By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau
EDMONTON (Eagle News) — Beginning May 4, Saskatchewan will begin easing restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe Thursday.
Moe unveiled the Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, a five-phase strategy to get people back to work while ensuring the disease doesn’t spread.
“We have to find the middle ground that keeps our case numbers low and keep Saskatchewan people safe, while at the same time allowing for businesses to reopen and Saskatchewan people get back to work,” said Moe. “We will carefully monitor transmission and other factors during each of those phases and we will adjust the plan if require.”
In the first phase, beginning May 4, medical and dental practitioners will be allowed to reopen their clinics. Moe said practitioners will have to wear gloves and face masks while treating patients if distancing can’t be maintained.
Fishing and recreational boating will also be allowed to resume that day. Golf courses will be reopened on May 15, although golf carts can have only one person aboard. And overnight camping will be permitted on June 1, but it is restricted to Saskatchewan residents only.
Phase 2 begins on May 19, when retail services such as clothing and shoe stores, flower shops and electronics stores will be allowed to reopen. Those establishments will have to limit the number of customers in their stores and ensure distancing. As well, hair salons, massage practitioners and acupuncturists will be permitted to resume business.
Phase 3 would allow restaurants and bars to reopen at 50% capacity and daycare centers to care for a maximum of 15 children. As well other personal services, gyms and fitness centers could open their doors.
Phase 4 will see theaters, museums, swimming pools and other large entertainment facilities resume business.
Phase 5 will lift long term restrictions.
There are no target dates for the remaining three phases to be implemented.
Moe said some people might think his government is moving too soon to reopen the province and his plan will increase the spread of COVID-19 but said for several weeks now, people have been shopping at grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential businesses and no major outbreaks have occurred.
The premier said he observed that these business have implemented new practices such as distancing and disinfecting surfaces that customers touch.
“As a result,” said Moe, “we have not seen outbreaks that have started at Saskatchewan businesses.
(Eagle News Service)