A staff member at Dr. Java's on 15th St. E. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Return to normal

Prince Albert businesses welcome lifting of restrictions

Jul 10, 2021 | 8:00 AM

Businesses in Prince Albert are dealing with a mix of emotions less than 24 hours before all COVID related restrictions officially get lifted in Saskatchewan.

As per the government’s re-open plan, all masking and capacity limits will no longer be enforced. Elise Hildebrandt, CEO of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, told paNOW that, for the most part, she’s heard a lot of excitement from local business owners.

“But on the other side of that, a little bit of caution. What happens if they pull back the rules,” she said.

Hildebrandt explained she’s knows a number of examples locally where businesses have oped to continue masking and other protocols until September or October, just to ensure staff and customers are protected.

“We’ve been pretty protective for the past 15 months so I know each store location is kind of looking at what are they going to do,” she said.

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Signs like these will be coming down on Sunday. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

Staff at Canadian Tire have opted to continue to wear masks and signs are posted asking customers to do the same. Store owner Malcolm Jenkins said he thinks people will have no issue with that.

“A couple thousand people a day come through our doors, and some are single vaccinated or double vaccinated, and so I think we are just going to air on the side of caution,” he explained.

Jenkins acknowledged the store’s policies may have appeared “rigid” the past 15 months but added it has worked out for the best, and customers have felt safe coming there to shop.

Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar will be open to 10 p.m. on Saturday night but can then return to pre-COVID hours starting Sunday. Manager Diarmuid Quill said some protocols will remain such as enhanced cleaning practices and use of a booking system, but added staff will have the option to wear a mask.

“We are most definitely looking forward to being full capacity and able to serve the community,” he said.

Quill explained the mandatory reduced capacity has taken a toll on their bottom line but also added take out sales were higher. He explained that now with their ability to serve more customers, they are actively recruiting and training staff.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell