Chamber responds to B.C.'s restart plan

VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes B.C.’s restart plan as a positive step forwards, but there is still significant concern about the fragility of businesses and the economy.
 
On May 25, Premier John Horgan and his government unveiled a four-stage process that allows people to come together between now and the fall depending on vaccination results and cases of Covid-19.
 
“It’s very good news that the Circuit Breaker restrictions of almost two months have been eased and that means indoor dining of up to six people can resume as can low-intensity classes at fitness centres. For these businesses specifically, they can welcome back their loyal customers and get their staff back to work,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president.
 
Beyond ending the Circuit Breaker, phase one allows for recreational travel within the Interior region. Non-essential travel between regions is still restricted.
 
The provincewide mask mandate, physical distancing measures and business safety protocols remain in place.
 
“We would ask all residents to adhere to the health rules and to respect business owners and their staff while continuing to demonstrate their ongoing support for local businesses, who are essential to a vibrant community and economy,” said Kempton.
 
In terms of the other phases of the restart plan, step two could begin at the earliest June 15 with up to 50 people allowed indoors for movies or live theatre, and indoor sports and high-intensity fitness with safety protocols. Step three in early July could see casinos and night clubs reopen with capacity limits, and increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings. Step four in early September would see increased capacity at larger organized gatherings and no limits on indoor and outdoor spectators at sports.
 
“The progression of these stages and the lifting of restrictions depends on people being vaccinated and continuing to follow the protocols as they are in place. Businesses cannot sustain a significant reversal of restrictions again, and all of us can play a role in restarting our economy,” said Kempton.
 
“Our Chamber would also encourage the provincial government to continue to provide critical support to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors as the return to stable revenue streams may be some ways off.”
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:    
Dan Proulx, General Manager   
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
P: 250-545-0771              E: manager@vernonchamber.ca