The Province of Saskatchewan announced a five-phase plan to reopen the province in the awake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a gradual plan that will take place over the next several week, with restrictions gradually lifted by adding more businesses to the allowable businesses list.

All businesses will be required to continue following physical distancing and cleaning and disinfection practices to protect customers and employees. Members of the public are expected to follow physical distancing rules and to stay home if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Phase 1, set to begin on May 4, will lift restrictions on certain medical practices along with an ease on outdoor recreation:

• Medical services including:
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Physical Therapy
  • Opticians
  • Podiatry
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Chiropractic Treatment
• Facilities to accommodate low-risk outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing
• Online reservations for campgrounds, which are scheduled to open on June 1
• Golf courses starting on May 15

Phase 2, set to begin on May 19, will include the opening of retail businesses and personal services not allowed under Saskatchewan’s state of emergency. Physical distancing rules are to be followed or the implementing of screening measures if physical distancing is not possible.

• Clothing stores, sporting goods stores, vaping supply shops, book stores, jewelry stores, boat & ATV dealerships, accessory stores, music stores, electronics stores, pawnshops and travel agencies
• Personal services including:
  • Hairdressers
  • Registered Massage Therapists
  • Acupuncturists
  • Acupressurists

Phase 3, to be enacted at a yet to be determined date, will see the reopening of remaining personal services and a relaxing on restrictions of public gatherings:

• Aestheticians, tattoo artists, cosmetologist, electrologist, manicurists, pedicurists, sun tanning parlours, body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services, and other personal service providers
• Restaurants and food services, to operate at 50% capacity
• Gyms
• Childcare centres
• Licensed establishments
• Restrictions on public gatherings increased to 15 people

Phase 4, on a date also to be determined, will see openings for:

• Casinos, bingo halls, curling rinks, swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, movie theatres, museums and similar facilities
• Seasonal programming like camps, recreational activities and athletic activities
• Restrictions on public gatherings increased to 30 people

Phase 5, which will depend on things like case count, will include the lifting of long-term restrictions.

Long-term restrictions on high-risk areas remain in place; including the current state of emergency and recommendations against non-essential international and interprovincial travel. Mandatory self-isolation of 14 days after international travel, testing positive for COVID-19, or coming into contact with someone who has tested positive remains in effect.

Large public gatherings are still prohibited.