Discussions

So starting Thursday only essential businesses will be open to the public.  
It's nice to know that our government thinks that liquor stores are essential businesses and they get to stay open (what a laugh)  
Let all the drunks get high and pass around the virus

I bet a lot would go crazy if not for a drink or two. I have no beer and can get by with out for now but for some it keeps them grounded.

This came up in the first lockdown, and the LC's and cannabis stores stay open due to addictions. Harm reduction strategy.

Is there a list of what is deemed essential? Specifically , is Physiotherapy essential?

You obviously don’t know how addiction works, it’s a sad reality that yes people need alcohol to manage their day to day lives. A detox is not a pretty thing to see and could increase the demand on an already limited healthcare system.

Physio is considered essential and is allowed to remain open. Same with regulated professions such as massage therapists are also allowed to remain open.

The reason the liquor stores are deemed essential is because of those who have addictions. If they were to close the doors there would major problems for the addicts and the health care system is overwhelmed with the flu/cold bug. Plus it helps to keep the sane, sane.

Massage therapists are not allowed to remain open. I received an email today from my masseuse that stated that they have to close due to restrictions.

Maybe they are doing it voluntarily. Right from the Government website. Screenshot posted for your reference.

Addictions may be the justification but the taxes are the reason.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18nnEZXExE1cgGB0uVZKE2t6iM-bcJ6a8/view

taxes are one of the reasons liquor stores are allowed to stay open. The province does need to make money from somewhere.  
If I were still imbibing I'm afraid that I'd be half in the bag daily because of this covid situation.  
Abbysmum, I don't believe the stores are open for harm reduction. If anyone over indulges then that's their choice and they know with every elbow bend they are doing damage to themselves. Part of the reason I quit!

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

Shoppers Mall has posted a list of which businesses will remain open as essential businesses at https://shoppersmallbrandon.com/pages/shoppersmall-re-opening

Anyone know if they are still doing road tests? MPI has not updated that info yet?

Strange that stores like the Quilt store, showcase and shoe factory are essential businesses. Also a question as bars were not mentioned in the closures. Are they still open - would hope not.

I'm just repeating the information they put out there. That's their excuse and they're sticking to it, lol.  
 
But in all honesty, but booze wasn't available, those with addictions would turn to the black market, which would open up a whole other can of worms. This pandemic has really exasberated the whole addictions issue on all sorts of levels. So it's not too far of a stretch to believe that harm reduction is, at least in part, a reason to keep them open.  
 
I'm sure the money is also incentive, however.

The definition of essential is pretty vague and open-ended. The Chamois car wash in Winnipeg is still open - not sure how they fit into that criteria.

It isn't about "over-indulging" at all. The very clear fact of the matter is that people struggling with alcohol dependency can suffer serious physical harm by just quitting cold turkey.  
 
While that may not be your case, and it sounds like you've overcome addiction (if I read that incorrectly, i apologize), your comment is completely wrong.  
 
It's sad, but alcohol dependency is a serious health issue, and that's why they stores remain open.

Not sure about the others, but Showcase has a huge selection of masks, sanitizer, disinfectants, and other PPE products. I have not seen a better selection anywhere myself. Their prices on these items tend to be the best in town as well (eg- last time I was there, they had a 1L sanitizer for $5, 3 packs of reusable masks for $7). All of these are essential items right now.  
 
Last time they never closed, and apparently have a essential business number from the government of Canada.