The Government of Saskatchewan announced their plan to re-open the economy next month and the City of Lloydminster isn’t ready to commit to that plan yet.
“It is early to determine on which side we’ll go with but we’ll be working with both [provincial health authorities] and on their recommendations move forward with the City of Lloydminster’s plan,” Emergency Management Operations Manager Jordan Newton says.
Premier Scott Moe brought forward a five phase plan to lift restrictions to allow businesses and other services to re-open. He says the province is successfully flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases. Due to the city’s bi-provincial nature, Newton says they will be finding a solution that works best for all residents.
“The city will be working with both of our provincial health authorities to determine the best steps to re-open the City of Lloydminster and its businesses. We will govern under the State of Local Emergency and ensure any rules in effect apply to our whole community on both sides of the border.”
He encourages residents to look for updates to the State of Local Emergency on their website.
Under the Saskatchewan plan, all residents are expected to continue following physical distancing rules and only visit stores when needed. Personal hygiene like proper hand washing must also be followed.
The province says businesses must be able to protect employees and customers and implement physical distancing measures, enhance cleaning and disinfecting protocols and limit groups in the workplace.
Moe notes preventative measures are working as there have been no major outbreaks or transmissions occurring at grocery and hardware stores in the province.
“This gives us confidence that Saskatchewan business can re-open and keep their customers and employees safe by maintaining similar practices. We will closely monitor the cases each and every day and we will adjust our plan accordingly if required,” Moe says.
The province recommends those that can still work from home to do so and workers who are sick should stay home.
The premier says as each phase goes into effect, the province will be monitoring COVID-19 cases and will be looking at the daily numbers to guide restrictions in certain areas.
“That conversation may come but I would view as much more of a collaborative conversation between the province, the Chief Medical Health Officer, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the local leadership.”
Moe says the province now has the contact tracing resources in place to help limit the spread if a localised flare-up should occur. There is an outbreak currently in Lloydminster at the Pioneer Lodge & Home. EMO Manager Jordan Newton says the city has reached out to the facility to offer help.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the staff and residents of that facility. The city has reached out and will be offering support.”
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The Re-open Saskatchewan Plan – Phase one
The first phase of the Re-open Saskatchewan plan is set to begin on May 4 and will allow the public to access medical services restricted under the public health order.
Services include:
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Physical therapy
- Opticians
- Podiatry
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractic treatment
Low risk outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and boat launches will open on May 4 while golf courses are expected to open May 15 and campgrounds on June 1. Park access will be restricted to Saskatchewan residents only.
Public gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Phase two
Phase two will start on May 19 and will allow for retail businesses and personal services to re-open. Size restrictions will stay at a maximum of 10 people.
Retail businesses include:
- Clothing stores
- Shoe stores
- Flower shops
- Sporting goods stores
- Vaping supply shops
- Boats, ATV and snowmobile dealers
- Gift, book and stationery stores
- Jewelry and accessory stores
- Toy stores
- Music, electronic and entertainment stores
- Pawn shops
- Travel agencies
Personal services include:
- Hairdressers and barbers
- Registered massage therapists
- Acupuncturist
- Acupressurist
Phase three
No dates were given for phases three to five as they will be determined based on the results of the previous phases.
In this phase, more services will be allowed to open up and include:
- Esthetician
- Tattoo artist
- Cosmetologist
- Electrologist
- Manicurist and pedicurist
- Sun tanning parlour
- Facilities in which body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services are provided
Restaurants and bars will be allowed to re-open under the restrictions of operating at 50 per cent their capacity. Gyms and childcare centres will also open their doors.
The public and private gathering limits will be increased to a maximum of 15 people.
Phase four
Indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities like theatres will open for business. Gathering limits are increased to a maximum of 30 people in this phase.
Phase five
All long-term restrictions will be lifted including limits on public and private gatherings.
Throughout all phases, all non-essential travel, both internationally and interprovincially, is not recommended. People who are returning from international travel will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
The detailed plan is available on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.