(File photo/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Relief for business

Local Chamber’s optimistic for businesses with release of roadmap to reopening

May 6, 2021 | 11:16 AM

The roadmap to reopening that was released by the provincial government is getting a seal of approval from the local business community.

Step one of the reopening plan could be reached by the end of the month, if COVID-19 vaccination numbers continue to steadily climb.

The Humboldt and District Chamber Executive Director Brent Fitzpatrick said the provincial government is essentially leaving the responsibility in the hands of the public.

“I think that is a wonderful way to put it because the onus is on all of us to try and get through this thing and get back to normal,” Fitzpatrick said. “If all we have to do is be cognizant and obedient of guidelines and then get vaccinated that seems pretty simple.”

Restaurants would be able to seat six people at a table once the province reaches step one rather than the current four at a table, which Fitzpatrick said is really good news.

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“There isn’t going to be a restaurant here that is going to say no I don’t want the restrictions lifted,” Fitzpatrick said. “They all want this to change and somehow get back to a semblance of normal.”

The food service and hospitality industry are struggling with the restrictions in place but overall in Humboldt, the business community has been quite stable, according to Fitzpatrick.

“I think we are far enough from the major centres and competing markets,” Fitzpatrick said. “It hasn’t been an easy year but the community has worked well through it.”

The executive director for the Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce Cam Lee reiterated those feelings of hope.

“I think the release of the roadmap, along with the higher number of vaccinations province-wide, is a reason for optimism,” Lee said.

With the possibility of some restrictions being relaxed within just a few weeks, a sense of relief is in sight for businesses if the public does their part.

“A lot of the target goals depends on all of us,” Lee said. “Getting vaccinated when eligible, wearing masks, and continuing social distancing practices will all help in the ultimate goal of getting ‘back to normal.’

The roadmap released by the province indicates restrictions would be eased three weeks after 70 per cent of residents who are 40 and older get their first vaccinations.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser