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Canada Coronavirus Update:
May 13

71,100+ Cases, 5,100+ Deaths
 

    
 



Crime & Safety During COVID-19 Crisis

Domestic Violence Surging in Canada - Stores Rolling Out New Safety Measures


A 'Tsunami' of Domestic Violence in Canada? Abuse Calls Up 300%
Advocates Scramble to Help Victims as Calls Skyrocket During COVID-19

Advocacy groups are sounding the alarm on what is being described as an epidemic of domestic violence in Canada, as victims are confined to their homes with their abusers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS), which provides educational and support services for victims of domestic violence across Canada, began scaling up their crisis support measures long before physical distancing measures were mandated in Canada, after MacDougall was warned by colleagues in China that a “tsunami” of abuse would become a side effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

As soon as we went 24/7, our calls steadily increased progressively – 50 per cent to a hundred per cent until the peak at 300 per cent,” MacDougall said. Of the women who have called BSWW for support during the pandemic, an estimated 40 per cent are living in abusive situations, isolated with their abusers.

To make matters worse, many of these women have been stripped of their only respite from abuse, whether it be leaving the house to go to work, take the kids to school, or socialize.
ctvnews.ca

Editor's Note: As we reported in the Daily last week, domestic violence isn't just exploding in Canada. It has become a 'global crime epidemic' during the COVID-19 crisis as the virus stifles the criminal justice system, changes law enforcement, and keeps people isolated with their abusers.  


Store Safety Measures for Canada's Reopening
Peregrine Launches Next Wave of Plexiglass Shields for Business Re-Openings
Vancouver-based Peregrine, a designer and manufacturer of high-end retail and restaurant environments from some of the world’s best-known brands, has pivoted during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis and is now poised for the second wave of plexiglass shield production for businesses.

Brian French, the company’s president, said Peregrine immediately pivoted to make plastic safety shields for various essential businesses and services which did not close during the crisis.

“We are seeing a second wave of demand from retailers, hotels, and restaurants that will be reopening with the easing of restrictions. Based on our research of other parts of the world that are ahead of us, we expect part of their reopening strategy will include plexiglass shields strategically placed to protect staff and customers,” said French.

French said, British Columbian restaurant owners have been in consultation with the B.C. Health Authority on what is important to reopen, this included plexiglass shields. retail-insider.com


Private appointments, self checkouts and daily sanitizing: It won’t be ‘business as usual’ when Toronto stores reopen
With Ontario allowing retail businesses to begin offering curbside pickup this week, many are looking forward to the day they can open their doors to customers. But the retail environment won’t look like it once did, and business owners are preparing for the new normal.

Even before COVID-19, there were strict processes in place for cleaning jewelry, but things will be ramped up, Aburaneh said. Fixtures will be moved around to help with traffic flow, there will be a guest maximum and all staff will have personal protective equipment like masks and gloves.

For one, he thinks customers will continue to want home delivery, wary of rushing into stores anytime soon. He’s also looking at using iPads so customers can do relatively contactless self-checkouts in the store. Stores are undergoing a deep clean, and the
company will enforce daily sanitizing of all surfaces. thestar.com

Tim Hortons lays out new dining room plans, hoping to reopen across Canada by next month

VIDEO: Safety advice for employers as Canada reopens




 



Coronavirus Crisis Sends Canadian Retail into the Abyss


It Will Never Be The Same
Retail in Canada to Change Forever Amid Restructuring, Bankruptcies and Permanent Store Closings

Many retailers in Canada are in turmoil amid store closures due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), and the situation isn’t likely to get much better as stores start to open in parts of the country this spring. Many retailers are in a restructuring phase and some are now examining bankruptcy protection. Some retailers have already announced that they will shutter permanently.

Some retailers that do reopen will attempt to grow their brick-and-mortar business in the coming months leading up to the fall of 2020. However, it is expected that consumers will not spend like they once did for a variety of reasons.

Some people will hesitate to go out in public as much as they did before out of fear of catching the COVID-19 virus. At the same time, many Canadians have lost their jobs which is adding to financial strain. Wealth has been lost due to a declining stock market and incredibly low oil prices. Those that are working may continue to work from home, which means that there may be a decrease in fashion purchases in the coming months.

As with other recessions, there is expected to be increased frugality as well as a shift away from conspicuous consumption which could result in a significant hit to some high-end brands, especially those displaying prominent logos. retail-insider.com


Trudeau Government Announces Bridge Loans for Larger Retailers and Businesses in Canada to Keep Workers on Payroll
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced new measures to support businesses so they can keep their workers on the payroll and weather the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The new bridge loans, not bailouts, are intended for larger businesses to keep them afloat during these challenging economic times.

The new measures include establishing a Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) to provide bridge financing to Canada's largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. An objective of this is to avoid bankruptcies and help them weather the current economic downturn. retail-insider.com


Canadian Footwear Retailer ALDO Files for and Obtains Creditor Protection

70% of Restaurants in Canada will have a Liquidity Crisis Within the Next 3 Months


COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerating Retail Trends in Canada: Expert

Retail Council says businesses turning away cash won’t be the new norm



Calgary, AB: $200K in merchandise stolen from downtown Lululemon store
Calgary police said Thursday that an estimated $200,000 in merchandise was stolen from the Lululemon store in the Mission neighbourhood last month. According to police, the theft happened during a break and enter at around midnight on Sunday, April 26. Police said two men entered the store’s storage room and removed boxes filled with clothing and other items. The pair was captured on surveillance cameras. globalnews.ca

Winnipeg police investigating apparent shooting outside Polo Park mall
The mall's administration confirmed an incident took place on the property on Sunday afternoon. "Our primary concern is to ensure the safety of our shoppers, tenants and staff, and our management team is cooperating fully with the police investigation," general manager Peter Havens said. He did not elaborate on the nature or severity of the investigation. In a statement, Havens said the mall was open and operating as normal Sunday evening. A damaged vehicle with what appears to be a bullet hole was shown. cbc.ca

Kitchener, ON: Over $700-worth of electric toothbrushes stolen from pharmacy: police

 



Robberies & Burglaries

C-Store - London, ON - Armed Robbery
Lululemon - Calgary, AB - Burglary

 



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