June 8 is set as target date for Phase 3 of “Re-Open Saskatchewan” plan

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Phase 2 of the “Re-Open Saskatchewan” plan has started and Phase 3 is not far away.

The provincial government says its target date to begin Phase 3 of the five-phase plan is June 8.

This phase will allow for restaurants and licensed establishments to open at 50 percent capacity with gyms and fitness facilities also being allowed to open again.

Others allowed to re-open include:

  • Tattoo artists;
  • Estheticians
  • Make-up applicators;
  • Electrologists;
  • Manicurists;
  • Pedicurists;
  • Sun tanning parlours;
  • Facilities in which body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services are provided; and
  • Other personal service facilities.

However the premier said that date is not necessarily set in stone.

“I want to emphasize that June 8th is a target date. We hope to begin phase three on the 8th, but that date can change in all or in areas of the province depending on the situation with COVID-19 in the next couple weeks,” stated Premier Scott Moe.

He admitted it’s too early to tell what impact it will have on the province’s numbers since phase 2 just started.

With more restrictions set to be lifted in two and a half weeks from now, it raises the question as to when the legislature will resume. Moe said those discussions are continuing between the two house leaders.

“The option that we have put forward is the most comprehensive opportunity for budgetary legislative scrutiny, of any option that has been put forward in this nation by any province or territory, since the emergency measures have come into effect.”

Guidelines are currently being developed for restaurants and licensed establishments, and gyms and fitness facilities.  They will be included in the updated plan, which will be available at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open on Friday.

Guidelines for the safe re-opening of places of worship will be developed in consultation with faith leaders.  Further information will be added to these guidelines and others will be developed as the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan continues to be updated to allow business operators and service providers to prepare to re-open.

All businesses that are eligible to re-open must follow the guidelines in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan and the current public health order.  However, businesses are not required to open at this time and can determine when they are ready to open and operate in a safe manner.

SARCAN is also preparing to resume its recycling operations in the near future.  Beginning June 8, commercial and bulk customers will be able to bring in their recycling by appointment only.  SARCAN will open to the general public on June 15.

The information comes as the province announces two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the provincial total to 622.  106 of those are considered active.  Both of the new cases are in the Far North.

There have been 15 more recoveries bringing the total to 509.  Five are in hospital with two in intensive care (both in Saskatoon).

(With files from Moises Canales)

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