(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Unfortunate Incidents

MTACC urging patience, respect amid reports of “anti-mask incidents” at local businesses

May 7, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) says they’ve heard of anti-mask incidents at local businesses that have included verbal abuse towards employees.

The MTACC said in a release that there have been incidents at multiple businesses in Melfort and it’s unfair to those businesses.

“These businesses, and the employees in the businesses, and obviously the customers in the businesses, we’ve all been through enough the last 15 months,” said executive director Cam Lee. “I don’t think we need any verbal abuse or anything like that.”

Lee said it’s quite disappointing to hear of incidents like this happening in our own backyard.

“None of us want to have to wear a mask, none of us want to have COVID-19, and the resulting mandates and things like that,” he said.

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Lee added that it’s the governments that have created this mandate, not the businesses and those owners and employees shouldn’t have to suffer, especially with a lot of employees at these businesses being younger adults or teenagers looking to gain work experience and make a bit of money.

“Businesses want to make money, and they want to be able to sell what they have,” Lee said. “They’re not doing this to be mean, they’re not doing this for any other reason than it’s a government mandate, and it’s for safety purposes.”

Lee went on to say they businesses have adjusted with curbside pickup, and other means for those who have underlying conditions and don’t want to enter the store.

The MTACC is urging everyone to treat fellow shoppers and employees with respect, and have patience until the mask mandate is eventually lifted.

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mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6