Key Takeaways:
- While some medical professionals have spoken out against Scott Moe’s plan to eliminate the need for vaccines by the end of February, the business community in Saskatchewan is more optimistic.
- According to Bence, the industry has had a difficult time in general, whether due to Omicron, a severe cold, or the requirement for proof of vaccination.
While some medical professionals have spoken out against Scott Moe’s plan to eliminate vaccine necessities by the end of February, some views in Saskatchewan’s business sector are more optimistic, even if some questions remain.
In October 2021, the province implemented a proof of immunization or negative test mandate, requiring non-essential establishments such as bars, concert venues, and movie theatres to confirm patrons for their COVID-19 immunization status.
According to Jim Bence, the president and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, the end of the policy might be welcome news for the industry.
Also read: This month, Saskatchewan’s Premier hopes to lift all COVID restrictions
“It’s been extremely difficult ever since the policy was implemented,” Bence said.
“That would be among the measures that could be lifted, and I believe it would encourage individuals to go out and spend money again. That is exactly what we require right now.”
According to Bence, the industry has had a difficult time in general, whether it’s because of Omicron, the severe cold, or the proof of vaccination requirement.
“We’re severely understaffed,” he admitted. “We’d be able to have another hand on deck as a result of this.”
According to him, the end of the policy is not a topic at Saskatoon restaurant owners’ pubs.
The end of the mandate hasn’t been a topic among staff or customers at the Rook and Raven and the Yard and Flagon in Saskatoon, according to the co-owner of the Rook and Raven and the Yard and Flagon.
The teams at the two pubs, according to Arno Oldach, never had any issues with people who were not vaccinated attempting to enter.
Working with the rules has “become second nature,” he said.
“Nobody has mentioned that it will be a relief. I haven’t heard anyone express concern about people who haven’t been vaccinated.”
When the provincial vaccine requirement program began in 2021, Oldach spoke with CBC. He stated that business had slowed slightly since the rules went into effect.
Oldach said that he is unsure whether dropping the policy shortly will be a good or bad thing.
He explained, “I’m not a specialist; I’m just a bar owner.” “I think everyone is just exhausted.”
He predicted that the policy would be phased out at some point.
Oldach said he would like to see people come out and support local businesses, but he understands residents’ concerns about going out during the Omicron wave.
Source: CBC New
