By Canadian Press

B.C. businesses want safe reopenings even if it means taking extra time

May 19, 2020 | 2:33 PM

VICTORIA — Plans to restart British Columbia’s economy are on a slow and steady approach as businesses strive to protect staff and customers from COVID-19.

Greg McAuley runs 10 Tim Hortons outlets in Metro Vancouver and says they are staggering a full reopening of the restaurants to indoor customers over the next few days.

McAuley says even though B.C. eased restrictions to allow restaurants, pubs and personal service businesses to reopen today, he wants to take more time to ensure its safe.

Thomas Hart says he’s not reopening his Penticton barber shop until at least June 2 to allow him to secure scarce personal protective equipment for customers and staff.

The B.C. government also announced today that it will be giving pandemic pay to health and social service workers who give in-person support to some of the province’s most vulnerable people.

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Finance Minister Carole James says more than 250,000 workers are eligible for a lump-sum payment of $4 per hour over a 16-week period.

James says the cost of the extra pay is part of the federal government’s $5-billion COVID-19 action plan to provide relief for people, communities and businesses in the province.

“People at the front lines of the pandemic are working tirelessly to keep us and our loved ones healthy, while also delivering services to the most vulnerable in our community,” James says in a news release.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2020.

The Canadian Press