Businesses relieved to reopen

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This article was published 25/01/2021 (1706 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The caution tape has come down, aisles are no longer roped off and Manitobans can once again browse for a magazine, buy a video game and even do something as simple as getting a haircut.

Saturday marked the first day of eased COVID-19 restrictions in the province since code red came into effect in November. Shoppers outside of northern Manitoba are no longer limited to buying just essential items, barbershops can open again and some personal care businesses can offer services again.

There was a small line outside the Green Spot Saturday morning, owner Bernie Whetter said. The east end greenhouse was open through code red but could only sell essentials, such as Christmas decorations.

“We’ve taken all the barricade signs down and it just feels good to let people wander through,” he said.

The Green Spot can allow approximately 25 people in at once under the guidelines allowing stores to open at 25 per cent capacity. Whetter said the winter is usually quieter, so the capacity limit isn’t a problem.

“We’re just very happy that (reopening) has happened. We had to lay a couple of people off, so we’re going to be able to get them back,” he said.

“Our people, if we laid them off, they had to go try to find money elsewhere or go on (employment insurance) or look for government programs. I think not enough was said to those people … it was them that had hardships.”

Barbershops and hair salons have also been allowed to reopen. Esquire Barbershop owner Curt Chambers said he had been busy at his shop since 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Cars packed the parking lot and almost every chair in the shop was filled with someone wearing a mask.

“It’s nice to see everybody again … When I got into this business, I never dreamt that we would have to shut down for anything because this is a recession-proof business, so it makes you really appreciate when you’re working. I just hope we can stay open now for a long time,” he said.

Chambers said he extended the barbershop’s hours on Saturday to meet the demand of people wanting haircuts. The store is normally open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, but on Saturday was open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no waiting area inside the shop to reduce the number of people inside and allow for social distancing, Chambers said. People can come in to put their name on the waiting list, but have to wait outside or in their car.

“I’m glad they were able to let us reopen. I’ve always felt it’s a safe environment in here … I’m just fortunate that we’re able to open again,” he said.

Long lines greeted Corral Centre shoppers when the Sun visited on Saturday afternoon. Dozens of people stood outside Winners and Walmart, while smaller lines formed outside Dollarama and other stores.

At the Victoria Avenue Shoppers Drug Mart, the caution tape that once cordoned off the magazines and paperback books is now gone. The magazines on the rack were a few months out of date, from November and December, but still available to buy.

All the regular greeting cards are also back on the shelf and makeup and cosmetics can be purchased once again.

Now that his business can sell non-essentials again, Whetter said he is hopeful the province will allow all stores to remain open for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While some businesses were allowed to reopen on Saturday, many remain closed. Tattoo studios, restaurants, movie theatres and indoor sports venues are still shuttered across the province.

The health guidelines also now allow for two designated people to visit another person’s residence.

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said the restrictions are set to be reviewed again in three weeks.

» dmay@brandonsun.com

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