A former Kamloops restaurateur says the COVID-19 pandemic will be devastating for restaurants and small businesses across the country.

Frank D’Amore is hoping that restaurants aren’t completely shut down, and are instead allowed to operate in some capacity, so owners can make ends meet.

“The biggest thing is for people to keep it realistic and understand that if all the safe protocols are done, that its still safe to do things in moderation,” he said. “Things like aligning with 50 per cent capacity, or restricted the distance between tables. So those are things that would certainly help the restaurants.”

D’Amore says he’s also worried about tourism in Kamloops, saying the coronavirus means there’s won’t be as much money being spent at local restaurants, and hotels.

He says whatever the governments do, it has to be a team effort.

“And then people will work with their landlords on things like rent and stuff. I think banks are going to have to come on board with extending some sort of credit, I know that’s going to be a difficult one, probably the most difficult,” D’Amore added.

“Most of the mom and pops operations might be able to survive by cutting all their labour. I don’t know how the bigger restaurants, the ones with 40-50 staff, how they are going to fare.”

The province has already announced a ban on public gatherings with 50 or more people for the foreseeable future.

While some restaurants have closed dining rooms to the public, there isn’t an outright ban requiring them to close just yet, though the province is considering it.