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By Jaryn Vecchio

Small Uptick

P.A. residents taking advantage after COVID restrictions lifted

Feb 22, 2022 | 5:12 PM

The removal of COVID-19 restrictions is having a positive effect on some Prince Albert businesses and groups.

Earlier this month, the Government of Saskatchewan decided to lift the measures with the City of P.A. following suit. Both are planning to lift the mask mandate at the end of February.

Davinder Singh, general manager of P.A.’s Mr. Mikes Steakhouse, told paNOW numbers have been steadily improving ever since.

“I don’t want to jinx myself too soon, but this is our second week and I already added extra servers on shift to give the best customer service.”

The restaurant also saw a small uptick in customers over the Family Day long weekend, though Singh gave his employees the Monday off.

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The increase in customers is also leading Singh to look at hiring more staff.

Meanwhile, the Spice Trail hasn’t been as fortunate.

“I thought things would change after the restrictions, the vaccine mandate, but no it’s been the same,” added Sheena Rai, co-owner of the P.A. restaurant.

Her hope is to see an increase once masks are no longer required, however, she doesn’t believe it will make a difference.

Bigger Crowds for Local Hockey Teams

The P.A. Raiders and Mintos have both seen a small uptick in fans at their games since restrictions were lifted.

Whether this is directly related to the measures or the fact each is in a playoff push, is still a question they can’t answer confidently.

Michael Scissons, the Raiders’ business manager, said whatever the reason is it helped them bring in a big crowd this past weekend.

“Friday night; which is a weekend payday, the Regina Pats with Connor Bedard — kind of a rookie-sensation coming in — and obviously the vaxx mandate, it was almost a perfect storm for us.”

Mintos manager Kalen Wright believes the mask mandate, which is slated to be lifted at the end of the month, will have a bigger impact than the removal of the vaccine policy.

The team is currently waiting for the playoffs to start after finishing the regular season over the long weekend.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow