Some people are looking forward to the province reopening, including no masks, while others may take awhile to adjust back to "normal" (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

B.C. REOPENING PLAN

Kamloops residents excited for reopening, some will remain cautious as restrictions lift

May 26, 2021 | 5:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — With Tuesday announcement of B.C.’s reopening plan, there is definite excitement in Kamloops about getting back to normal, but there is also hesitation among some who may feel strange about travelling freely or not wearing a mask.

Come July, if case counts remain low, masks will be still be recommended, but when B.C. fully opens in September, it will be a personal choice. While this all comes with optimism, according to a new poll by Leger, 52 per cent of Canadians are anxious about a return to normal.

“It really speaks to the fact that we don’t know what we don’t know moving forward,” said Leger’s Vice-President of the Vancouver office Jason Allsopp. “So what’s it going to be like interacting with loved ones again? Is there going to be some uncertainty? Can I hug them, can I kiss them? The things that we took for granted months ago, we’re not quite sure if it’s going to be the same.”

Kamloops mom Sarah Way is pregnant with her second and will remain cautious, even with the restrictions lifting.

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“We think it’s great, but also I’m 20-weeks pregnant, so I think for our family in particular we’re just going to follow lots of different guidelines and stick to ourselves and probably continue to wear masks, even being vaccinated,” she said.

While some people are anxious, most people on the streets of Kamloops can’t wait to take their masks off and get back to normal.

“Super excited to finally be able to hopefully meet new people and get back in the groove of opening restaurants fully and hopefully it comes to no masks, so we can have parties again and family gatherings,” said Kamloops resident Statia Jarmolitz.

Suzanne Lafferty added, “I’m happy for people. I’m happy for grandmas to be able to hold their babies, their grandchildren. Travelling. Shaking hands. Having dinner.”

“I’ll be really happy to get rid of this [mask] forever,” said another.

Counsellor Jolene Lindsey polled some of her followers online and clients as well, noting there are people both excited and anxious.

“There’s some mixed feelings around it. There’s a huge part of the population that’s really excited. They’re eager, they want to get out, they felt like they were imprisoned, and that their choices have been taken from them,” she said. “But there’s a lot of people who are anxious about this. They are worried that maybe the restrictions, everyone’s going to boomerang and it’s all going to happen all over again. Too many people will not follow the rules and the whole pandemic will just continue to replay.”

Lindsey says COVID-19 has been an opportunity for some people to set certain boundaries, which has been easier with restrictions. Some are anxious about keeping those boundaries with everything open.

“What’s actually come to light for most is that COVID really highlighted a lot of anxiety people were experiencing. It really highlighted where people were essentially abandoning themselves and saying ‘yes’ to things they didn’t want to do. They would still go to show up. Then COVID gave them these great excuses not to do this stuff and they started listening to themselves more. They felt more peaceful. They started being able to say ‘no,'” said Lindsey.

“So now with the restrictions lifted, finding that voice is going to be a difficult balance for some and there is social anxiety that has come out of this.”

Lindsey advises people just listen to their inner voice and stick to what’s comfortable moving forward.

“What did this last year and a bit bring up for you to heal, to bring to light? What situations make you uncomfortable? It’s about not following the masses, but now having permission to do things differently, including being responsible for how we put people at risk,” she said.

Lindsey adds regardless of what someone decides, people should be respectful of their decision and approach situations with kindness and grace — the same message that’s been preached by Dr. Bonnie Henry throughout the pandemic.