Local businesses feel ‘targeted’ by new round of closures, capacity limits

Some local business owners in the Greater Hamilton Area say they feel targeted by the latest round of health measures that will limit visitors and even close their doors.

On Monday, the province announced it will be moving back to a modified version of Step 2 of the province’s reopening plan on Jan. 5.

Ontario will be implementing new public health measures meant to curtail the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Restaurants and bars will be forced to close indoor dining but can still offer takeout, drive-through, delivery or outdoor dining options with restrictions.

Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities including gyms must shut down with an exception for athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues.

Justin Baker owns F45 Training in downtown Hamilton and says these types of measures affect his clients’ well-being.

“There are other implications beyond just catching COVID that come with not training and having that mental health impact,” said Baker.

Dave Fateaux, owner of Bon Temps restaurant in Hamilton, says the constant “back-and-forth” of restrictions has been incredibly challenging for his business.

“It doesn’t even feel real anymore,” said Fateaux. “I don’t understand why small businesses are being targeted. The fact that you can still go into a mall and walk around freely but you can’t come into a restaurant and sit six feet apart from people is pretty frustrating.”

The province says it will remain in the modified Step Two for at least 21 days, subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.

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