We remain in stage one of the re-opening of the economy in Ontario.

Last week, more retailers opened their doors and several health care professionals also received the go ahead.

North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce Vice President Patti Carr says businesses are re-opening slowly and cautiously, keeping regulations in mind for their customers.

She says businesses became busy right away when garden centres opened, but it’ll depend on the business as to how reticent customers will be when they come back into the store.

“They’re going to be cautious and hoping the businesses are providing additional steps including additional cleaning so customers feel safe going into stores,” she says.

But she says people should remember these businesses play a key role for the community.

“These businesses are our local businesses. They support us every day through fundraisers and other initiatives. It’s time to support local and shop local,” Carr says.

She also says customers will notice a new normal at dentists offices and physiotherapy businesses.

“You have to make an appointment so there’s no crowds into lobbies or reception areas. They’re taking a lot of precautions. You’ll be asked to put on a mask and sanitize your hands,” Carr says.

Meantime, Symetrics co-owner and physiotherapist Danielle Cousineau tells Baytoday a number of safety measures are in place.

She says their waiting room is closed and patients have to sign a consent form that they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.
She says they have on that consent form that when they do come in the clinic they will wash their hands before and after treatment, that they will wear a mask at all times and that they will respect physical distancing with other patients.
Cousineau says after closing in mid to late March they went online with care.
She says they started to say if this lasts more than four weeks our patients are going to have a really difficult time coping so we actually started back then to provide virtual care.

She says they’ve been doing virtual physiotherapy online,
Cousineau also says they were given the green light for urgent care.

(File photo by station staff)

Filed under: covid-19, north-bay-and-district-chamber-of-commerce