Many small businesses in Moose Jaw have been re-opened for almost a month now and both owners and customers are increasingly becoming more accustomed to the new safety measures in place.

The Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce has been visiting a number of re-opened restaurants and retail establishments and are happy to report that many businesses are going above and beyond to make their customers feel safe and welcome. Chamber CEO Rob Clarke says consumer confidence is also beginning to increase and local businesses are seeing more and more in-person customers.

"I think people are starting to realize the importance of small businesses and I hope the community is starting to feel an obligation to support local shops."

Nevertheless, many local businesses are still struggling due to certain restrictions.

"Some of the restaurants are smaller and don't have the ability to do even 50% capacity because their space is not big enough to allow for the six feet of social distance. So some of them are down to 30% capacity. I can hardly imagine the strain they are under."

While some local businesses have been able to re-hire employees who they had to lay off earlier, Clarke hopes that even more will be able to get back to work soon.

"When they have the opportunity to go back to work, I think a lot of employees are ready and willing to start again. I know the rumours are that lots would rather stay at home, but I think more want to keep working."

Clarke says his hat is off to all the businesses that have worked so hard to keep their employees and customers safe during re-opening. He adds that there has never been a more important time than now to show our support to local businesses.