Chamber backs reopening plan, but still work to be done

Jul 1, 2021 | 6:00 PM

A further reopening of B.C.’s economy and community activities is being endorsed by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this week, provincial authorities announced the details of step three of B.C.’s restart plan, which began today (July 1).

“We are extremely excited to see the number of Covid-19 cases decreasing and vaccination rates increasing,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president. “With increased indoor capacity and Canada-wide travel being encouraged, step three is good news for those in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, including casinos that can now reopen after being closed since March 2020.”

Moving from step two to step three includes:

Maximum capacity for indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or up to 50 per cent of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;
Maximum capacity for outdoor organized gatherings of 5,000 people or up to 50 per cent of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;
Return to normal for fairs, festivals and trade shows with communicable disease plans:
Return to Canada-wide recreational travel;
Reopening of casinos with reduced capacity and 50 per cent of gaming stations permitted to open:
Reopening of nightclubs with up to 10 people seated at tables, no socializing between tables and no dancing;
Return to normal hours for liquor service at restaurants and bars with table limits to be determined by venue and no socializing between tables;
Return to normal for sports and exercise facilities with communicable disease plans;
Mask wearing recommended in indoor public spaces for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated

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It’s expected that step four of B.C.’s restart plan will take place Sept. 7.

“British Columbians have made great progress, but for the restart plan to continue moving ahead, all of us must do our part by following protocols and getting vaccinated. Each business will ultimately decide how they handle capacity, masks and other protocols and that is their right, so we would ask the public to be patient and understanding,” said Kempton.

“Even with reopening moving ahead, we understand that the financial pressures faced by local entrepreneurs is very real and there may be no quick fix to the bottom line. We continue to urge residents to support local and all levels of government to provide assistance to businesses where needed.”

by Pete McIntyre

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