MEDIA RELEASE

December 22, 2021

 

KELOWNA CHAMBER READY TO HELP WITH RAPID TEST KITS
BC puts in place new restrictions to reduce risk of spread of new variant.
 

Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses to pay special attention to new restrictions ordered by the Province of British Columbia, and simultaneously is calling on the Province to provide economic support for businesses and individuals most impacted by these latest restrictions.

Effective Wednesday December 22nd bars, nightclubs, gyms, and fitness centres will be closed, and no private indoor organized gatherings of any size will be allowed until mid January.  Sports tournaments are also now cancelled.  Restaurants will be allowed to remain open, though physical distancing or physical barriers must be put back in place.  Public seated indoor events are being reduced to 50% capacity, regardless the venue size with vaccination checking and mandatory mask wearing remaining in place.

“This an awful time for small business owners to face fresh financial uncertainty. Though the Province referenced forthcoming supports in its announcement, Minister Kahlon must move quickly to get support to businesses that need it,” says Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson.

The Chamber is also pleased to learn a strategy to deploy rapid test kits is in the works and the Kelowna Chamber is more than ready to assist in the distribution of rapid tests kits to businesses that are interested in using them. For months now, Chambers of Commerce in other Provinces have provided a key distribution network for rapid test kits.

“We have heard from our Chamber colleagues across the country that rapid tests kits have been well received by many businesses and have helped in stopping the spread of the virus in the workplace,” says Dan Rogers, Kelowna Chamber Executive Director.  “These rapid tests kits should be made available to small businesses at minimal cost no matter where they are located in the province, and we believe members of the BC Chamber network are well-positioned to help the province with distribution if needed.”

For more information:
Dan Rogers, Executive Director, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce dan@kelownachamber.org