(please note: this story will likely be subject to change as health and safety information from different regions of Canada is continually being released)
As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, provincial and federal health officials have been recommending the temporary closure of restaurants and bars to slow the spread of the virus.
Social distancing has been widely considered one of the most effective ways to "flatten the curve", and as a result, multiple establishments within the country’s more densely populated cities have announced their compliance and subsequent dine-in closures.
While in many cities, restaurants and bars have been advised to limit their capacity to 50 people or less, and many businesses have adjusted their business models to offer pick-up and delivery only.
A considerable number of restaurants, bars, wineries, and wine shops have elected to offer discounts and waive delivery fees. Yesterday, UberEats Canada announced that it will also waive delivery fees for more than 100,000 independent restaurants across the continent.
As more customers are choosing to stay indoors, we’ve waived the Delivery Fee for the more than 100,000 independent restaurants across US & Canada on Uber Eats. https://t.co/xrhr1q0Gg1
— Javi Correoso (@javicorreoso) March 16, 2020
Although the virus has comparatively impacted cities outside of Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and Alberta a little less, it appears as though most Canadian restaurants and bars have decided to take preventative measures and follow suit with the rest of the country.
The current climate presents a great deal of uncertainty and concern, but it’s important to continue to support the country’s small and independent businesses. Movements such as the Breaking Bread initiative continue to provide alternative ways to support local businesses without compromising social distancing.
Various health officials have confirmed that ordering takeout and delivery is still one of the safest ways to acquire food and beverages.
