It’s a big day for many businesses that have been closed since March with the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan beginning Phase 2.
Premier Scott Moe says businesses that are now able to open again include retail stores , shopping malls, select personal services like hair stylists and registered massage therapists, and public markets and farmers markets.
He cautions though, that business will not be conducted in the same way because of safety protocols in place to continue the work of clamping down on the transmission of COVID-19.
Some of the regulations for business include making sure stores are structured to enable physical distancing, and in order to meet those requirements, operators may need to limit the number of customers.
The guidelines include discouraging the use of change rooms, and if they are to be used, only allow 50 per cent occupancy.
The province also suggests discouraging exchanges or returns, but if stores are still accepting them, isolate the merchandise in a separate bin.
Phase 2 doesn’t include restaurants other than for pickup and delivery, although they are open now in Alberta.
Calgary and Brooks restaurants remain closed because of the high numbers of COVID-19.
Premier Moe says the government has been speaking with the Restaurants Association and individual restaurants about what it will look like when they re-open, but no specific date has been set yet for Phase 3.
First, they will observe what happens in Phase 2.
Along with Phase 2 of re-opening the economy, Tuesday is also Phase 1 for expanding health care services.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s CEO says as the gradual re-opening begins, they will constantly evaluate to ensure the safety of patients, residents and health care workers.
The SHA’s Resumption Plan has 4 phases.
It includes an increase in surgeries, diagnostic imaging and primary care clinics.
Scott Livingstone says the clinics will continue to use virtual care where possible, prioritizing in person visits for those with chronic diseases.
Mental health short stay units are re-opening, along with in-person appointments for mental health and addictions if needed, more therapeutic and day programming for groups of under 10 people and the gradual re-introduction of services like home care, kidney health, rehabilitation and therapy programs.
