(battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

New Challenges Ahead

Chamber preparing for new challenge following province’s announcement

Apr 23, 2020 | 5:39 PM

The details for reopening Saskatchewan were greeted with some optimism by the business community in the Battlefords, however, challenges still lie ahead.

Chamber of Commerce C.O.O. Linda Machniak said it’s a relief to have more direction for business owners to utilize and the government is providing some clarity in the coming weeks.

“It certainly seems that there’s been some thought put into this,” Machniak said. “Hopefully businesses have the opportunity to react in this time frame if they choose to open by the time they are able to open.”

Now, owners have to plan for how they can get their employees back to work. While reopening offices is a welcome progression, Machniak said medical services, like dentistry and optometry, are under a time crunch to get prepared for their opening when compared to others.

“The question is whether they can get the protective equipment and cleaning supplies and be ready to open on Monday,” she said. “As well as booking appointments.”

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Golf courses, among other businesses, can strategize around opening on May long weekend. Those in phase two will have a few extra days.

“So, they certainly will have an opportunity to make their plans and get their staff in line and so on,” Machniak said.

The obvious challenge for businesses that still have to wait is the same one they’ve faced for the past month. Everything from cosmetologists to tattoo artists will remain without a chance to do business, while restaurant owners are still limited to takeout until such time opening at half capacity becomes an option.

“That’s a big chunk to expect they might have to wait another month or beyond,” Machniak said. “It’ll be tougher for those groups, not knowing what their dates are yet.”

Everyone in the business community now has to rely on residents continuing to follow safe practices amid the optimism from the province.

“Let’s hope phases one and two go smoothly and we don’t see an outbreak in any of those sectors,” Machniak said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports