The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to provide data to support implementation of recent pandemic-related public health orders.
In the absence of such information, the chamber is asking government to not extend the public health orders when they are set to be reviewed on Jan. 18.
“Kamloops’ businesses have again been greatly impacted by recent public health orders made by our provincial government, resulting in the closure of certain businesses,” the chamber said in a release.
The chamber noted it recognizes the need for such if government is aware of information that would support protective measures.
“However, in the absence of such information, the measures imposed appear inconsistent and arbitrary, which make them more challenging for the affected businesses and for members of the public to accept,” the statement continued.
Specifically, the chamber is urging government to produce rationale that would support the closures in the fitness industry and the reduced capacity and closures in the hospitality sector compared to other sectors, so that people can better understand the rationale for such orders.
“For instance, how is the transmission at gyms exceptional to that of shopping malls or organized sports, which remain open without any additional restrictions?” the chamber asked, adding that is such data or analysis cannot be provided, it is asking government to not extend any public health orders past Jan. 18, when they are scheduled to be reviewed.
