Due to a recent change in provincial health orders, some businesses deemed non-essential by the Manitoba government will be able to reopen starting May 4. In Flin Flon, operations at several local businesses will restart.
Retail businesses that have been closed due to COVID-19 can now reopen for customers.
Hairstylists and barbers are also able to reopen. Both Urban Trendz Hair Studio and Mane Frame are planning to reopen May 4. Not all services previously available at either location will be available as of May 4, with nail services not being approved for reopening by the provincial government until at least June 1.
Both businesses will be making accommodations for social distancing and will pre-screen customers over the phone for symptoms.
“Over the next few days, we will be working very hard to get everything in place for our salon to open under these strict rules. Our salon will not be able to open all chairs at the same time, so our hours will be changing to try and get clients in as soon as an appointment is available,” reads a social media statement from Urban Trendz.
“We ask that anyone feeling symptoms of COVID-19 please be honest with us before you enter our building. We will be screening clients over the phone before appointments and ask that you kindly reschedule if you are sick. No haircut is worth those repercussions,” reads a statement issued by Mane Frame.
Restaurants with patio and walk-up services can reopen May 4. Flin Flon’s sole restaurant patio will not immediately be one of the openings, however – Mugsy’s Deli will not be opening the restaurant’s adjacent deck area for at least a week after the reopenings begin.
Art, history and cultural locations including museums, galleries and libraries are part of the initial provincial reopening list. The Flin Flon Station Museum will remain closed as of May 4, while the Flin Flon Public Library will reopen May 4 with altered services.
The library will offer pickup of books and DVDs at the building's front door, but will not allow printing, laminating, binding, photocopying or other services during the first phase of opening.
The NorVA Centre, which qualifies as a gallery under the provincial regulation, is also eligible to open to the public.
Outdoor recreation and campground facilities are eligible to reopen as of May 4.
Schools will remain closed and will stay closed for the rest of the school year. Non-urgent surgeries can now be done, but not in Flin Flon due to the suspension of surgery services at Flin Flon General Hospital.
Some health services temporarily shut down due to the outbreak, including diagnostics, therapeutic and others, are also eligible to reopen.
Other businesses designated by the provincial government as part of the second phase of reopening, starting no earlier than June 1, include dine-in services at restaurants and expanding public gatherings.
Non-contact children’s sports are also able to be restored as early as June 1. That news will come too late to save the seasons for Flin Flon/Creighton Minor Ball and the Phantom Lake Soccer Club – both groups have already cancelled their seasons.
