The Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association says business owners are concerned about what might come if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across British Columbia.

Carl DeSantis says it is possible for people to follow public health guidelines but still support local businesses in the months ahead.

“Remember that sinking feeling that each of us had as the impact of COVID negatively impacted so many aspects of our lives, and they were. You know that void, that empty feeling we had. So lets take back control, lets support and keep our economy going,” he said.

DeSantis is asking people in Kamloops and other parts of the province to learn from how COVID-19 has been playing out in the United States and Eastern Canada where businesses have had to close up again, saying we can avoid that in British Columbia.

“We’re walking on egg shells to be blunt,” he said. “I’m an optimist but I’m certainly aware that external influences have really got a grasp on our business community in some regards – not necessarily or as much in Kamloops as the Lower Mainland or other centres but we’re watching very very closely what is going on.”

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said last week that they’re not looking at closing restaurants right now, because people in those businesses are following COVID-19 safety plans

This week, Deputy Health Officer Dr. Reka Gustafson noted there isn’t a specific number of cases that would lead to the province imposing more COVID-19 restrictions like lockdowns. She did however note that the type of restrictions will depend on how COVID-19 is spreading, which right now is largely due to gatherings in private homes.

“We can do the right thing, but we need to do it now,” DeSantis added. “Collectively, we can absolutely support and save our downtown and community businesses.”