After a few weeks of being closed, the Portage la Prairie Legion Branch #65 is ready to reopen its doors.

The Legion will be reopening Monday, January 17, according to president Bob Oldford.

Oldford explains how the Legion has been preparing for the reopening.

"We did a thorough cleaning throughout the building to get it totally ready for reopening."

He notes that the lounge will be open and regular events such as bingo will be starting again on Monday.

Oldford advocates patience when speaking about what those wanting to get in will need to bring to do so.

"All patrons must wear a mask and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and some other government ID when they come in. So, it means you have to be a little patient."

The president of the Legion says there won't be much of a difference in restrictions from when they were last open, but that these weeks closed to the public gave Branch #65 a chance to give the building a thorough cleaning to get up to provincial standards.

"With the fact that this Omicron variant is going to be with us for quite some time. it was felt that we could reopen, and we'll just take the necessary precautions."

Oldford thanks patrons who typically come down to the Legion for their patience, noting that while the Legion reopens, it's still essential to protect yourself and others by monitoring symptoms of COVID-19.