Businesses Dealt Another Blow

Businesses Dealt Another Blow

Businesses Dealt Another Blow with new COVID-19 Restrictions

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Vegreville and area businesses were dealt another blow by the province government on December 8 when it placed further restrictions on them.

“I know it’s going to be a tough slog for businesses to rebound,” said Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce President Jamieson Brown.

“Based on what we’ve heard so far, obviously very preliminary, there’s certainly some frustration from the business community but I think in that same breath there’s an understanding the public health is always first and foremost; and I think based on what we’ve heard businesses understand and appreciate that fact. But there’s no denying we’re in the midst of a critical time when it comes to the retail sector businesses like restaurants, bars, so on and so forth. So it’s tough for them there’s no denying it’s tough.”

Well into the holiday season, Brown acknowledged, “Time is critical coming into the last few weeks heading Christmas and a couple of days after Christmas. As big as Black Friday has become here in Canada, Boxing Day is a very big day in terms of shopping. I think it’s safe to say the local retailers certainly appreciate the opportunity to at the very least staying open even at 15 percent capacity as opposed to close their doors entirely.

There is that glass half full and I know that the retailers I know personally are doing everything in their power to ensure they are following the regulations to ensure they are mitigating the spread of Covid-19 to shoppers coming in.

Ask customers to be patient as retailers are having to adjust on the fly I know province gave four days, been a lot of changes to businesses suddenly and sweepingly they are just doing their best to remain afloat and ensure everyone can shop safely.”

He went on to say, “We would highly encourage people to look at getting creative when it comes to supporting the businesses that have no choice but to close their doors to ensure that permanent closure doesn’t happen.” He encouraged folks to purchase a gift certificate from those businesses by reaching out on social media and to order take out or delivery from local restaurants and bars to support them as well during this time.