(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge businesses breathing “big sigh of relief” with easing restrictions: Chamber

Feb 11, 2022 | 2:26 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Many business owners in Lethbridge are celebrating this week’s announcement that COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted in Alberta.

That’s according to Cyndi Vos, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.

On Tuesday, Premier Jason Kenney announced the province’s plan to ease public health measures, beginning with the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) being eliminated as of midnight the same day.

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“You know, there’s been a big sigh of relief on many levels because now, people can enter every business, and I think that is going to ease some of the stress of business owners,” Vos told LNN.

She was glad to see that the government is taking a phased approach as it will allow businesses and the public to get used to things changing once again. She also believes it will be a good thing for those who are feeling anxiety about reopening.

Restaurants, in particular, have been greatly impacted by the REP – having to make the choice between requiring proof of vaccination or limiting themselves to one-third seating capacity.

From the Chamber members she has spoken to in the food-service industry, many are thrilled that this will not be mandated upon them.

“A lot of them feel like they’re having grand reopenings almost because a lot of their customers, they were regulars, or you know, and having to tell people that you’re not allowed, you’re not welcome, and you’re – please don’t come in, you know, that puts pressure on the people coming in and [that] puts pressure on the business owner and the staff.”

Vos pointed out that, even though public health measures will not be mandatory soon, some businesses and service providers might choose to keep some or all of the restrictions in place.

She hopes that people will be able to understand when someone approaches their business and health decisions from a different perspective and that we can all find common ground.

“It isn’t just business. Everybody in society has felt the effects of the pandemic, and so we just need to ease ourselves back into relationships and we need to encourage our businesses, whether it’s a restaurant or a small business owner or the factory workers.”

Full details on the Alberta Government’s plan to lift COVID restrictions can be found here.