Businesses required to have patrons provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result begin implementation today. (File photo/ Sask Health)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Proof required

Business owners brace for proof of vaccine implementation

Oct 1, 2021 | 5:21 PM

Providing proof of vaccination has begun for specific businesses in the Battlefords.

Rachel Lee, owner of the Beaver Grill Express, said most people coming in to the building have been ready for the change and seem cooperative, adding that occasionally some people have called and been upset learning they can’t come in without. However, they’ve received many questions on what level of vaccination qualifies for attendance and about pick up orders.

“It’s only the first day, so no one has really made a big [fuss],” she said. “Overall, most people know what’s happening and are trying to follow the rules.”

When it comes to picking up food, plenty of people are wondering whether they can come into restaurants for the transaction, so long as they aren’t sitting down to dine.

“I’ve asked the health inspector about whether it’s for dine in people specifically or everyone and I haven’t received an answer yet,” Lee said.

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She noted having curbside is doable, but puts even more pressure on an already shortened staff.

“Having to come down to the parking lot adds a lot more work,” she said. “But we’re still excited and optimistic about how things will go.”

At the Capitol Theatre, General Manager Aleksi Anseth said reception has been mixed, with some expressing their disappointment with the province’s decision, while others said they feel more safe in deciding to see a movie at the theatre. She added staff are all vaccinated and have been supportive thus far.

“I’m for anything that keeps the community safe,” she said. “Now, we’ll just have to wait and see how our patrons react in person.”

Given that many of her staff are young, several in high school, Anseth said it’s unfortunate that the government has placed this burden on them. Other effects of the change in restrictions are likely to occur as well.

“It will limit who can come to the theatre and likely lower our attendance. But we’ll see,” Anseth explained.

Anseth said they are accepting the cards given at vaccination sites, given that the QR code system has been finnicky so far. In looking at the future, she said they’re going to week-to-week, as the release of several large movies change at the last minute.

“The movie landscape is inconsistent right now,” she said. “But our ticket sales have been OK so far, so I’m not worried yet. As long as everyone is polite and follows the rules, we should be OK.”

Fitness feeling pressure

Similarly to some business owners in the restaurant industry, gyms and fitness facilities are feeling unfairly targeted by the restrictions.

Miranda Wise, owner of Pipes Fitness in North Battleford, said business owners in her industry haven’t appreciated the negative spin on health and fitness that’s come from being designated in the group facing the harshest restrictions.

“They compare a place that has 150 people to a place like mine that has 10,” she said. “The staff has done an amazing job ensuring that there are enough measures put in place to keep people safe and our clients have given us no pushback.”

“If we aren’t keeping our clients and customers health, that’s going to have a negative impact on our business anyway.”

One of her concerns is that some people will be discouraged from otherwise attending fitness facilities and working on their health.

“It’s very important to us that we get to see those clients, when they need us both physically and mentally,” she said.

Moving forward, Wiese said that regardless of people’s views of being vaccinated, she expects clients to be mindful of others in the building. Pipes Fitness, like other businesses, has discouraged anyone feeling symptoms of COVID-19 from attending classes and made online classes on option for those who are immunocompromised.

“We just need to be respectful, mindful and have everyone do what they are comfortable with,” she said.

Wise added there needs to be more of a focus on the mental impact the pandemic has had and is recommending a number of strategies for people to help take care of themselves.

“Explore meditation, get more sleep, eat well and stay hydrated,” she said. “If we aren’t taking care of ourselves, how are we supposed to show up and take care of our kids and families during this trying time?”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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