By Logan Stein

Local businesses dealing with uncertainties

Mar 16, 2020 | 4:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB–Local bars and restaurants owners are uncertain about the future, with many services being closed around the city.

Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are closed throughout the city and province, leaving many shop owners with more questions than answers while not knowing what could be next for their businesses.

” We are seeing less people come out because of the fear of COVID-19.”

Businesses are amping up their cleaning to try to ease the anxieties of consumers.

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“We have had to change drastically, the way we clean, the way we do tables, wiping down more things, a more regimented cleaning schedule. We are seeing less people come out because of the fear of COVID-19,” said Brad Hayward, owner of Ralph’s Texas Bar and Steakhouse.

“It’s getting tougher and tougher.”

“You still need to support local business, we have around 40 some staff. They have families they need to support, I want to keep them all employed and with their regular hours, it’s getting tougher and tougher. Everyone is in need of support from the government, and from the city to help those people, I don’t know whats going on moving forward.”

Some companies like Ralph’s are using SkipTheDishes to deliver their food. SkipTheDishes has taken precautions of its own by suspending the cash payment option for all orders as a precaution to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19.

” Let’s hope it doesn’t come to closing. “

In yesterday’s press conference, Alberta’s chief medical health officer, Dr.Deena Hinshaw, didn’t count out the possibility of having to close restaurants if the situation continued to worsen.

“These things are on the table for discussion if things continue to change.”

“As recommendations come forward we have those discussions with the emergency management cabinet committee to make the best decisions for Albertans, so these things are on the table for discussion if things continue to change, “ said Hinshaw.

As the situation continues to evolve, a lot of locally-owned businesses remain open to serve the community in any way that they can.

“If you’re at risk don’t come out, but at this time you really need to support local businesses. It’s important to support local.”