Businesses react to new COVID-19 restrictions announced by the province Tuesday

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Businesses in Calgary say while the recently-announced COVID-19 restrictions are understandable, they’re still challenging to manage.

The province announced a bevy of new measures Tuesday to help curb the spread of COVID-19, including closing gyms, salons, and restaurants, pubs, and bars.

The owner of Cut and Shave on 17 Avenue, Phillip Elliot, says he understands why a lockdown may be required, but it does hurt.

“There is so many mixed emotions about it. I feel like, yeah, if we need cases to get down for sure. But at the same token, this is a lot of our livelihoods at stake and I think it’s going to hit our city really, really hard and that really upsets me,” said Elliot.

Elliot believes they will be able to bounce back financially after the lockdown is lifted, but he does know several other businesses that may go under and it’s a tough thing to witness.

“For this, it’s going to be like grinding for another month or two or something just like the last we reopened. Everyone is going to want a haircut coming back and right now our phones are ringing off the hook,” added Elliot.

Annie Macinnis, the Executive Director of the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone, says it’s very unfortunate to see restaurants and other businesses be hit the hardest by the effects of the pandemic

“For some, it may be a help to be closed down and get some reopening grants again to help out with the finances. It’s difficult to say. I think we just need to look at the numbers and it’s very unfortunate that business and restaurants, eateries, and pubs are bearing the brunt of this,” said Macinnis.

“I am so proud of my Kensington businesses and how hard they have worked to adapt and adjust, and some have failed through no fault of their own, simply finances, but those that have survived are working so hard,” added Macinnis.

Macinnis says the best way to help small business owners is to shop local and make use of local curbside pickup or delivery options.

Now, Adrian Urlacher, executive director of the Beltline Business Improvement Association says the new restrictions are unsurprising but shocking.

“I think it was like expected. This was expected two weeks ago–let alone now–so trying to develop ways to keep our small businesses relevant is incredibly important.”

Urlacher adds the 16 BIAs throughout Calgary will continue to keep their focus on curbside pickup and other ways of marketing to help the 25,000 small businesses they represent.

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