In response to the spreading COVID-19 outbreak in France, the French government has been forced to take drastic measures, allowing only so-called “essential” businesses to remain open. Bakeries are therefore continuing to serve their customers and must strictly adhere to the necessary health and safety measures.
Bakeries: Local Businesses Under Close Scrutiny
Since the announcement of the closure of non-essential venues and businesses, the French government has outlined the so-called “protective measures” that all establishments authorized to operate must strictly adhere to. These various hygiene and social distancing measures are primarily aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus by minimizing contact between people as much as possible. Bakeries and specialty shops selling bread are places that French people will continue to visit regularly. It is therefore obviously essential to implement health measures in accordance with the official recommendations issued by the authorities.
Measures to Prevent the Risk of Contamination in Bakeries
As an employer, you must take immediate steps to implement essential measures to ensure the safety of your staff. These may include:
• Workplace adjustments: moving the checkout counter back to ensure social distancing between the salesperson and the customer; regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment that comes into contact with customers’ and staff members’ hands; placing tape on the floor to mark safe distances between customers; installing protective barriers (glass, plastic sheeting, etc.) between products and customers; and so on;
• Adjusting work arrangements so that workstations are spaced apart (as much as possible) or staggered in terms of working hours.
• Changes to the rules for accessing the premises: restricting access to the bakery for external visitors (such as delivery personnel), etc.;
• Providing preventive supplies: masks, soap, disposable towels, hand sanitizer.
Employee protection and information
The Labor Code specifies the obligations of every employer toward their employees. With regard to viral transmission, it states that the employer is required to “take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of workers” (Articles L. 4121-1 et seq.). If you are an employer, you must take the necessary preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace. In addition, you must keep your staff informed of the measures implemented, as required by the government, and provide them with all the necessary resources to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within your bakery.
Customer Protection
As we now know, COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person. Within your business, it is essential that you implement rules to ensure a minimum safety distance of 1 meter between each of your customers waiting their turn in your bakery. In addition to displaying a visible notice on your storefront, you must also ensure that you manage the flow of customers inside your establishment so that this recommendation can be followed. For example, you can use a sign to indicate that only 5 people are allowed in the store at any given time.
Preventive measures in bakeries: steps every citizen can take
These guidelines must be followed by everyone: employers, employees, customers, delivery personnel, etc. This applies to everyone who interacts within your establishment. Here’s a quick reminder of these guidelines:
• Learn proper handwashing techniques and wash your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer;
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue;
• Use only disposable tissues and throw them away after use;
• Saying hello without shaking hands or kissing each other on the cheek;
• Wear a mask when you're sick.
