The province of Saskatchewan has declared an emergency and so has the city of Regina.

Council went through a marathon emergency meeting on Friday to outline the various measures that will be taken.

The Declaration of Local Emergency is in effect for seven days and orders the following within the city limits of Regina:

•            Closure of all restaurants, bars and nightclubs, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout and food delivery, effective March 20, 2020.

•            Group meetings larger than five people are prohibited, except for essential service providers, effective March 20, 2020.

•            Dental offices be closed except for emergency services, effective March 20, 2020.

•            The closure of retail stores, specifically clothing, shoes, sporting, furniture, toy, craft and gaming, except for facilities that provide delivery or curbside service, effective March 23, 2020.

Grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations are exempt from the above orders.

While the province’s measures do take precedence over what the city has done, Mayor Michael Fougere is hoping Reginans will look at the gatherings in public spaces issue and limit them to five people or less instead of 25 as the province has stated.

While the city’s wishes can be enforced, Fougere tried to clarify the confusion that could result by saying it is more of a suggestion.