Frustration is what many business owners are feeling right now according to the President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

Chuck Davidson says many businesses were slowly getting back on track after the economic shutdown in spring, but the province's order to close down again is something he didn't think would happen.

"Businesses had been following the rules, following the protocols to make sure you were going to have a safe experience in their establishment. So, I think businesses are extremely frustrated and for those businesses that were forced to close their doors again, it's almost like a second kick in the teeth. That's a real challenge for these businesses."

The Manitoba government moved the province into the red, or critical level of its pandemic response system earlier this month forcing non-essential retail shops to close but allowing them to provide delivery and pickup services.

Davidson says those small businesses that have supported the local hockey team and other community projects over the years really need the support of their patrons right now.

"The easy thing for a lot of people to do is simply go on big websites and Amazon and do things like that because it's easy. What we're encouraging people to do is look at those small businesses and see if they have an online presence, or can you make a phone call ... and determine if there is anything you can do to help that small business through this challenging time?"

The province initially heard many complaints from smaller business owners about big-box stores selling both essential and non-essential goods when the shutdown order came down. That situation was addressed last week when the province issued even more stringent regulations on what stores could sell. 

Davidson was reluctant to heap all the blame on the big retailers and suggested consumers need to take some responsibility.

"Follow the advice of Dr. (Brent) Roussin. If you don't need essentials, stay home. That needs to be first and foremost. I think it's really incumbent that the public understands what we're trying to do here. Manitoba's (COVID-19) numbers are out of whack. We're leading Canada and we don't seem to be heeding that message."

Davidson says everyone needs to do their part to get this virus under control so that businesses can re-open as quickly as possible and consumers can resume purchasing goods and services from them.