Premier Scott Moe announced the province’s plan to reopen Saskatchewan which is set to begin on Monday, May 4.
Re-Open Saskatchewan was presented on Thursday, and is made up of five phases. Phase one will include previously restricted medical services, opening golf courses, parks and campgrounds. Medical services previously restricted, fishing and boat launches will be reopened on May 4 while golf courses will open May 15. Parks and campgrounds will reopen June 1.
Public access to medical services will be reinstated, including access to dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment. When it is not possible to physically distance, providers will be required to take precautionary measures as outlined by the Chief Medical Health Officer.
The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
Golf courses, along with all other services included in the reopen phases, will undergo rule changes for operations to ensure proper steps are taken to avoid further spread of COVID-19.
Golf courses will have to spread tee times out to a minimum of 20 minutes apart to avoid congestion. No walk-on appointments are allowed, flags will remain in place and cups will be elevated so balls do not drop in the hole. The presentation said play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup. Additionally, food and beverage service will be suspended.
Campgrounds after reopening on June 1 will have to comply with a 50 per cent capacity rate with no adjacent sites occupied at the same time. All shower and laundry facilities will be closed to reduce the chance of further spread.
Phase two includes reopening retail businesses and select personal services starting Tuesday, May 19.
Retail businesses that were previously not allowed can begin providing services to the public, including clothing stores,shoe stores, flower shops, sporting good/adventure stores,vaping supply shops,boats, ATV and snowmobile dealers,gift,book and stationery stores,jewelry and accessory stores,toy stores,music, electronic and entertainment stores,pawn shops andtravel agencies.
Some personal service businesses can begin providing services to the public, including hairdressers/barbers; registered massage therapist; acupuncturist and acupressurist.
Specific protocols will need to be developed by some retail outlets. For example, clothing stores must minimize customers touching merchandise, and trying on clothes is prohibited. They will encourage online purchases (with front counter or curb pick-up) and adopt no-return policies.
Phase three, which has a date to be determined, will include services such as gyms and fitness facilities, child care facilities, tattoo artists, estheticians, cosmetologists and other personal service facilities.
The third phase will start to reopen restaurant and food services at 50 per cent capacity. This phase will also include raising the size of public gatherings from 10 to 15 people.
The fourth phase which also has an undetermined date, includes reopening indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities along with increasing the size of public and private gatherings to 30 people.
The fifth phase with the date to be determined, includes considering lifting some long-term restrictions.
As restrictions are gradually lifted, the Government of Saskatchewan and Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Health Officer, will carefully monitor the daily number of reported cases and other important indicators.
These factors will inform decisions regarding the pace at which the restrictions can be lifted or put back in place if required:
• Transmission is controlled;
• Health system capacities are in place to test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact;
• Outbreak risks are minimized in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes;
• Preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other essential places;
• Importation risks can be managed;
• Communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm.
A number of long-term measures and restrictions that are related to the highest risk areas will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
These long-term restrictions include:
• Maintaining the current Provincial State of Emergency;
• Recommendations against non-essential international and interprovincial travel;
• Mandatory 14-day self-isolation following international travel, exposure to COVID-19, or a positive COVID-19 test;
• Visitor restrictions limited to compassionate reasons at long-term care homes, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes;
• The suspension of classes in all primary and secondary educational institutions, both public and private; and
• Large public gatherings remain prohibited.
The following recommendations should remain in place through all five phases:
• Protective measures for vulnerable populations;
• Individuals should continue working from home if they can do so effectively;
• Physical distancing must be maintained, wherever possible;
• People must stay at home when they are sick;
• Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should continue to exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures, such as public outings;
• Personal hygiene will continue to be a key prevention measure;
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection should take place in workplaces, public spaces and recreational facilities;
• Although the public health order regarding the size of gatherings does not apply to businesses and workplaces, they are expected to follow the recommended public health measures, including: physical distancing for staff and clients; regular cleaning and disinfection; frequent handwashing and sanitizing; use of PPE where available and appropriate; and keeping staff who demonstrate or report COVID-19 symptoms out of the workplace; and
• Long-term care and personal care homes must ensure that each staff member works in only one facility.
