Zooming the Pandemic Episode 4 – “Open for Business”
How does a small local business get ready to reopen during this crazy pandemic? That is the question New Westminster writer Deni Loubert asks in this latest episode of the ongoing series about life in New Westminster during the pandemic.
The episode opens with a montage of historic old businesses in New Westminster from the archives of the New Westminster Museum. The trio of interviews begins with newly establish Eye Expressions owner Marnelli Jimenez about keeping her optical business open and how local and government financial help kept her company afloat.
The interviews continue with a talk with local hospitality expert and restauranteur Teg Brar of Thai NewWest. In his interview he talks about his decision to close down completely for two months, the loyalty of his customers and how the hospitality industry in general is weathering the changes the pandemic is creating.
The final interview is with local day spa owner Clara Kovats. Urban Bliss Spa has been in Sapperton for several years, in two locations. She talks about the extensive cleaning protocols needed for as hands-on a business as a day spa as well as her own personal struggles during the two-month lockdown of spas in British Columbia.
We conclude this episode with our narrator’s own take on the joys and dangers for both businesses and their clients as we look to reopen our own town for business. How will we know when we are truly ready to be once again open for business?