The city of Hamilton and its three chambers of commerce have established an “economic recovery working group” and website to help local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
It comes as many businesses have been forced to close or suspend operations, as the Ontario government has ordered the closure of restaurants, bars, theatres, libraries, child-care centres, and recreation programs until at least March 31.
While some restaurants are still offering takeout, many have shut down for the time being. Other businesses are seeing a significant decrease in the number of customers due to social-distancing and self-isolation practices promoted as ways to reduce the spread of the virus.