18.62°C Vancouver

May 19, 2020 3:20 PM -

Businesses, customers urged to 'take it slow' as B.C. reopens

Share On
businesses-customers-urged-to-take-it-slow-as-b-c-reopens
Chairs are turned upside down on the bar at a closed restaurant, amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Business owners are encouraged to "take it slow" as B.C. begins the second phase of its restart plan.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she understands there will be anxiety as B.C. businesses open their doors for potentially the first time in several months.

Starting today, restaurants, cafes and pubs, retail and personal service establishments, libraries, museums and galleries, office spaces and child care facilities may reopen.

Parks, beaches and recreational facilities are reopening, too.

Henry says she knows people are a "little bit afraid" and says they should "take it slow" during what she anticipates will be "a bit of an anxiety-provoking week" until people get used to it.

Henry points to how residents became used to social distancing guidelines at grocery stores.

Latest news

bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-interest-rate-at-2-25-rate-hikes-possible-in-2027
CanadaAug 31, 2026

Bank of Canada Expected to Hold Interest Rate at 2.25%, Rate Hikes Possible in 2027

The Bank of Canada is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, marking a seventh consecutive rate hold. The central bank has maintained the rate at 2.25% since October 2025. Financial markets and economists expect the Bank of Canada to continue with a cautious, wait-and-see approach for now as it closely monitors inflation, economic growth and uncertainty surrounding the Canada-U.S. trade relationship. However, discussions are growing about the possibility of interest rate increases next year as the ongoing trade war could put addit
trump-warns-canada-over-venezuela-oil-deal-signals-u-s-may-no-longer-need-canadian-crude
CanadaAug 31, 2026

Trump Warns Canada Over Venezuela Oil Deal, Signals U.S. May No Longer Need Canadian Crude

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks against Canada continue, with his latest remarks focusing on a major oil deal involving Venezuela. Trump has described the agreement, involving Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, as a direct warning to Ottawa and suggested that the United States may not need Canadian crude oil in the future. Experts say the deal could create increased competition for Canadian crude in the U.S. market in the coming years. Both Canada and Venezuela are major producers of heavy crude, which is used by refineries designed to process heavier grades of oil. Trump recently sha
b-c-ndp-mla-and-indigenous-leader-joan-philip-dies-at-74-vancouver-strathcona-seat-vacant
BCAug 31, 2026

B.C. NDP MLA and Indigenous Leader Joan Philip Dies at 74, Vancouver-Strathcona Seat Vacant

B.C. NDP MLA and prominent Indigenous leader Joan Philip has died at the age of 74. She represented the Vancouver-Strathcona riding in the provincial legislature. According to the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Philip died Friday afternoon in hospital in the presence of her family. She had been battling a serious illness for some time. Her husband, Grand Chief Stewart Philip, along with her children and grandchildren, were by her side at the time of her death. B.C. Premier David Eby paid tribute to Philip, describing her as a fearless warrior and inspiring leader. He said she dedicated her life
drug-trafficking-network-operator-tyler-missen-sentenced-to-11-5-years-in-prison
BCAug 31, 2026

Drug Trafficking Network Operator Tyler Missen Sentenced to 11.5 Years in Prison

A man identified as Tyler Missen has been sentenced to 11.5 years in prison following an RCMP-led investigation into a drug trafficking network operating across several cities in B.C. According to RCMP, the trafficking network was linked to Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley. On June 29, police carried out searches at multiple locations, seizing large quantities of drugs, weapons, vehicles and Canadian currency. Three people were arrested during the operation. Missen, a Langley resident, pleaded guilty on July 2 while in custody to drug trafficking and weapons-related offences. On August 26, t
former-punjabi-lawyer-arrested-in-4-3m-mortgage-fraud-investigation
CanadaAug 31, 2026

Former Punjabi Lawyer Arrested in $4.3M Mortgage Fraud Investigation

Peel Regional Police in Ontario have arrested a former Punjabi lawyer in connection with an alleged $4.3-million mortgage and cheque fraud investigation. The accused has been identified as 52-year-old Pawanjeet Singh Mann. According to police, Mann is alleged to have been involved in mortgage fraud-related activities since 2019. His licence to practise law was revoked by the Ontario Law Society Tribunal in July 2025. Between June and July of this year, Peel police received several complaints against Mann. An investigation was launched in August, during which investigators alleged that Mann was

Related News