Premier Announces Five Phases To Re-Open Economy

By Robert Thomas

It’s a plan to methodically re-start the province's economy but it is also a plan which also assumes some measure of acceptable risk.

In a Thursday morning news conference Premier Scott Moe outlined the five phases for restarting the provincial economy under the Re-Open Saskatchewan program.

Phases which will be staged starting the first week of May and then proceed to Phase Five which will usher in the total restarting of the Province's economy.

The plan will be implemented with a low risk of COVID -19 transmission accompanied by continued physical distancing, proper hygiene, close monitoring through testing and if necessary contact tracing to stop any potential outbreaks to keep transmission rates low.

“It's a plan we will monitor in each of those phases and we will adjust the plan if required,” Premier Moe said.

Speaking at the news conference Premier Moe said there is a need to look beyond the numbers - both of those who contracted the Covid - 19 virus as well as businesses - as people.

“We will always remembering these are not just numbers they are people and they are Saskatchewan people,” Premier Moe said.

“At the same time the economy is not just numbers…the economy is a job that allows you to support yourself and your family…the economy is a small business you spent your life and your life savings building and today that business may not be open. They are also Saskatchewan people.”

Throughout the phased in re-start of the provincial economy physical distancing, proper hygiene, disinfecting and restricted gathering sizes which have so far kept cases low in the province will be maintained.

Testing and contact tracing - where 500 people are currently assigned - will help to limit outbreaks which in other jurisdictions spread from one individual to hundreds of people in a few weeks.

Saskatchewan's chief medical officer Dr Saquib Shahad said shopping and transmission has been carefully monitored so far and it has proven the measures to stop transmission and any potential spread has been effective in restricting transmission and not overwhelming the Province's medical system.

Dr Shahad further stated people should know who they have been closer than two meters from in the last 14 days.

Recommendations against non-essential travel to other provinces and outside the country continue.

Anyone returning to Saskatchewan from outside Canada will still be required to undergo a mandatory 14 day quarantine.

Regarding daycares - which do not re-open fully until Phase Three - and the need for them in Phases One and Two Premier Moe said the government had consulted with daycare operators - both large public and private home daycares - and there was underutilized capacity at the present time.

Premier Moe would not comment if the timing of the phases meant such things as the Country Thunder Jamboree in Craven or if the CFL season was now over saying it was too early to speculate if they were effectively cancelled under the phased in plan.

PHASE ONE - May 4th

Phase one will allow some medical services presently closed to re-open as well as low risk recreational activities to take place.

Dentistry, optometry, chiropractors, physical therapy, podiatry, opticians and physical therapists will be allowed to re-open.

The services will be required to take safety precautions as well as follow safe physical distancing practices to protect staff and patients.

Additionally low risk recreational activities such as fishing and boat launches will be allowed to be open.

On May 15th golf courses will be allowed to be open but physical distancing must be maintained including only one person per golf cart.

On June 1st provincial parks and campgrounds will be re-opened with restrictions which include an empty space between each camping space and only Saskatchewan residents will be allowed to book camping at the park.

PHASE TWO - May 19th

The re-opening of many businesses presently closed to the provincial State of Emergency.

This phase will include the re-opening of hair dressers/barbers, massage therapists, acupuncturist and accupressurists although precautions must be taken when within meters of clients.

Businesses will be required to insure there is physical distancing, proper cleaning and hand washing on-going as well as the number people in the store can be restricted.

PHASE THREE - No Set Date

Phase Three will commence depending on the success of the first two phases.

This phase will see the re-opening of restaurants, gyms, childcare facilities and fitness facilities.

There will be requirements such as restaurants only allowed to utilize 50 percent of their capacity.

All facilities will still be required to maintain protocols such as disinfecting to prevent any potential spread of COVID - 19.

People over 40 years of age or those with underlying health problems are advised to use caution if the decide to use gyms or fitness facilities.

PHASE FOUR - No Set Date

Phase Four will see the re-opening of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and will include physical distancing and hygiene practices such as hand washing and physical distancing.

Gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed.

PHASE FIVE - No Set Date

Consideration will be given to lifting restrictions but it will be after a re-evaluation of the previous four phases.

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