Coalition of 6,200 Ottawa businesses demands data from province to justify closures
An open letter signed by a coalition that represents more than 6,200 businesses in the capital is demanding the Ontario government produce the data that justifies new the COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place on the weekend.
Effective Saturday, Oct. 10, Ottawa was placed under a modified Stage 2 regime by provincial officials, which prohibits indoor food and drink services in restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments in Ottawa, including nightclubs and food court areas in malls.
Indoor gyms and fitness centres, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments, cinemas, performing arts centres and venues, spectator areas in racing venues and interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres and landmarks were also ordered closed for at least 28 days.
In an open letter, Mark Kaluski, chair of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) called for a meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott and Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli to discuss the justification for the closures.