Rumours that Caldwell Provisions is closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic are not correct. I spoke to owner George Sparagis  today and he said that a new protocol will be put into place immediately, with fewer people allowed inside at a time. People can drop off or phone in their regular Passover orders. Curbside pickup will be available and the normal delivery service still remains in place. Give your credit card over the phone (514-481-0365)  and your order will be left at the front door. They will be closed this Sunday to give the staff a well-deserved break.

George Sparagis

 Qualitifruits and Norsherz on Westminster Avenue will also remain open, again limiting the number of people inside.

“We are allowing two customers at a time in the store and they have to use the sanitizer at the door,” says Emma Salvati of Qualifruits. “For those people who just returned from Florida, we ask that they not come in. We will deliver. Customers need to be patient.”

Robert J. Vineberg of Nosherz says he is adopting a similar policy. He will also offer delivery for a nominal  charge.  He also wished to tell me that his puzzle store in LaSalle. Jigsaw Jungle,   remains open and they ship daily right to your front door." Puzzles are a great way to pass time and keep the mind sharp," he said. "We boast one of the largest selections  in the world." You can call Nosherz at 514-484-0445 or email  [email protected].

J &R Kosher Meats at Quartier Cavendish are offering curbside pickups from their back door. You can get the order form on their website and e-mail in your request. "Specify on your order whether it’s a back door pick up or delivery," explains Susie Nemes. "List exactly the items you want,  whether they are raw or cooked. Please include your credit card information, including the security code. We will try our best to complete your order for the date that you ask."

What concerns me are the people who are not self-isolating for 14 days,   be it those who have come back from Florida or been in the company of someone who was diagnosed positive for COVID-19 and sadly we know that those numbers are rising here. Today we learned that someone who did their prayers at Beth Zion on  Hudson Avenue was diagnosed. An elderly resident of the King David Seniors Residence did too after she attended a family wedding, opening the floodgates for others to become infected.  Some who went to Beth Chabad CSL were diagnosed and we  are now asking anyone who was there self-isolate.

So please, if you fall into any of these categories please please please do not go out to shop for groceries or the pharmacy! Mayor Mitchell Brownstein will be issuing another robocall to all homes and running an advertisement on CJAD to again highlight these points.

The Quartier Cavendish has basically shut down its entire operation, save for the staples.

This is how social distancing is being handled at stores in Denmark

Pharmaprix  at Quartier Cavendish now has tight controls. IGA at that venue and the CSL Shopping Centre has shortened its hours. If it looks crowded either do not go inside or maintain the proper space apart. Passover shopping will be lighter for residents this year. Our state of emergency prohibits gatherings of 10 or more.   Passover seders should only be held with people who live under the same roof as you. At this moment we are all taking risks every time  we leave our homes.

Solly the Caterer prepares food for restaurants and bakeries all over the island of Montreal. They also   make over 1,100 meals daily for daycares and supply meals to veterans and seniors. During this crisis owner Mitchell Kadanoff and his team are delivering fresh meals  to your door, individually packaged or in bulk. It will be made in a safe and sanitized kitchen. “Our prices will remain the same,” says Mitch. “ We will waive all delivery fees and credit card charges. We want the community to know that Solly’s will make sure no one goes hungry at this time. It is best to email them 24 hours in advance to [email protected] as the phone lines are pretty busy (514-485-8818).

Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather states: "Everyone must respect federal, provincial and municipal rules. Everyone who has returned to Canada must self quarantine for 14 days. This is not optional. They cannot do anything other than what is permitted by public health. Those over 70 should stay home,  except for emergencies or walking alone or with someone who lives with them. No churches or synagogues or any other religious institution should be operating no matter where they are located. People should pray at home. Nobody should be visiting other people’s homes."

I will continue to update this article with other food news people provide me with.