NEWS RELEASE

April 20, 2021

    

KELOWNA CHAMBER VOWS TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR BUSINESS 

AMID EXTENDED RESTRICTIONS

 

Kelowna: On Monday, the provincial government announced that it will be extending the provincial health restrictions that came into effect on March 29th for another five weeks until midnight on May 25. The effect of the restrictions on businesses include:

  • A ban on indoor low intensity group exercise classes;
  • Closure of indoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars, though outdoor patio seating and take-out or delivery is allowed;
  • Workplaces with a COVID-19 exposure may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days

In addition, to curb transmission across the province over the coming weeks, non-essential travel will be limited to within health authorities. Just how that might work (and cost) will be explained later this week as Solicitor General Mike Farnworth is expected to release details of a supporting order on Friday.

“With vaccinations in other nations racing ahead, it is regrettable to see the continued high number of cases across our province forcing more restrictions on businesses through the May long weekend,” stated Kelowna Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson.

The Chamber will continue to work with our provincial and federal network to advocate for its members and the business community and looks forward to working with government to ensure that businesses have what they need to navigate through the next five weeks.

“Over the last year, businesses have worked hard to establish enhanced safety protocols to keep their employees and customers safe. Shouldering that responsibility for a further five weeks to help curb transmission will come at a further cost to business that will need to be addressed,” stated Robinson.

The Kelowna Chamber is urging everyone to adhere to the new and extended pandemic restrictions so that transmission is curbed, businesses can (re)open and stay open, and hopefully we can enjoy the summer.

For more information:

Jeffrey Robinson, President, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

jrobinson@rihlaw.com   250-868-2313