Many Alberta businesses feel “in the dark” about COVID-19 restrictions and reopening, a new survey has found.
A recent Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) survey shows while many business operators have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions, most have not received information on why these restrictions are necessary or what they can do to reopen.
Of more than 500 survey respondents, 63 per cent had been required to either close or limit operations due to COVID-19 restrictions. These individuals were then given the option to complete additional questions on the circumstances of their business.
Of businesses facing closure or reduced operations, 75 per cent of operators reported they were not provided with data on the risks of their business continuing to operate as usual.
Fifty-six per cent of respondents say they were not provided with government policy outlining why they were required to close or limit operations.
ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly says this data shows the business community needs more transparency around the restrictions it is facing.
“We have always advised—and will continue to advise—business operators to follow the direction of the Alberta Government and Chief Medical Officer of Health,” says Kobly.
“However, these data show business operators are really in the dark about the reasons behind this direction. There’s been a clear breakdown of communication.”
He also suggested government could do more to formalize and promote the process business operators can use to apply for an exemption.