With public health restrictions starting to relax, the Portage Legion Branch #65 wants to ensure their members that restrictions will still be in place for their activities.

President Bob Oldford says the decision to keep restrictions was made since many members of the Legion would be considered at risk for COVID-19. Along with the mask mandate and proof of vaccination requirements, attendance capacities will also remain in effect.

"We're staying at half right now," notes Oldford. "In our hall where we host different things the space is needed. When they play bingo, you can't really put more than 100 people in there, which is half capacity for the space."

He adds, when he made the announcement that the restrictions would stay, the group in attendance cheered at the news. While they view keeping the restrictions as the best course of action for now, he mentions they're always open to re-evaluating should the situation change.

"There are other businesses that are doing this too, says Oldford. "That have decided to keep the mandate for vaccination in place until the end of April."

He adds, in closing, it's much easier to open slowly as opposed to opening very quickly, just to have to shut down in the next month or so once again.