Re-Open Saskatchewan 5 phase plan
- EFN Staff | April 25, 2020
The Saskatchewan economy will slowly open up after businesses were closed and jobs were cut due to COVID-19. The provincial government has announced a “Re-Open Saskatchewan” plan in five phases which will allow businesses to open and employees to head back to work.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab went into detail on what the plan is and introduced each of the five phases.
“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 re-open if they so choose,” Premier Moe said. “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.”
The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan will methodically, gradually, and cautiously re-open businesses and services across Saskatchewan and phase 1 will begin on May 4th. 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.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) stated in a press release that this plan could potentially put the health and safety of Saskatchewan’s First Nations at risk.
“We encourage and support our First Nations who chose to keep their borders closed and take extra measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their communities,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “It is our First Nations who will decide when to lift our precautionary measures. We strongly encourage all of our First Nations to remain vigilant and continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our First Nations. We support any First Nation who chooses to keep their borders and/or businesses closed until they feel it is safe and in the best interests of their communities to reopen.”
The Five Phases of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan:
Phase One – Beginning May 4, 2020
- The first phase of the plan 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, and a fixed date for parks and campgrounds. The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
- On May 4, 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.
- Low-risk outdoor recreational activities will be allowable with precautionary measures, including fishing and boat launches (May 4), golfing with physical distancing guidelines (May 15), and a fixed date (June 1) and clear guidelines for the operation of parks and campgrounds.
Phase Two – May 19, 2020
- 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.
- A full list of retail businesses and select personal services that will be deemed allowable in phase two is included in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, along with guidance, protocols, and physical distancing measures that allowable businesses and services are required to observe.
Phase Three – Date To Be Determined
- The third phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19 and does 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 percent of regular capacity for restaurants and licensed establishments.
- All businesses and customers will be expected to maintain physical distancing practices, guidelines, and recommendations.
- Other than in allowable businesses, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 15 people.
Phase Four – Date To Be Determined
- The fourth phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19 and does not have a pre-determined date. The fourth phase will include the re-opening of indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities.
- All businesses and customers will be expected to maintain physical distancing practices, guidelines, and recommendations.
- Other than in allowable businesses, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 30 people.
Phase Five – Date To Be Determined
- 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.