With new instruction to limit social gatherings and non-essential travel, we‘re bringing you this list again for those who ARE essential workers and still making those treks during these unprecedented times.
With the TransLink system as Vancouver's main form of transit, they've implemented a number of policies to ensure the safety of their passengers.
Customers and passengers are required to wear non-medical face coverings and masks while on-board.
For those with conditions and underlying disabilities, TransLink has implemented a contingency plan for these customers to receive branded cards to note their exemption from wearing a mask.
More information on TransLink policies can be found here.
BRING OR PURCHASE ESSENTIAL ITEMS WHEN GOING OUT
It's important to be prepared, no matter where you're going and how well a place or businesses is following regulations and guidelines.
When going out, we strongly suggest purchasing these items and keeping it with you at all times:
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Handkerchief
Face Towel
An extra face mask
Gloves
A small bag to throw away garbage
Why these items are important is to limit the amount of contact from your hand to your face, to doors, opening garbage cans, and to sanitize if some of these situations are unavoidable.
CLEAN AND WIPE DOWN YOUR DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS
While most places and businesses take tap, some customers are still physically tapping their cards on the pay machine.
Tip one, more often than not, you can hover your card above the tap location of the pay machine. This is one way to avoid having any third-party contact.
Tip two, if purchases cost more than $50 or $100, you will likely be required to insert your card into the slot, and manually enter your pin, meaning contact with the pay machine. Now, most places are sanitizing their machines immediately after each customer's use, however sanitizer and wet wipes aren't 100% effective.
So, bring gloves or prep a pair of wipes to press the buttons with when making your purchase.
Finally, after each purchase made when using your cards, most especially when you slot your cards into the bank machines and ATM's, wipe them down WELL using wipes or non-toxic cleaning solutions.
CHECK IF A RESTAURANT TAKES RESERVATIONS
There's nothing worse than waiting outside in a lineup despite the social distancing measures in place.
Rather than waiting outside around people, see if the restaurant takes reservations. Note: there are TONS of restaurants in the city that are reservation ONLY, too. So, before making a long trip down, give them a call, reserve a time, get in, and voila, you've done your part to limit human interaction right off the bat!
Nothing wrong with takeout or delivery either in the comfort of your own home!
AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL GATHERINGS
Just because restaurants are open doesn't mean it's a safer option for you, your friends, or your family to go to rather than at home.
Restaurants are also getting stricter with their in-house protocol. So, before going out, choose wisely who you are going out with, and what you are doing. This should really only be with your immediate circle.
AVOID USING YOUR FEET
When opening doors, please avoid pushing door handles or accessibility buttons with your feet. For those who have physical conditions that are unable to open doors as you would, be considerate of their conditions and use your elbow, put on a pair of gloves, or go back first into the door/entrance.
For example, someone in a wheelchair has no choice but to use the automatic buttons to open doors; with someone kicking the button, they've removed any precautions that those with mobility aids have done to reduce their risk.