Mom ‘n Pop stores in the area are getting dinged again.

Struggling small businesses in the community are following all health guidelines as they brace up for a second-wave COVID-19 lockdown and possibly closure.

The latest lockdown, which will begin on midnight December 26, will affect the entire province and will last for 28 days in southern Ontario and two weeks in the northern regions.

Many local businesses and agencies have laid off staff or cut hours to survive as many people stay at home due to COVID-19.

The parking lots of some of our malls as Cloverdale and Sherway Gardens show many empty parking spots as only curbside or pickup are available at some stores.

There were however constant lineups at Walmart and Costco, deemed essential merchandisers

At the same time the sidewalks are empty in Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico as many small stores are forced to shut.

Under this lockdown, the provincial government will allow in-person shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies. The businesses must cap the number of customers to 50 per cent of approved capacity.

Discount and big-box businesses that sell groceries can operate, but capacity is limited to 25 per cent of the approved capacity “of the particular room.”

The lockdown will shut all non-essential businesses, ban indoor gatherings, close restaurant dining rooms, and see all schools move classes online for the first week of 2021.

Publicly-funded schools in southern Ontario will be closed for at least two weeks. Elementary students will take part in virtual learning until at least Jan. 11, while secondary students will learn remotely until Jan. 25.

Other retail businesses, hardware stores and department stores will only be allowed to open for curbside pickup and delivery. Customers will not be allowed inside to do in-person retail shopping.

Officials said the lockdown will be evaluated after 28 days to determine if it is safe to lift the restrictions.

Doctors warn that trips outside of the home should only be done for essential reasons as work, school, groceries, exercise, caring for vulnerable people. Social gatherings and organized indoor events are restricted except for people who live in the same home.

Indoor dining and outdoor at restaurants and bars are also prohibited. Night clubs and strip clubs are only permitted to open if they operate as a food or drink establishment, in which case they would only be allowed to provide takeout, pickup or delivery.

All indoor and outdoor sports and recreational fitness facilities will be closed, with exceptions for those being used by “high performance athletes”. Ski hills must closed. All locker rooms, change rooms and showers at clubhouses are closed.

Horse racing open for training only, no members of the public.

Businesses that produce, manufacture or distribute food and beverage, including agricultural products, may remain open. All construction activities and services will be allowed to continue.

Cannabis retail stores and garden centres can only open for curbside pickup or delivery.  Outdoor markets, including holiday-themed events, are closed unless they primarily sell food.

Weddings, funerals and other religious services limited to 10 people indoors, 10 people outdoors. Virtual and drive-in services, rites and ceremonies permitted.

Supply chains, including businesses that work in processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance can remain open.

Meeting and event spaces open only for operation of child care, court services, government sources, mental health and addiction support services, social services.

So are  rental and leasing services, including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery or equipment.