Instead of slapping on more restrictions amid the rising tide of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry urged businesses during a Tuesday briefing to use what they've learned during the pandemic and make the right decisions on how to operate.
"It's not about public health orders and us telling you what to do," said Henry, who later added: "I've always said I want to get out of the order business."
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Dan Rogers believes businesses can handle it.
"I think that most businesses have figured out a way, over the last two years, to pivot, to adjust, to be ready for constant change," said Rogers.
"It's, frankly, the way they do business now. They start the week by looking at what changed this week and what adjustments do I have to make."
The wave of cases from the Omicron variant has brought about a much more restrictive response in some other provinces.
In Quebec, there's a 10 pm to 5 am curfew and in Ontario, dining rooms, theatres, cinemas and other indoor meeting spaces are closed.
Rogers acknowledged that in BC, it's always been recommendations before orders, so it's really more of the same.
"We're used to that," said Rogers. "I think businesses have appreciated that consistent approach that only when necessary orders will be put in place."
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
