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By Chantal Wagner

easing back

Local businessman urges patience as more retail opens

Jun 11, 2021 | 4:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With Stage 2 of Alberta’s Open for Summer plan now underway it will likely be a big weekend for retail and local businesses.

More people are expected to be out and about shopping or enjoying a meal at their favourite restaurant.

And a local business owner has some reminders for customers as they do their errands this weekend.

The owner of Mr. Lube Chris Hellman says with the reopening, businesses are trying to get back on track to where they were before COVID.

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That might mean increasing their business hours, hiring back staff, or training new employees.

Though they are excited, he says businesses have to get into the groove of things and are asking for patience.

“I think it’s important to recognize that things have been very different for businesses and their employees for the last 16 months,” Hellman said. “Hours of operation have changed, some places have been closed completely, so now that we’re just reopening we’re trying to get back on track to where we were before, our employees are also, they’re getting used to a new thing that hasn’t been around for a while.”

Hellman adds Mr. Lube is now open seven days a week and almost full hours again.

He says fewer people were travelling due to working from home and fewer activities.

With Stage 2, retail can have up to one-third of the fire code occupancy while maintaining distance.

While restaurants can have up to 6 people per table indoors or outdoors.