Guelph businesses adapt to the removal of COVID-19 public health restrictions

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY EMILY BRAY

As proof of vaccination and masking mandates are lifted in Ontario, many local businesses are breathing a sigh of relief.

In February, the Government of Ontario announced that proof of vaccination would no longer be required for customers to enter non-essential business establishments as of March 1. This was quickly followed by another announcement that mask mandates would be lifted just a few weeks later on March 21.

Although these rapid changes have been the target of criticism by some scholars and medical officials, some local restaurants and public social spaces are seeing positive effects.

“Since the vaccine mandate has been lifted, our business has increased significantly,” said Thomas Gofton, owner of the Round Table board game café. “We hope these trends continue for all small businesses.”

The capacity limits and proof of vaccination requirements put in place to combat COVID-19 have created challenges for local small businesses. Many have been forced to close their doors for long periods of time during lockdowns, and others have faced fierce competition from larger corporations like Amazon and Walmart whose activities were not as heavily impacted by the pandemic.

Therefore, the removal of the public health mandates is offering a glimmer of hope for many local businesses after a difficult two years.

“We’re thrilled to be open once more and to be welcoming our guests as they reconnect with friends and family over a meal,” said Ben Ragetlie, general manager of Guelph’s Earth to Table: Bread Bar.

Both Ragetlie and Gofton told The Ontarion that they are no longer requiring proof of vaccination and will make masks optional for guests and employees.

Gofton said that he felt it was an appropriate time for the requirements to be lifted.

“We are at a stage where we can now function with COVID-19,” said Gofton. “It’s time to focus on mental health and social wellbeing.”

The safety of customers will remain a top priority for both establishments, and they will monitor government recommendations closely.

“The health and safety of both our guests and our team has always been at the forefront of our thoughts,” said Ragetlie. “We’ll continue to comply with instructions from both local and provincial public health units.”

Ragetlie also noted that the comfort levels of employees and guests will be taken into account by the restaurant and accommodated whenever possible.

Gofton echoed this sentiment. “We will continue to follow provincial mandates as implemented, the same way we follow health code regulations and liquor laws. This is just another mandate that changes and conforms with time.”

However, not everyone is open to the idea of dropping COVID-19 prevention rules. Some establishments are taking a different approach and choosing to maintain certain health measures even after the mandates have been dropped.

Nighthawk Tattoo, a tattoo and piercing shop located on Gordon Street, currently plans to continue asking customers to mask while inside their shop, citing safety concerns.

“We are in no hurry to get rid of the masks as we all work in close proximity with our clients. It not only keeps everyone coming safe, but it keeps us safe as well,” said the management team in an email to The Ontarion.

The shop was not previously required to ask for proof of vaccination as tattoo parlours were classified as personal care facilities under the vaccine passport legislation and were therefore excluded from the mandate. However, Nighthawk has implemented a mandatory client screening process to make sure that no one entering the establishment could put others at risk of contracting COVID-19.

Ultimately, the decision to lift regulations or keep them in place is a matter of choice that will be based on the individual needs of each business and its employees.

Yet regardless of their approach to the post-mandate world, businesses are acutely aware of the public’s strong and often polarized feelings on the matter.

According to survey statistics, opinions about whether or not the mandates are beneficial and still needed are very mixed, both locally and within the province at large.

In a February poll conducted by Guelph Today, 50.5 per cent of respondents stated that they were in favour of the government’s decision to lift proof of vaccination mandates, 42 per cent reported that they felt it was too soon, and the remaining 7.5 per cent were undecided.

Similarly, a recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute found that, as of March 2022, 67 per cent of Ontarians still supported the use of vaccine passports, and 56 per cent plan to continue wearing masks in public spaces even after the mandates are dropped. Moreover, 39 per cent believed that the removal of mandates is happening too quickly, while 26 per cent say that it is happening too slowly.

This divisiveness is difficult for business owners to navigate, as they will inevitably face criticism regardless of their decision.

“We are quite aware of the stress and fears this era has brought on for both sides of the population,” said Gofton. “It’s a heavy divide here in the world now, so anything we say will have people support as well as refute us.”

As Ontario moves into this next stage of pandemic reopening, everyone must make an effort to be mindful of others’ comfort levels regarding COVID prevention measures. It is important to respect the decisions made by businesses and individuals, whether those decisions involve continuing to follow the mandates or dropping them altogether.

If you are unsure of a business’s COVID-19 policies, reach out and ask its staff for more information.

A sign encouraging customers to mask posted in the entrance to The Bookshelf, a downtown book shop, café, and cinema.