Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP and Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says the decision to issue the lock down order by his government was not taken lightly.
He says they tried to lessen the pain for the business community as much as possible.
“ One of the decisions we made was to begin the lock down after Christmas, on Boxing Day, and that will allow businesses to prepare as they transition to curb side pickup. We also did put more restrictions on the Walmart’s of the world, and the Costco’s to limit them to 25 per cent capacity. “
McNaughton says it’s important to understand why the lockout has to be province wide.
“ The people of Chatham-Kent have done an exceptional job, the cases are really really low, but the reason for the province wide cooling off period is because people are traveling, and people from Toronto for example are going to Niagara Falls, and Orangeville and Collingwood, and spreading those cases. I suspect it will be the 28 days which is what we announced, and all of us working together will insure we leave it at 28 days.”
He adds one good thing that has come out of the pandemic is the support shown to local small businesses as the community comes together.
