Sudbury businesses brace for return of COVID-19 restrictions Wednesday
Business owners in Sudbury say it’s a disappointing step backward, but it’s one they’re used to as strict capacity limits return at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.
“I’m not exactly happy about it, but if it prevents complete lockdown further down the line, then I would much prefer that over locking down again,” said Chris Cunningham, owner of Jak’s Diner on Barrydowne Road.
As of Wednesday, capacity limits are back in effect for places that require proof of vaccination like sit-down restaurants and gyms.
The measures are an attempt to slow the spread of the disease in the city, where hundreds of cases have been added in recent weeks. Another 33 cases were announced Tuesday, and three new outbreaks: at The Rock Harley-Davidson, The Grand Nightclub and Holy Trinity Catholic School.
Cunningham said he'd rather officials act now, before a full lockdown becomes necessary.
“It’s a little bit frustrating,” he said. “But it’s better than closing completely.”
During a media conference Monday, Public Health Sudbury & Districts also said it would be strengthening mask mandates at public events, both inside and outdoors similar to what was seen earlier in the pandemic.
A new restriction this time around requires proof of vaccination for anyone aged 12 and older playing organized sports.
Officials at the YMCA in Sudbury said they were prepared.
“We actually put in place when the vaccination policy was rolled out that anyone entering the facility 12 plus, regardless if they were participating in an active sport or not, had to be vaccinated,” said Kendra MacIsaac.
“In terms of some of the physical distancing that has been put back in place, again, we have so much space here at the Y that that’s something we’re easily able to accommodate.”
Business owners were able to operate at full capacity for a few weeks. For Cunningham, that meant having all tables open again. including the diner counter.
“We have a lot of loyal regulars who eat by themselves, so they would prefer to eat at the counter alone instead of taking up a table,” he said. “So they’re the ones that are going to feel it the most.”
At the YMCA, reopening meant all equipment was open without having to skip every other machine in order to maintain physical distancing.
“As we get busier, there were points in time where all treadmills were being used so members will have to take turns and use the equipment as its available based on the limited number now that we will have in place,” said MacIsaac.
However, with active COVID-19 cases in the city sitting at 263, officials with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce said the new restrictions are needed.
“It’s unfortunate that we are under restrictions once again,” said Neil Milner. “But they are necessary in order to ensure that we don’t get further restrictions later.”
Milner said that even though it is frustrating, businesses really do still need the community’s support.
“From my perspective, they’re doing a great service to the community in helping us limit the spread of COVID-19," he said.
"I would actually ask that the community continue to support local and please let the staff and owners know that their hard work and efforts are appreciated."
Right now, there is no end date on when Sudbury will be able to join the rest of the province again and lift the restrictions.
But officials said it’s critical that people continue to do their part so that eventually, things can return to normal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From collapsing ecosystems to artificial intelligence running wild, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the coming years.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP
A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.