For the last two years, the Kenora region has faced harsh restrictions, lockdowns, sickness, and many other things, battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sense normalcy can be felt as Ontario removed capacity limits, and proof of vaccination almost a week ago meaning it could be a somewhat normal summer.
For Kenora Mayor, Dan Reynard, he’s excited not just for the people of the community but for all residents in the region following additional lifted measures.
“We can start doing things that we haven’t been able to do whether it’s people want to go down to go down to the states for the weekend or people want to get on a plane, people want to travel across Canada,” said Reynard.
“Or even the simple things like going to the movie theater. There’s an excitement amongst people,” added Reynard.
Reynard pointed out there may be caution by people re-inserting themselves into society, but he feels over time people will be more confident to attend events and gatherings.
“I think it’s good for our mental frame of mind, our physical frame. We need to get back to being a caring group of people. We’ve done a lot to protect each other now let's encourage each other to say hi to someone you haven’t said hi to.”
As spring approaches and the snow begins to melt soon, Reynard is looking forward to the tourist boost the region will see as restrictions are eased.
“The fact for the first time in two summers the American border is open. You’re going to see an influx of people that used to come, the tourist lodges, people are coming to their camps from the states. I really believe that it will be the busiest summer we’ve had prior to COVID.”
The federal government eased international travel restrictions a week ago, despite still listing the act of travelling to any country abroad as high-risk.
Vaccinated travellers entering Canada no longer have to take a pre-arrival PCR test, and can opt for a rapid antigen test to be taken no more than one day before their scheduled flight or arrival. The catch, however, is that the test must be administered by a lab or pharmacy – and not by yourself at home.
Previously, anyone entering Canada must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departing flight or planned arrival. Now, those who do not have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will still be subject to mandatory PCR testing.
Masking requirements will remain in effect for the province, and there are no immediate plans to change that rule. The Ontario government continues to encourage all who are able, to get completely vaccinated.
Last week, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore said if COVID-19 trends continue to improve he anticipates masks being removed by the end of the month.