Saskatchewan Will Start Re-Opening Businesses & Services Starting On May 4
Life may start to return to normal soon in Saskatchewan. On Thursday, April 23 Premier Scott Moe addressed the public to make several announcements about lifting the restrictions that are in place due to COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. According to the premier, a five-step plan will be put in place to reopen various businesses and services. The first of the five steps will begin on May 4.
The plan intends to gradually lift restrictions and add more “types of businesses to the allowable businesses list, meaning that they can reopen if they so choose," Moe explained.
The first phase will impact medical practices and outdoor recreation activities. This includes dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, and other such services.
In addition, outdoor activities and services that can be done within social distancing guidelines are set to reopen. These activities include boating, fishing, and golf. The services will become available again between May 4 and May 15, depending on the activity.
Phase two, beginning May 19, includes retail businesses and personal services. So you can expect to see stores that sell clothing, sporting goods, books, electronics, and a variety of other items to be re-opened.
As for phase three — the start date of which has yet to be announced — it will involve remaining personal services like tattoo artists, manicurists, tanning salons, etc.
Restaurants will be able to resume operations at 50% capacity, as well as gyms and other similar facilities.
The fourth phase will include swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, movie theatres, and other large gathering facilities. Gatherings will be limited to 30 people.
The final phase will depend on the case count and will involve lifting long-term restrictions.
As of now, Saskatchewan has confirmed 326 cases of COVID-19, 4 deaths, and 270 recoveries.
Moe explained that the restrictions will start to be lifted because “Saskatchewan has reduced the spread of COVID-19. We have flattened the curve.”
“That’s thanks to you. Each and every one of you,” he continued.
He explained that he will be proceeding with caution.
“We know there are risks on both sides. If we move too quickly, we risk increasing the spread of COVID-19. If we move too slowly, we risk permanent damage to the livelihoods of thousands of Saskatchewan people.”
He continued to say that we are where we are today because of the hard work residents of the province have done.