THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he supports the move to accelerate the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions like capacity limits and vaccine certificates announced Monday by Premier Doug Ford.
“We have always supported the scientific-based decisions, and indeed, this sounds like one that is based on science. So lifting of the restrictions earlier, we support and we think that probably makes sense in light of the fact that the rapidly growing [Omicron] variant has certainly lessened in terms of its severity,” said Gravelle.
“As for the Removal of the vaccine certificate, we cautiously support that. Again, based on the science and indeed it’s safe to do so.”
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says the move will definitely help local businesses that have been struggling under restrictions.
"We’ve been saying since the beginning that we need to do whatever we can to make sure businesses are open as much capacity as possible,” said Robinson.
“So, very positive to see the capacity limits will be raised earlier and we're moving in a really positive direction to get business back open to normal, basically to normal levels. I think it’s really positive for those businesses that have been struggling with reduced capacity for a number of weeks."
By March 1, the requirement for businesses to verify vaccination passports will be lifted in all settings. However, mask mandates will remain in place for the time being.
"I think it’s important that businesses that have employees still have the option of asking for vaccine proof, but indeed I do think many people will be pleased to see the lifting of the restrictions,” said Gravelle.
“This is what we have all been looking for and it’s taken a great deal of time to make that happen, but again with caution, we support it."
Gravelle also said that masks are still a great way of maintaining protection and he thinks masks will continue to be important for some time
