A collection of chambers of commerce and economic development groups have expressed what they called 鈥渟trong support鈥� for the targeted approach the Government of Saskatchewan has taken to address rising case counts in localized hotspots, including new mandatory mask requirements.
The 34 organizations, which includes Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall, issued the statement Friday afternoon, not long after the provincial government announced it would require masks in public, indoor areas, such as businesses, in communities with at least 5,000 people, such as Estevan.
Also included are communities that fall within the census metropolitan areas of Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
The change takes effect Monday. 聽
鈥淲hile we acknowledge some businesses will be significantly affected by today鈥檚 announcement, returning to a widespread, large-scale lockdown would be catastrophic to Saskatchewan jobs, Saskatchewan families, and on the immediate survivability of Saskatchewan businesses 鈥� even with new and extensive government intervention. The health, societal, and economic harm would have lasting, irreversible impacts.鈥�
The organizations are calling on all Saskatchewan residents to follow the restrictions and guidelines set out by public health experts.
鈥淒o your part and be a good neighbour. We also support the proactive enforcement of these critical measures.鈥�
As the Christmas season approaches, they ask Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses wherever possible. Many of these businesses are barely hanging on, and every little bit counts.
鈥淎nd above all else: Be kind to each other. We are all in this together.鈥�
