Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) said that it has received an Essential Services Designation in key markets which will allow the company to continue to meet the needs of its customers. Curaleaf noted that the designation means that like pharmacies and grocery stores, Curaleaf dispensaries provide an essential service to communities and are authorized to remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly and we are responding as quickly as possible to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our customers. We have never been more committed to providing our vital services and products and will continue to do everything we can to fulfill that mission while protecting the wellbeing of our dedicated employees. In these difficult times, we will be hiring employees and working with local organizations to provide job opportunities to those who are out of work,” said Joseph Lusardi, Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf.

Curaleaf dispensaries will remain open in Arizona, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts (medical only), Nevada (delivery only), New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. Curaleaf said it has adjusted its dispensary schedule to accommodate increased demand and prioritize vulnerable customers, including dedicated hours for seniors. The company is also enforcing social distancing, increasing sanitation and hygiene measures and using technology to minimize contact and increase safety by working to employ curbside delivery, mobile pre-ordering, express pickup, and a waitlist ordering app.

Curaleaf is working to minimize risk to its customers and employees by collaborating closely with local and statement governments, and implementing new procedures, technologies and policies at its dispensaries.