ROTHENBURGER – Behind every ‘Temporarily Closed’ sign is someone’s fragile dream
Victoria Street trying to weather COVID-19. (Image: Mel Rothenburger)
VICTORIA STREET AT 11 A.M. should be bustling with activity — busy sidewalks, stores and coffee shops, crowded, slow-moving traffic.
But not this week, not on this day. At least half the parking stalls are empty. About every second or third store is locked up. Each has a notice taped to the front door explaining that, due to the COVID-19 virus, it will remain closed until further notice.
“Effective immediately, we have decided to temporarily close the Commodore Grand Café & Lounge,” reads one.
“Although this will cause a tremendous financial burden, we feel it is the best course of action, due to the nature of our business. The safety of our employees, patrons, and the general public is the most important aspect of this entire situation.”
(Since my main street stroll, B.C. medical health officer Bonnie Henry has ordered all restaurants closed to sit down service — take-out and delivery only.)
A couple of shoppers beckon to me on the sidewalk. We maintain an appropriate distance.
Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He writes five commentaries a week for CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
I could not believe what I was reading this morning about exceptions of who can still enter Canada over our border. The illegal border is still wide open and the legal one as well. So much for stemming people possibly infected from bringing the illness into Canada. It only took hours for our leader and his government to backpedal on what was said yesterday.