Many businesses in the City of Steinbach temporarily closed down August Long Weekend after fear around the novel coronavirus suddenly skyrocketed.

Multiple establishments, including Smitty’s and the Steinbach Credit Union, had staff members test positive for COVID-19 prompting ownership to shut down their facilities. Other businesses quickly followed suit.

space professionally disinfected yesterday and continue to have strict protocols in place when it comes to sanitizing tables and chairs, not setting the tables before-hand, mandatory mask-wearing, as well as temperature checks for our team at the doors.”

Dyck says his entire staff body has now been tested for the virus and results are coming in today. Barring any extreme complications, he expects Smitty’s will be able to reopen by the end of the week.

“We’re looking forward to reopening when it is 100% safe to do so,” he remarks. “We really enjoy serving our guests and anytime we cannot do that, it obviously goes against what we’re here to do.”

The Steinbach Credit Union reopened Tuesday morning.SCU Chief Executive Officer Glen Friesen says his business experienced a similar scare. He notes any customers or staff who could have possibly come into contact with the affected employee have already been notified.

“This person did not contract the disease inside the branch,” he offers, assuring his guests, “and we did a deep clean of the entire facility yesterday.” The SCU reopened Tuesday morning.

Friesen feels the action-packed long weekend serves as a good reminder for local residents who may have found themselves growing complacent in recent days.

“COVID-19 is still here. We have to be vigilant, we have to manage our social distancing, and we have to practice washing our hands. It is still with us and we cannot believe that it is over.”

On that, Dyck agrees. “You can’t predict everything that is going to happen, but if you do the right things it will all work out.”