Governments owned the COVID-19 crisis, now it’s our turn
Since the Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region — BESTWR — began sharing the views of local businesses with senior levels of government this past February, we’ve been clear and consistent: government emergency support for families and businesses needed to be big and fast. The scale of the crisis required it.
To their credit, governments across the country answered the call.
For example, Canada’s parliamentary budget officer estimated last week that federal emergency funding for COVID -19 has topped $250 billion.
Have these programs been perfect? No. There have been gaps, delays and mistakes. But in the main, governments went big and they went as fast as governments can go. We applaud them for it.
Now, it’s our turn.
It was up to governments to keep businesses afloat during this crisis. Those efforts continue. But now it’s up to all of us — very much including the business community — to help keep citizens safe and lead by example.
As the economy reopens, bigbox retailers, manufacturers, restaurants and mainstreet independent businesses are going to be inviting patrons back, and that’s a great thing. It means economic activity that will feed families and grow jobs.
It also means that risks of new infection spikes — encompassing both human suffering, a slower return to full employment, and more pressure on our health-care system — are going to be thrust upon us. We need to be ready, stay vigilant and lead by example.
It’s going to fall in large part to business owners and workers to help build a culture of citizen respect for public health guidelines — and frankly, for one another — to reduce the risks for us all.
There is plenty of official public health advice available both now and coming in the weeks ahead, about how businesses can handle the reopening of our economy safely. Our advice here is no substitute for official guidance. But if you — as business owners, workers and shoppers — can remember just a few things, please make it these:
Wear a mask. Masks reduce the likelihood of infection dramatically. For example, there were reports recently of a salon in Missouri where two COVID-19-positive employees came into contact with 140 clients.
Because everyone was wearing masks, none of the 60 exposed patrons who have been tested have so far tested positive. Preventing exposure is ideal, but mitigating exposure through masks is also essential. Maintain physical distance.
We all miss each other. We’re wired for human touch, and disarming physical gestures such as shaking hands are wired into our nature as humans. But we’ve got to hang in there on social distancing. Stay two metres apart from anyone who isn’t part of your personal “bubble” of 10 permanent members of your family and friend circle. Like masks, it’s all about reducing the likelihood of infection. Stay home if you’re sick.
This is a call not only to employees, but to employers. Please lead by example by staying home whenever you are experiencing any cold or flu-type symptoms whatsoever. That will give your employees licence to do the same. Invest in screening practices at the workplace to help your team catch early symptoms and keep each other safe. Most of all, play like a team.
We’re all stressed and even a little scared. Let’s be open about that. We’re scared about risks now inherent in our normal, daily-life routines, such as eating at a restaurant or swinging by a convenience store. And for those who rely heavily on public services and subsidized recreational activities for their kids, the pressure is even greater.
So let’s play like a team. Let’s be kind and patient. Let’s wear masks. Business owners, if an employee needs extra time to take care of his kids or support her elderly parents at this time, find a way to help make it happen.
Businesses are here to generate profits for their owners, yes. But that’s not the half of it. We’re here for community. For quality of life. And we’re here for each other. Business is a key part of the “civil society” that provides the connective tissue of our communities and keeps us engaged with one another.
We’re part of the team, and part of the solution. Let’s stay vigilant and make this reopening successful. Governments, businesses and families can’t afford a second lockdown.
Let’s get to work.