The Leader of the Opposition today backed a call for people to support the island’s economy through the Covid-19 pandemic.Craig Cannonier said this morning that, in addition to the health threat posed by the coronavirus, Bermuda faced an economic crisis.Mr Cannonier said: “We have seen reports of shops shutting, Government revenues collapsing and fears over unemployment. “We cannot be sure when the airport will reopen or when cruise ships might dock once more.“And, while I understand that people’s incomes have been hit, it is important to support, as much as we can, our local businesses and I am happy to give my backing to the new #ChooseBDA campaign.”Mr Cannonier, the One Bermuda Alliance leader, added: “Shops like the Mom and Pop corner stores, the hotels and high street stores all need our help – Amazon does not, nor does Facebook or Google.“It’s been said that Bermudians spent about $300 million a year on vacations. When we are allowed to, use some of that for staycations, use some to buy local products.”He said: “The effect of Covid comes on top of successive monthly declines across the board in retail sales volume. “Small to medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of the community. They need our support.”Mr Cannonier also asked island businesses to do their part to encourage people to shop at home. David Burt, the Premier, last week asked residents to consider staycations instead of overseas trips to help boost the hard-hit tourism industry.The Bermuda Tourism Authority has also signalled it would re-focus its efforts on Bermuda to help bolster retailers, restaurants and other businesses dependent on visitor dollars.