City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick this morning said yesterday’s Provincial Health Officer orders that include a “circuit breaker” three-week shutdown of indoor dining and gatherings, “feels like a real kick.

“The announcement yesterday about restaurants being closed for indoor dining is causing a lot of grief – most significantly the loss of dozens of jobs – again. We can only hope that this is just a three-week thing,” Mayor McCormick stated on social media.

“Given the amazing job everyone in the Kootenay region has done to limit COVID spread, this feels like a real kick.

“Doug Clovechok, our MLA, along with others of us across the region have been advocating for a regional approach to restrictions – to focus on the problem areas. I contacted MLAs from both parties and no matter our logic, it will not happen. As (Dr.) Bonnie Henry articulated on CBC radio this morning, her fear is that travel between the regions across the province is a significant threat; nothing anyone says will change her position.

“So our best course of action is to roll with reality and do our best to minimize the effects. We can do that by ordering take-out from our restaurants starting today. They have a lot of food that is sitting in their fridges that unless used now, will need to be tossed. It is also the best option for keeping as many jobs as possible,” the mayor urged.

“Also note that patios are still in play for a slightly cooler dining experience. Hopefully a few of those will open a tad sooner than usual – with heaters!”

McCormick said Kimberley residents “must continue to keep our focus on following the protocols. Our case count sits at 19 pandemic to date – one of the best results in the province. We can keep it that way by continuing to do what we are doing.

“Our vaccination centre at Centennial Hall is moving people through as quickly as vaccine supplies allow. In a short time we will have the community covered and this entire episode will be behind us.

“The sun is shining most days, so let’s get out and take advantage of it,” McCormick concluded.

Lead image: The Pedal and Tap patio converted to adapt to the pandemic earlier this year. While restaurants cannot have customers inside, patios can remain open and take out service is available. e-KNOW file photo

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