On Thursday, April 23rd, 2020, Saskatchewan Premiere Scott Moe and Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, made a live video announcing “Re-Open Saskatchewan”, a plan to re-open the provincial economy.
By proceeding with caution, by maintaining restrictions on high risk activities, and by continuing to maintain good physical distancing and cleanliness practices, there is a path for us to slowly lift restrictions and re-open businesses and services.Saskatchewan Premiere, Scott Moe
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan addresses both the need to get Saskatchewan’s economy back up on it’s feet and the need for the residents to access much needed outdoor recreation.
Strict rules will apply to the phases and the State of Emergency still stands.
Retails stores, that were previously deemed non-essential, will be able to open their doors May 16th to customers but will be required to follow strict guidelines. In addition to the obvious cleaning regiments they’ll be required to follow, stores will not be permitted to let customers try on clothes and will have to enact an no return policy on purchases.
View a summary of the plan on the Government of Saskatchewan website
Detailed PDF of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan with extensive information regarding cleaning, hygiene and general rules for each sector
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 per cent 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.
