Saskatchewan's Phase 2 plan updated to allow shopping malls to open, stores can accept returns

The Saskatchewan NDP wants the province to delay Phase 2 of its reopening plan, currently scheduled for May 19.

"We're now just over a week from the start of Phase 2, but business owners have more questions than answers about how to open safely," NDP Leader Ryan Meili said Thursday.

"The province has failed to consult with those affected. They need to step up, listen to local business owners like those joining us today, and provide the guidelines and protections that are needed to ensure a successful and safe reopening of Saskatchewan businesses."

Meili and the NDP brought forward the concerns of some hair salon and barbershop owners in the province.

"You're telling us we can dress like surgeons, but we don't have to," said Julia Darling, owner of High Noon Barber Shop in Saskatoon.

"I have a large staff, including some with family members who are immunocompromised. We'll need a lot of protective equipment, and if we run out, we'll have to close. All we're really asking for is time and support to figure this out."

Phase 1 of the reopen started on Monday, allowing medical services including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic offices to reopen.

Phase 2 starts on May 19, with businesses like clothing stores, hair salons and pawn shops able to open. 

"I can't morally source PPE that's hard to come by, and it's not even clear what specifically we will need," said Kara Firman, owner of Guide Hair Salon in Saskatoon.

"This is putting all of us in a really difficult position. Either we open and struggle with the safety risk, increased overhead cost and fewer customers, or we stay closed and face that ongoing loss of revenue."

Phases 3 to 5 do not yet have starting dates. Businesses like gyms and child-care centres are in Phase 3. Restaurants can also open then at 50 per cent capacity in Phase 3. Phase 4 includes businesses like bingo halls and casinos. Phase 5 is the lifting of long-term restrictions.

The province has said it will evaluate the reopening plan as COVID-19 evolves. Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab announced a delay to Phase 1 reopening in La Loche and Lloydminster on April 29.

On Thursday, the government said the situation in the Lloydminster Hospital, which prompted the delay in reopening was "stable" and will allow Phase 1 businesses to start opening in the city on May 11.

La Loche's reopening remains on hold.

Government continues to tweak Phase 2 rollout plans

The government is readjusting its rollout plans for Phase 2 once again.

Last week, the province updated its list of what is permitted starting May 19, including allowing shopping malls to open and letting customers return purchased items. Change rooms and washrooms will also reopen, with increased cleaning.

Drive-in or remote worship guidelines were also added, allowing worshippers to come together as long as they stay in their vehicles and physically distance. Food or beverage services are off limits, too.

Greenhouses are able to open as well, if crowd control cordons — like tape or cones — are used to help physically distance customers in line and one-way aisles are implemented. The businesses must also offer online or telephone orders as an alternative.

On Friday, the province made more tweaks to its Phase 2 reopen plan.

Guidelines for farmers markets were added, letting them operate under a lengthy list of conditions. Among them, vendors must set up with "adequate distance between booths to ensure physical distancing can be maintained." They must also discontinue food sampling and store their food products away from customers until the time of purchase. Reusable bags, cups and containers are prohibited as well.

Thrift stores are also able to reopen, under strict cleaning guidelines. Second-hand items are to be laundered on the hottest setting possible. If that's not an option, donated items need to sit in a separate bin for at least 72 hours before being placed on a sales rack.

The government also made changes to boating rules in the province.

Passengers in boats now do not have to be from the same household, but "need to maintain as much separation as possible." 

Originally, the province had said people are only allowed to go boating with those who live in the same household.

See the full reopening plan, including the tweaks made May 8, here: