Released April 23, 2020
WEYBURN – The Saskatchewan government’s five-phase plan to reopen the province is set to begin on May 4.
The plan, which was unveiled Thursday by Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, will guide the province as it restarts its economy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the next several weeks, restrictions will be gradually lifted by adding more types of businesses to the allowable businesses list, meaning that they can reopen if they so choose,” Moe said in a news release.
“All businesses and public venues will be required to continue following physical distancing and cleaning and disinfection practices to protect both employees and customers. Members of the public will be expected to follow physical distancing rules and to stay home if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.”
Phase 1, set to begin on May 4, will see restrictions lifted on certain medical practices alongside a focus on outdoor recreation:
- Medical services including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment.
- Facilities to accommodate low-risk outdoor activities, like boating and fishing.
- Online reservations for campgrounds, which are then to be opened on June 1.
- Golf beginning May 15.
Phase 2, set to begin May 19, will include the opening of retail businesses and personal services not initially allowed under Saskatchewan’s state of emergency. Businesses are expected to continue practicing physical distancing and implement screening measures if physical distancing is not possible.
- Clothing stores, sporting good stores, vaping supply shops, book stores, jewelry stores, boat and ATV dealerships, accessory stores, music stores, electronic stores, pawnshops and travel agencies.
- Personal services include hairdressers, registered massage therapists, acupuncturist and acupuncturists.
Phase 3, to be enacted at a date still to be determined, will see the reopening of the remaining personal services and a relaxing of the restrictions on public gatherings:
- Aestheticians, tattoo artists, cosmetologist, electrologist, manicurists, pedicurists, sun tanning parlours, body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services, and other personal service providers.
- Restaurant and food services, to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
- Gyms.
- Childcare centres.
- Licensed establishments.
- Restrictions on public gatherings increased to 15.
Phase 4, on a a date also yet to be determined, will see further openings:
- Casinos, bingo halls, curling rinks, swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, movie theatres, museums and similar facilities.
- Seasonal programming like camps, recreational activities and athletic activities.
- Restrictions on public gatherings increased to 30.
Phase 5, which Premier Moe said will be dependent on things like case count, will include the lifting of long-term restrictions.
Long-term restrictions on high-risk areas remain in place. These include maintaining the current state of emergency and recommendations against non-essential international and inter-provincial travel.
Mandatory self-isolation is also still in place. People have to self-isolate for 14 days if they have traveled internationally, have tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have come into contact with someone who has.
Classes will remain suspended throughout the province’s public and private schools and restrictions.
Visitation restrictions are still in place for long-term care facilities, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes.
Large public gatherings are still prohibited.
View the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan from the Government of Saskatchewan here.
For more information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan website here.
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