This is the first long weekend in two years without any restrictions for COVID-19 and for many it is a chance to spend time with family and friends.
For those celebrating Easter or Easter, the weekend will also be the first time they can gather for personal services without worrying about any restrictions.
Although the country is in the sixth wave of the pandemic, many in Vancouver say they have waited long enough and are ready to embrace their loved ones again, including Yosani Clay, who is traveling from Houston to visit his Canadian friends.
“I was locked in the house. So now I have to go to big gatherings, “he said, adding that he can’t wait to take advantage of the weekend, which he hopes looks like before the pandemic.
“It simply came to our notice then. “Have a nice long weekend,” he said.
He is not the only one who is looking forward to spending time with loved ones – 16-year-old Esma Devlin also has some big plans.
“I’m excited because we’ll probably connect more with our grandparents,” she said.
“Yes. I will see grandparents we haven’t seen in a while, “said her mother, Susan Devlin.
This weekend is especially important for those who celebrate Easter, as worshipers can finally attend the table in person without worrying about restrictions.
“I heard from a man … with tears running down their faces, they say they feel at home,” said Cheryl Coop, pastor and co-founder of Coastal Church.
Members of her church have watched Easter services in practice in previous years because of COVID-19, but now she says “the church family is back.” For some, this weekend will be their first time back in 2020.
According to Coop, Sunday Mass is expected to attract more than 3,000 people, both in person and online.
“It’s so encouraging. You see what he does for people. I saw that this morning. How encouraged they were, “she said.
Easter is not the only holiday held this weekend, as many of the Jewish faith are looking forward to celebrating Easter with their families.
“This is the first time in three years that many of us (in) the Jewish community have been able to travel to be with their families,” said Rabbi Dan Moskowitz of Temple Sholom.
This weekend, he traveled to California to spend the holiday with his family, whom he had not seen since the beginning of the pandemic.
“I imagine a lot of Jews, I know a lot of my fellow rabbis in Vancouver are also traveling right now,” he said.
Religious leaders say people can choose to gather with or without a mask, as the main focus is on the religious holiday itself.
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