HUMBOLDT — New masking requirements are coming at a time where Humboldt’s retail community is preparing for Moonlight Madness and Black Friday. At this point, those events will continue.
As of Nov. 16, masks are required in every indoor public space in Humboldt.
“If it's what we have to do to get through this pandemic, then let's do it,” said Brent Fitzpatrick, the executive director of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce. “It seems pretty simple to me. If all you have to do is wear a mask and it reduces transmission, then let's do that.”
The executive director noted restrictions are far worse to the east, in Manitoba. There, non-critical retail businesses have been closed down.
Moonlight Madness will take place in Humboldt’s businesses on Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Activities planned for the evening include hot chocolate at the Humboldt and District Gallery, a store window decorating contest, the kickoff for the Festival of Wreaths, the kickoff for the Festival of Lights and late night shopping.
Fitzpatrick said local businesses are prepared to meet health requirements, that they have personal protective equipment and sanitizer ready.
“I'm hoping people understand and respect that masks are mandatory, that there's going to be physical distancing rules for every store. Every store is going to be different because some are bigger, some are smaller,” he said. “I'm pretty sure everyone is going to get it and will abide by the rules.”
“We're going to be able to be very cautious about it and it just really comes down to: let's play by the rules, let's get through this.”
The executive director said now, more than ever, it’s important to shop local, not in the city or online.
“These people, they don't only offer their goods and services to you. They also support you throughout the year with school projects, sport teams and community efforts,” he said.
“If you begin to shop online, and you spend all of your money with the box with the arrow on it, the next time you go to ask for something from local businesses, it's not outside the realm of possibility that they're going to say no.”
Fitzpatrick said there’s still need to buy gifts for our family and friends, even with health restrictions.
“There's a way to do that. We just all have to be a part of the solution.”
