Only a few stores have re-opened in Woodgrove Shopping Centre but more are expected in coming days, as a microcosm on the larger Nanaimo business community. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

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First wave of Nanaimo businesses re-open, more to follow as week progresses

May 19, 2020 | 12:04 PM

NANAIMO — Local businesses are re-opening their doors after several uncertain months.

Phase two of B.C.’s Restart Plan officially kicked off on Tuesday, May 19. A wide swath of businesses, including gyms, restaurants and retail, can welcome customers inside as long as they follow certain guidelines.

Medical health officer Dr. Paul Hasselback told NanaimoNewsNOW each and every store or business presents a different challenge.

“One of the key principles behind the restart is operators becoming fully familiar with the risks associated with COVID-19. They’re also the experts in what can be done within the settings they’re responsible for.”

Businesses aren’t required to have a re-open plan approved by the Ministry of Health or Worksafe B.C., but their plans must be readily available for inspection.

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“We aren’t tracking who’s felt prepared enough to open today,” Hasselback said. “We did notify them late last week they would have the opportunity to develop their plans and be prepared. But there’s no requirement they actually inform us.”

Much of the inspecting and observing businesses re-opening falls to environmental health officers and WorkSafe B.C.

“Re-opening really only starts today. I’m not sure we truly have a sense of what we’re expecting this week,” Hasselback said.

Just because businesses can re-open doesn’t mean all are.

Several told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re waiting a few days, to the end of the week and until June 1 as staff return.

At Woodgrove Centre, 12 of the roughly 100 stores inside the main mall building were open on Tuesday morning.

Many shoppers seen wore masks but were noted to not be following the directional signs labelled on the floor.

General manager Mark Fenwick said three stores remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic with many more expected to open as best they can by Thursday, May 21.

“Many are very anxious to get going again,” he said. “Certainly there will be a handful that are cautious or are a little bit nervous about re-opening. The main thing is they have a plan.”

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry previously said the planned restart will proceed with caution.

“With the easing of restrictions and the added social interaction, the potential for flareup of new cases does go up. We will be watching very carefully and we will ensure we have the testing, contact tracing and the ability to manage any new cases that we see.”

–with files from Alex Rawnsley

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit