There’s ongoing concern and trepidation among local businesses as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Eric Zakrewski, The CEO of the Community Economic Development Commission, says businesses are doing their best despite restrictions and having to re-invent the way they do business.
Zakrewski isn’t sure though what would be the breaking point for local businesses.
“Those businesses that were able to pivot or find a way through the first wave using government subsidization programs, well the second wave is obviously going to have a compounding effect and in turn will make things that much more difficult,” says Zakrewski.
The Chief Executive Officer stresses the possibility of another lockdown would hurt businesses, especially those in the hospitality, retail and dining sectors who are facing their prime season for their bottom line.
“We hope that Thunder Bay can contain its numbers the way we did in the first wave. With that we can see more flexibility in addition to less blanket restrictions applied from the province or the health unit,” notes Zakrewski.
Zakrewski says there’s optimism but ongoing concern that there’ll be more businesses impacted in the second wave than the first.
