By Canadian Press

Five phases: Saskatchewan’s plan to reopen the province to start in May

Apr 23, 2020 | 11:46 AM

REGINA — The Saskatchewan government on Thursday released a five-phase plan to reopen parts of its economy during the COVID-19 crisis. The first lifting of some measures could start on May 4. Premier Scott Moe has said health officials will continue to monitor infection rates and the timeline for easing restrictions may have to be readjusted.

Phase One

May 4: Dentists, optometrists, physical and occupational therapists, and chiropractors to be allowed to resume services.

May 4: Boat launches in provincial parks to reopen. Passengers in boats all have to be from the same household. Shoreline anglers to maintain two-metre physical distancing. Fishing off public docks to remain banned.

May 4: Online reservations for provincial parks to go ahead.

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May 15: Golf courses to open. Driving ranges, practice putting areas and clubhouses to stay closed. Golf club rentals not allowed. Tee times at least 20 minutes apart. Only one person to be allowed in a golf cart at a time, unless golfers are from the same household. Carts to be fully sanitized between uses.

June 1: Parks and campgrounds to reopen if precautionary measures such as disinfecting common areas and physical distancing are practised.

Phase Two

May 19: Retail businesses such as clothing stores, flower shops, sporting-good stores, jewelry stores, pawn shops, travel agencies and toy stores to reopen. Stores to minimize customers touching merchandise, to prohibit trying on clothing and to limit the number of shoppers inside. Exchanges or returns not to be allowed.

May 19: Salons and barber shops to reopen. Massage therapists and acupuncturists to be allowed to practise again. Physical distancing expected and, when that’s not possible, client screening, gloves and face masks required.

Phase Three

No date for implementation of this phase.

— Size of public and private gatherings to increase to 15 people from the current 10.

— Restaurants and coffee shops to reopen with a limit of 50 per cent capacity. Buffets not allowed.

— Bars to open at half capacity. Dance floors, VLTs or pool tables not allowed.

— Estheticians, tattoo studios, cosmetologists, piercers and tanning salons to reopen.

— Gyms and fitness facilities may resume but must follow strict cleaning protocols.

— Child-care facilities to open doors. Any located in long-term care homes to have a private entrance for children.

Phase Four

No date for implementation.

— Size of public and private gatherings to be increased to 30 people.

— Casinos, bingo halls, arenas, swimming pools, galleries, theatres, museums and curling rinks to reopen.

— Public to be allowed to use municipal parks and playgrounds.

— Seasonal programming, summer camps, and recreational and athletic activities to go ahead.

Phase Five

No date for implementation.

— The province to consider lifting restrictions on the size of public gatherings, non-essential travel and on visits to long-term care facilities and personal care homes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2020

The Canadian Press