Saskatchewan became the first Canadian province to detail how they’ll return to normal during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The province released a 39 page plan April 23 outlining which services and businesses will return, and in what order. Some services will return as soon as May 4.
The plans call for a cautious approach, with Saskatchewan’s website saying the chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, will monitor the numbers closely as things begin to return.
“Flattening the curve and strengthening the system will remain priorities, as will our ability to manage the current COVID-19 pressures by building capacity in the coming weeks and months,” Saskatchewan’s website reads.
“Key elements will include increased testing and contact tracing, as well as the preparation of additional space and critical equipment.”
The plan is broken up into five phases, with dates and goals outlined for the first two, with some elements recommendations maintained throughout each phase.
Workers are asked to keep working from home, and everyone will be asked to follow physical distancing guidelines. Care home workers will also be restricted to only working at one care home.
Phase one:
The first phase of the plan will see non-essential medical services open up on May 4, including dentist offices and physical therapy. Boat launches and fishing will also be allowed starting May 4.
Golf courses will be allowed to open on May 15. With snow still on the ground in Flin Flon, it is unclear if Phantom Lake Golf Course will open on schedule, or change plans because of the outbreak.
Campgrounds will be given the all clear starting June 1, with reservations starting on May 4.
Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
Phase two:
On May 19, retail businesses will be given the all clear to open, as well as some personal services, such as hairdressers.
Restrictions will still prevent these businesses from running as normal.
“All businesses and customers are expected to maintain physical distancing practices,” the plan reads.
“Where it is not possible to provide personal services through physical distancing, service providers will be required to take precautionary measures, such as client screening, wearing gloves and face masks.”
The maximum gathering size will remain at 10 people throughout phase two.
Further phases:
No dates are given on the rest of the phases, but the province has released what each phase will contain.
Phase three includes opening up the rest of the personal services, including pedicurists. Gyms and childcare facilities will also be allowed to open.
Bars and restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
“Recreation areas within restaurants and licensed establishments are not allowed,” the plan clarifies
“This includes dance floors, VLTs, pool tables and other areas where it is not possible to practice physical distancing.”
The maximum gathering size will be increased to 15 in phase three.
Phase four will include increasing the gathering size to 30 people, and opening entertainment and recreation facilities such as arenas.
Phase five will see the loosening of long term restrictions, and another further increase in maximum gathering size.
The complete plan can be found at saskatchewan.ca.
