Hatters take advantage as public health measures lift

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 2, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

As the province entered Step Two of easing COVID-19 public health measures Tuesday, Hatters offered an array of reactions, particularly in regard to the removal of mandatory masking.

The News spoke with numerous Medicine Hat Mall patrons Tuesday afternoon – both masked and unmasked – to get a sense of public reception to the changes.

Few and far between were those wearing masks, most of whom refused to provide a comment. One couple provided only their initials for fear of repercussion against them.

“We’re going to keep our masks on,” T.G. told the News. “I’m waiting for the three weeks to see what the numbers are. We’re always watching the numbers.”

T.G. and her husband W.G. expressed concern that if COVID-19 case numbers begin to increase again, public health measures – such as masking – may be reinstated.

Michael Cybulak chose to wear a mask Tuesday while shopping, though not out of concern for exposure to COVID, rather he enjoys the element of anonymity masks provide.

“I like a low profile,” Cybulak told the News.

The majority of shoppers seen in the mall at the time were unmasked, however there was a wide range of factors cited as the motivation behind such.

“I have really bad asthma, so I wore it when mandated, but now I have the choice, I mean, no,” Mercedes Penner told the News.

Dylan Penner said he is willing to wear a mask when required, but prefers to go without.

“It’s understandable when it comes with elderly people and everything,” Dylan told the News. “What I have an issue with is when people try to force things when it should be free of speech. So, that’s where I stand with the whole COVID thing.”

“It’s breathable and more comfortable,” Nila Doerksen, told the News, when explaining why she chose to no longer wear a mask. “We used to be like this anyways … To me, COVID is just another flu, another cold, another type of sickness. We’ve had the cold, the flu’s been around for ages, too, and you didn’t see people wearing masks back then.”

“Personally, I think masks should be a choice,” said Doerksen. “If a person wants to wear them, they can and if they don’t want to, they don’t have to.”

While Doerksen says individuals still have the option to wear masks, her belief is not universally held. An individual stationed outside the mall Tuesday afternoon was shouting at those wearing masks, instructing them to take the masks off as they ‘Don’t have to wear them now.'”

Officials throughout the city recognize the removal of mandatory masking, however they continue to encourage Hatters to show respect to others, regardless of their preferences when it comes to masking and other health measures.

“With the lifting of many of the public heath restrictions we anticipate some Medicine Hat residents may feel relief and excitement while others may feel trepidation. We encourage all residents to be patient and kind with one another as we gradually return, as much as possible, to a pre-pandemic environment,” Medicine Hat’s Chief of Police, Mike Worden, said in a statement to the News.

Mayor Linnsie Clark, provided a similar statement.

“Remember to be caring and considerate of each other,” Clark’s statement read. “Many of us have, or know someone who has, some underlying health condition … Our caring, empathy and respect will help us all find the balance that we need.”

Clark also encouraged Hatters to continue being vigilant in regard to health.

“Even though measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 virus are being relaxed, we should all continue stay home when sick and to practice good hand hygiene, because we know these measures help keep our community safe and healthy.”

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