Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 18, 2020
Tofino businesses cautiously re-open amid COVID-19 Tourism remains quiet in early June, as shops track visitors, encourage sanitization and limit customer access By Melissa Renwick Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Tofino, BC - Lewis George was one of the first to close down his business operations in Tofino amid growing fears of COVID-19. The Hereditary Chief of Ahousaht swiftly made the call on March 17 when one of his employees showed up to work sick. After months of uncertainty of when businesses would be able to re-open safely again, the storeowner welcomed customers back on June 1. “It’s been pretty quiet – really, really quiet,” said George. “It’s a forecast of what may be.” With a slew of new safety measures in place, George and his wife, Cathy, are operating cautiously to ensure that their staff and visitors are kept safe. Directional signs mark the route within the business and they are limiting occupancy to six people at a time. Plexi-glass has been installed in front of the gallery’s registers and a sanitization station has been placed at the store’s entrance. The business took it one step further by creating a document to record customer’s contact details upon entry. While there have been a few who have resisted providing their personal details, George said it’s the most effective way of being able to contact visitors should an outbreak occur. “The big worry is asymptomatic people that are carrying the virus,” he said. Following the advice from the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and through conversations with the TofinoLong Beach Chamber of Commerce, George said that they are only accepting
Photo by Melissa Renwick
Leandra Charlie said that she still hasn’t gotten used to having to wear a face mask while working at the Dockside Smoked Fish Store. “I have a little one at home that I have to think of,” she said, on Thursday, June 4. 50 per cent threshold to allow 48 hours reservations for the Himwitsa Lodge Like most businesses in town, The Best to pass after a guest has checked out for from B.C. residents at this time. Western Tin Wis welcomed their first “We’re not the only business that’s beguests at the resort on June 1. the room to be turned into a vacant, clean room. All marketing campaigns outside ing affected,” he said. “And I really feel “It does feel good to have a little bit bad about those businesses that are going more life here at the resort and bringing of B.C. have ceased and they’ve transitioned to touchless check-in and payment under that’ll never come back.” our staff back with the right protocols,” processes. Other amenities, like the hot Although hotels are deemed an essensaid Deaton. tial service, The Best Western Tin Wis While he said that business is still very tub, are closed until July. “We’re in very uncertain times,” said temporarily closed its doors in late-March slow, he remains optimistic that the resort out of respect to the local community. will get by through the outpour of calls George, who fears that COVID-19 may never go away. “It is a sensitive area with limited and inquiries from prospective guests. resources,“ said general manager Jared In order to keep staff and guests safe, Deaton. the resort has established a maximum of
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