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UNITY - As hotly contested as just about every issue the pandemic has been, Premier Scott Moe’s Feb. 8 announcement of defined dates for lifting of public health orders brought about strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

At midnight Feb. 13, the proof of vaccination status to enter a number of venues was lifted with Feb. 28 announced for the lifting of the provincial mask mandate. A number of people in the medical community voiced their displeasure with this decision stating it was too soon.

Here is what some places and spaces in this area's communities will do moving forward.

Manager of Luther Place in Unity, David Best, said, “Throughout this pandemic we have tried our best to follow the guidelines set forth by our provincial government. When the mandate expires for mask-wearing in public indoor places we will not be requiring them in Luther Place. We will leave it up to the individuals to decide if they wish to keep wearing them."

Parkview Place Manager Paul Sittler said the discussion on the expiry of mask mandate and how it will affect their senior assisted living facility will take place at their Feb. 24 board meeting.

Kerrobert Recreation Director Bobbi Hebron tells the Press-Herald / SASKTODAY.ca, “Kerrobert Recreation will proceed as we have throughout COVID which is to follow the mandates of the government. Therefore, proof of vaccination will no longer be required at any recreation facilities, programs or events as of Feb. 14. Mask mandate will lift as of Feb. 28. “

Hebron adds, “It has been a long two years and our community has faithfully followed all mandates that were put in place. I’d like to thank all staff, participants, volunteers and committees for their support throughout COVID and for abiding by the mandates that kept our community safe. Speaking to other communities, it’s apparent that we managed well with little conflict and a willingness to work together through it all. We want to note that we support people who continue to make choices that suit their situations, therefore, if you choose to wear a mask in our community following the ending of the government mandate, that is your choice and we support it. Let’s move forward together.”

In Wilkie, freelance reporter Kathy Heilman learned that Wilkie Auto Repair will keep masks on. Wilkie Reddi Mart says they were wearing masks before the mandate to keep customers safe and they will continue to wear them. Wilkie Pharmacy says they will continue to wear masks, and hope people will continue to do the same even if it's not mandatory. The Blue Moon Café say they will definitely continue to wear masks.

Scott Gilbert of Gilbert Agencies provides this statement, “Our office will follow the provincial mandate where customers and staff will not be required to wear masks in the building, but are welcome to if they feel more comfortable. We will continue to provide hand sanitizer gel when you enter the building for customers’ use and we will continue to have the protective shields between the front-line staff and customers.”

A number of businesses contacted by the Press-Herald said they will announce their decisions prior to the Feb. 28 mask mandate 小蓝视频 lifted as some needed time to consult with their board, management and staff before finalizing their decision.

Community mayors also responded as follows:

Mayor Sharon Del Frari responds, “Unity will continue to follow the provincial government’s plan for working through this pandemic. We will not be bringing in additional rules.“

Wayne Mock, mayor of Kerrobert says, “We discussed the planned lifting of COVID restrictions at our council meeting. We have decided that we will be behind the decisions laid out by the province. Just as the province has said, if a business feels more comfortable keeping masking in place for example, we would support their decision. I echo [the] praise to all of our staff and citizens for 小蓝视频 so diligent over the last two years in complying with following the guidelines."

Residents are asked to be patient and respectful with the transition as individual businesses, place and spaces may have their own guidelines in place, following the official end of mask mandates come Feb. 28.