Easing of restrictions good news for some, frustrating for others

All other mandatory restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Gordon Mathers, owner of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium in Red Deer, says the changes will be very beneficial for grieving families.

“Family members will be able to be surrounded and supported with additional family and friends,” says Mathers, “(and) will ease an already unbearable time in these family’s lives. The more support and love that a family member receives during the funeral ceremony enables the family members to fully commemorate the loved one’s life.”

The owners of Bladez 2 Fadez barbershop in Innisfail, which caused a stir by opening its doors to customers this week in violation of the restrictions regarding personal service and wellness businesses, were thrilled with Thursday’s announcement by the province.

“Albertans efforts have resulted in a WIN for the personal service industry,” they posted on Facebook “In light of the new adjusted restrictions, we are choosing to abide by the mandatory closure until it is legal to do so on Monday! Thank you to all that worked in the background, stood by and supported us in our efforts to reopen personal services. Much love to all Albertans.”

Brennen Wowk, owner/operator of Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer, says he was surprised by Thursday’s announcement but is very happy to see businesses in that particular sector get to open once again.

“I sit on the board for the Alberta Hospitality Association and in a Tuesday meeting with government, there was no mention of easing restrictions for personal and wellness service businesses,” he recalls. “Personal and wellness business owners have spent considerable resources adjusting their operations and installing PPE to ensure a safe guest experience. They absolutely deserve to be open and making money once again.”

Wowk, however, feels there has been a lack of transparency from the government towards his industry.

“We stand by waiting for data-driven information that the government needs to see in order for them to consider opening the hospitality industry up once again. This and a long-term relaunch strategy have not been provided, even after months of requests for this information. Business owners need information so they can plan next steps and forecast for the year ahead.”

Wowk fears the province is not adequately developing a long-term strategy to successfully relaunch businesses.

“From day one our industry has worked incredibly hard to build safe environments for our guests. We often far exceed Alberta Health suggested operational guidelines. Our industry-accepted additional restrictions such as curfews and limiting to household cohorts even though there was no data provided to justify these restrictions. Curfews simply pushed customers looking to socialize from restaurants which are safe controlled environments with built-in COVID safety protocols, to unsafe and unregulated environments such as home gatherings or mall outings.”

Wowk laments, “What they are doing right now is causing immense stress and mental anguish for so many people out there. I stay up late at night constantly worrying about my team, and unfortunately, I cannot ease their concerns because once again this government has not provided us with a plan.”

For members of the public, Wowk says a big thank you is in order.

“You have been amazing in your support of us local businesses affected by COVID. Keep it up. Order directly from restaurants or any local business for that matter. When this is over, we are going to pack this place with amazing shows and events.”

by Sheldon Spackman

Easing of restrictions good news for some, frustrating for others

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