As promised in his speech to Saskatchewan people Wednesday evening, Premier Scott Moe and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab have announced a five phase plan to begin re-opening Saskatchewan, as COVID-19 numbers continue to be relativity low.
Current restrictions around travel and mass gatherings will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Moe also said they will still be looking to increase testing and contract tracing as we head into the summer months.
Some ease of current restrictions will begin in May;
“Phase One – Beginning May 4th, 2020
• The first phase of the plan includes the re-opening of medical services restricted under the current public health order, and the resumption of low-risk outdoor recreational activities, including fishing and boat launches, golf courses, and a fixed date for parks and campgrounds. The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
• On May 4th, public access to medical services will be reinstated, including access to dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment. When it is not possible to physically distance, providers will be required to take precautionary measures as outlined by the Chief Medical Health Officer.
• Low-risk outdoor recreational activities will be allowable with precautionary measures, including fishing and boat launches (May 4th), golfing with physical distancing guidelines (May 15th) and a fixed date (June 1st) and clear guidelines for the operation of parks and campgrounds.
Phase Two – May 19th, 2020
• The second phase of the plan includes the May 19th re-opening of retail businesses and select personal services that were previously not deemed allowable.
• The size restrictions of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
• A full list of retail businesses and select personal services that will be deemed allowable in phase two is included in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, along with guidance, protocols, and physical distancing measures that allowable businesses and services are required to observe.
Phase Three – Date To Be Determined
• The third phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19, and does not have a pre-determined date. The third phase will include the re-opening of remaining personal services, along with the re-opening of restaurant-type facilities, , gyms and fitness facilities, licensed establishments, and childcare facilities. Capacity limits will remain in some facilities, such as limits to 50 percent of regular capacity for restaurants and licensed establishments.
• All businesses and customers will be expected to maintain physical distancing practices, guidelines, and recommendations.
• Other than in allowable businesses, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 15 people.
Phase Four – Date To Be Determined
• The fourth phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19, and does not have a pre-determined date. The fourth phase will include the re-opening of indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities.
• All businesses and customers will be expected to maintain physical distancing practices, guidelines, and recommendations.
• Other than in allowable businesses, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum of 30 people.
Phase Five – Date To Be Determined
• The fifth phase will be implemented following an evaluation of transmission patterns of COVID-19 and the preceding four phases, and will include the consideration of lifting long-term restrictions.
LIVE: Watch as, joined by Dr. Shahab, we announce Re-Open Saskatchewan, a plan to re-open the provincial economy. #COVID19SK https://t.co/uIP5sgOQeQ
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) April 23, 2020
As restrictions are gradually lifted, the Government of Saskatchewan and Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Health Officer, will carefully monitor the daily number of reported cases and other important indicators.
These factors will inform decisions regarding the pace at which the restrictions can be lifted or put back in place if required.
• Transmission is controlled;
• Health system capacities are in place to test, isolate, and treat every case and trace every contact;
• Outbreak risks are minimized in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes;
• Preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools, and other essential places;
• Importation risks can be managed;
• Communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm.
The plan will also provide clear guidance to the public so they can continue to follow current public health orders and prepare accordingly for lifting of restrictions.
Long Term Restrictions on High Risk Areas Remain In Place. A number of long term measures and restrictions that are related to the highest risk areas will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
These long term restrictions include:
• Maintaining the current Provincial State of Emergency;
• Recommendations against non-essential international and interprovincial travel;
• Mandatory 14-day self-isolation following international travel, exposure to COVID-19, or a positive COVID-19 test;
• Visitor restrictions limited to compassionate reasons at long-term care homes, hospitals, personal care homes, and group homes; and
• The suspension of classes in all primary and secondary educational institutions, both public and private.
• Large public gatherings remain prohibited.
As of Wednesday just 61 COVID-19 cases were considered active in Saskatchewan, of those five people are in hospital with one person in intensive care.
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