Saskatoon (Getty Images)

REGINA — Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, announced the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan on April 23.

The plan features a five-phase approach to slowly lifting restrictions so more businesses can open and more employees can go back to work, beginning May 4. The plan also details physical-distancing measures and restrictions that will remain in place throughout the five phases and provides a number of factors to inform decisions regarding the lifting of long-term restrictions.

“Over the next several weeks, restrictions will gradually be lifted by adding more types of businesses to the allowable-businesses list, meaning they can re-open if they so choose,” says Moe. “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’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.”

The timing and order of the businesses and workplaces included in each phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is subject to change throughout the process based on a continuous assessment of transmission patterns and other factors.

The first phase of the plan, beginning on May 4, includes the re-opening of medical services restricted under the current public-health order, and the resumption of low-risk outdoor recreational activities, including fishing and boat launches, golf courses (beginning May 15) and a fixed date (June 1) for parks and campgrounds. The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.

The second phase of the plan includes the May 19 re-opening of retail businesses and select personal services that were previously not deemed allowable. The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.

Timing for the third, fourth and fifth phases will be implemented based on evaluations of transmission patterns of COVID-19 and do not have a pre-determined date. 

The third phase will include the re-opening of remaining personal services, along with the re-opening of restaurant-type facilities, gyms and fitness facilities, licensed establishments and childcare facilities. Capacity limits will remain in some facilities, such as limits to 50 per cent of regular capacity for restaurants and licensed establishments. During this phase, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 15 people — other than in allowable businesses.

The fourth phase will include the re-opening of indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities. Other than in allowable businesses, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 30 people.

The fifth phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19 and the preceding four phases and will include the consideration of lifting long-term restrictions, such as the Provincial State of Emergency and mandatory self-isolation following international travel or exposure to COVID-19.

The complete Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is available at saskatchewan.ca.

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