Ottawa’s Chinatown feeling serious economic impact of coronavirus stigma

The effects of the coronavirus have been widespread, and are leading to a significant slowdown for businesses in Ottawa's Chinatown. 

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson spent a portion of Friday afternoon, along with Ottawa's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches and City Councillor Keith Egli, helping to dispel any stigmas surrounding the local Chinese community.

“They need your support because they're up against a lot of social media that's inaccurate,” explained Watson, adding that some comments “bordered on racism in terms of kids treating Chinese kids differently, and people fearing to go to a Chinese restaurant.”

Terry Cheng is a member of the Somerset BIA, owning a business and property in the area. He tells 1310 NEWS that in Chinatown, the stigma around the virus has led to businesses suffering.

“The traffic has been down, the business has not been very good and since the coronavirus, there really has been a downturn of business on Somerset Street.” explained the owner of Precision Laser Spa.

When asked to quantify the drop, Cheng said some business owners he's spoken to say revenue has fallen by 50 per cent.

While Cheng understands that many residents are hesitant to shop, he's worried about what the future might hold.

“If we can't get support right now, then what happens when we do have one or two cases of the coronavirus — and not specifically for Somerset Street, but retail businesses around Ottawa.”

Cheng says the Chinese community in Ottawa is delivering groceries and providing services to people returning from China, who are going into self-isolation. There are two volunteer groups each containing over 100 members.

“If you are by yourself, you will need support groups to bring you food because you don't want to bring the coronavirus to Canada.”

Winnie Zhang says she has seen many fewer faces walk through the doors at Mekong since the outbreak of COVID-19, but customers are staying loyal.

“We found there is lots of takeout, and not too many people are coming down for dining, while delivery we have increased so much,” explained the restaurant manager.

She tells 1310 NEWS that many customers have stayed with them through generations, and it's helping the business stay afloat.