surfaces, office equipment and tools are sanitized regularly.
Bathrooms are all equipped with DIY sanitation supplies and are sanitized by staff regularly throughout the day.
Golf Cart Use
As golf carts have frequently touched surfaces, we have removed them from retail use until further notice. Golf carts are available for staff and landscape customers to transport orders. Carts are sanitized before and after each use. Golf carts are limited to one person at a time. Staff have been informed that sharing golf carts with customers and other staff is not permitted.
Loading Procedures
Staff are still available to help customers load their purchases into vehicles but we ask customers to either self-service, or allow our staff to help, but not both.
Use of PPEs / Masks
As per government guidelines, fall staff should wear masks indoors.
More Information
As you would expect, Art's Nursery is committed to the safety of our staff and customers. We are learning, adapting and implementing all best health practices. If you have any comments or questions please contact us at 604.882.1201 or via email at rebecca@artsnursery.com