(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Re-Open Saskatchewan

‘Open to the new normal’: Humboldt Chamber reacts to Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan

May 26, 2020 | 1:00 PM

It’s been just over a week since phase two of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan started, and we’re just over a week away from phase three of the plan beginning on Monday, June 8.

Humboldt Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brent Fitzpatrick said as of right now, the biggest hurdle for businesses to get over is preparing for customers’ safely.

“Being able to get screens up to protect staff,” he said. “The procedures for people as they come in the door and how to view, how to try on. All of that takes time and it just takes a bit of thought.”

He said a large amount of businesses in the area did reopen as a part of phase two but some are waiting until June 1, which still falls under that phase.

Fitzpatrick said as of right now, he hasn’t seen any businesses having to close doors for good.

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“It may not be necessarily the ‘go date’ that we just experienced for phase two,” he said. “It could be a couple of months down the road. They may not be able to financially claw back from that loss of revenue.”

While businesses have lost a great deal of revenue during this time, they’ve all had to change their business model somewhat. He said consumers are still spending.

“I firmly believe that people very much want to support their local businesses, and just haven’t been able to,” Fitzpatrick told northeastNOW. “But now that they are open and things are beginning to go to the new normal, I believe that people are very responsive and very excited to get back out.”

Restaurants have remained open but have had to switch to take out, curbside, and delivery formats to keep their revenue streams open. Fitzpatrick said consumers are still contributing in that side of business.

“The consumers are very much wanting to get back out there,” he said. “And they are very much wanting to not make supper.”

As phase three takes place in just over a weeks’ time, places like gyms, fitness centres, manicurists, pedicurists, estheticians, and more are able to reopen, and restaurants can open at 50 per cent capacity.

Fitzpatrick is reminding those that are out and supporting local business to still be aware of the circumstances.

“This is not back to normal,” he said. “This is now open to the new normal. So, when you’re at the store, keep your six-feet distance.”

Meanwhile, the Humboldt Chamber staff are adjusting to their new normal. Staff have been back at the Chamber office since just after the May Long Weekend, and work is underway to make sure the Humboldt Campground is ready for the public on June 1. The area will have limited capacity and numerous restrictions in place.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6