After hearing the news of easing COVID-19 restrictions on Prince Edward Island, the locals couldn’t hide their excitement, most of them using words like “thrilled” and “optimistic” to describe their feelings. The locals are happy to see restrictions being lifted, hoping to finally see P.E.I being completely reopened.
Corryn Clemence, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., was one of the first to comment on the good news:
“I was very happy. We’ve had so much uncertainty through the pandemic. I’m not sure if we ever really know what to expect. This was very welcomed news.”
Entrepreneurs and people who work in the tourism industry are particularly happy with this news. Nicole Bellefleur, Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce interim CEO, can’t wait to see the benefits of lifted restrictions.
She added:
“It has been a struggle. There’s no question about it. This has not been easy for the business community. So I know they’re eager to see the rest of Canada come here in a way that is safe.”
Matthew Jelley, president of Maritime Fun Group, also commented:
“The last 16, 17 months has been so difficult and ground-shifting. I think it’s a great day for Prince Edward Island and a great day for tourism.”
Archdeacon John Clarke, the rector of St. Paul’s Church in Charlottetown, also expressed his happiness with the government’s decision to proceed with the reopening plan. He is excited to see his parishioners’ full faces again:
“I like to employ humour a lot in my sermons, not the sort of humour that gets big laughs but maybe just appreciative nods and smiles which you can’t really see through the masks. I’m really looking forward to being able to see that reaction from the members of the congregation.”
Although people are happy that the Island may be returning to normal a little quicker than expected, there are those in the tourism industry who believe that there is still work to be done.
