End of Alberta's mask mandate draws mixed reaction from Calgarians

Alberta's mandatory masking requirements were lifted for the first time in months Tuesday, prompting mixed responses from some Calgarians. 

Nearly all pandemic public health measures were lifted in the province this week, including indoor masking, remaining school requirements, youth screening for entertainment and sports, and capacity limits on all large venues and entertainment venues. 

Olivia Alger, who was out at a Calgary restaurant Tuesday, says she had a medical exemption for mask wearing, but said she was afraid she would be judged for not wearing one. 

"Just negative connotations with that … I appreciate that people are wanting to move forward and are more comfortable with how things should be," said Alger.   

Piers Hitchner visited multiple businesses in Calgary Tuesday, and said he'll still be wearing his mask to shops and restaurants, but added that it's nice not being mandated to wear it. 

"So you're not always patting saying 'oh geez I've forgotten my mask.'"

Mary Lawrence Duborg said she wore her mask to the three places she needed to go that day. 

"I think we have to respect how other people are feeling about this until we get used to it," she said.

Along with other eased restrictions, mandatory work from home orders have been lifted. 

Jennifer Rempel, general manager of the Calgary Downtown Association, said it's important for many downtown businesses that some people return to office.

"I believe we'll see a gradual rollback, which I think will be a nice way to come back instead of just flipping the switch on. I think that's a safe way to do so when most companies are choosing that," Rempel told the Calgary Eyeopener. 

"The downtown business community has been holding on and staying open for the last two years. It means a lot to them … they've been staying open at reduced hours and still offering services."