'Let people make their choices': Newmarket businesses welcome easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Six weeks after the latest lockdowns, Newmarket’s Jacqueline O’Toole said the feeling at her Newmarket fitness business is different.

With the provincial announcement of capacity limits lifting Feb. 17 and almost all restrictions but masking due to lift March 1, O’Toole said it brought good energy to her classes. 

“We are very excited. Very happy. The phone has been ringing off the hook,” she said. “A little bit of hope is coming through, and it’s definitely changing the energy in the room. 

All capacity limits will lift for indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, such as restaurants and gyms. In addition, the proof of vaccination system will end March 1, though businesses can choose to enforce it themselves.

O’Toole, who runs Body Evolution Studios, said it the changes are a boon for her business.

“It lets us confidently take on new clients,” she said. “Confidently tell people we’re here (and) we’re here to stay. We made it through.” 

York Region’s hospitalizations have continued to decline. There were 72 hospitalizations, including ICU admissions, as of Feb. 13, compared to a peak of 244 Jan. 19. However, local public health officials still urge caution, noting it will take more time for cases to decline after such a high peak. Public health has also encouraged more booster vaccination, with 46.3 per cent of the regional population having one as of Feb. 14, compared to 79.8 per cent for two doses.

Ground Burger Bar owner Grant Buckley said he is all for restrictions and mandates lifting. He says the hospitality sector has been hurt by the restrictions, limited to takeout only and then reduced capacity. He said he has turned customers away regularly while limited to 50 per cent capacity since Jan. 31. 

“It’s about time to lift the mask mandates, and if you feel comfortable, come out, and if you don’t feel comfortable, stay home,” Buckley said. “It’s time we get back to living our lives and let people make their choices.”

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Chris Emanuel said he is optimistic things will continue to improve. He said advancing the timeline lifting the restrictions also helps. 

“Frankly, each day can make a dramatic difference for a business," he said. 

Although the door is open for businesses to maintain a vaccination requirement, Emanuel said he suspects most will drop it March 1. 

“Each business is going to evaluate it based on either the practicality or the risk. They’re going to do what’s right for the business,” Emanuel said, adding customers will also make decisions on returning with mandates gone. "Everyone is going to adjust to the degree that makes them feel comfortable and safe.”

O’Toole said she is unsure about lifting the vaccination mandate and would discuss it with her community. She said she has not had any issues with enforcing it.

“I wasn’t a poor waitress that was getting my head ripped off by a customer. I didn’t experience much backlash,” she said.

However, she said she does have  clients at high-risk from COVID-19 she expects to talk to about protocols.

Regardless, she hopes it is the end of lockdowns. 

“I’m hopeful that business can basically go back to 2019, and we just don’t have the added stress on our life,” she said. “Honestly, it feels a little bit surreal, after two years of what we’ve been through.”