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Research emphasizes the importance of hand washing and stringent in-store cleaning regimesCoronavirus may remain for weeks on bank notes and glass surfaces, such as touchscreen, according to new research from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.The study, which set out to examine the "effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces" shows the virus is “extremely robust.”Polymer bank notes (like the ones used here in Canada), de-monetised paper bank notes and common surfaces, including brushed stainless steel, glass, vinyl and cotton cloth were used as substrates in this study.The research showed SARS-CoV-2 can survive  for 28 days on smooth surfaces, such as glass on mobile phone screens or self-checkout touchscreens, and plastic banknotes, at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit), compared to 17 days survival for the flu virus.According to the scientists involved in the study, "These findings demonstrate SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for significantly longer time periods than generally considered possible.

Calls for the return of hazard pay are mounting as workers on the front lines of Canada's retail industry grow increasingly anxious amid rising COVID-19 cases.

The Trudeau Liberals sought Friday to get ahead of growing economic concerns linked to rising COVID-19 case counts, vowing new and revamped business supports to keep workers on payrolls and maintain job gains threatened by the pandemic's second wave.The government plans to provide direct rent support to commercial tenants at a projected cost of $2.2 billion through the end of the year, rather than flowing the money through landlords who were not keen on a previous version of the program.A wage subsidy program will cover up to 65% of eligible costs through December, costing the treasury $6 billion over that time, and $11 billion more to a well-used loan program by providing an added $20,000, half of which would be forgivable.Even though many businesses have reopened, a number are not at full capacity while others worry about surviving a second wave.

Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says six single-use plastic items that aren't easily recycled and already have more environmentally friendly alternatives will be the first to go under Canada's new restrictions on plastics.

Alessandro Natola is the new president of Ferrero Canada.

Canadians are divided about whether to let the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt their plans for upcoming holidays and seasonal events, a new poll suggests.The poll, conducted by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies, comes as COVID-19 cases are surging and public health authorities are pleading with Canadians in places with rising case counts to avoid contact with anyone outside their immediate families or at least to stick to small social circles.The results suggest that message is only partially getting through.Respondents with children who went door to door for Halloween last year were closely divided on whether to let them go trick-or-treating again this year, with 52% saying they won't and 48% saying they will.The poll found sharp regional variations, however.

Now that we are experiencing a momentous shift in how the convenience store industry operates is clear, but where do we go from here?

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada and its member partners raised more than $75,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada during National Convenience Week.