Thursday, July 2, 2020
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 1
Moe makes waves on province re-open kind of business, facility, service and activity in this province are now re-open, (and) again, I want to thank everyone in Saskatchewan for everything you’ve done to control the spread of COVID-19.
“ Premier Scott Moe. File Photo TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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After months of fielding questions and trying to keep residents happy, while also safe, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made an exciting announcement Tuesday afternoon. Beginning Monday, July 6, indoor pools, indoor rinks, indoor sports and activities, and the performing arts – including music, dance and theatre – will be able to re-open. The seating capacity for restaurants and licensed establishments will also increase that same day
to a level that allows staff and customers to maintain two metres of physical distance. On Thursday, July 9, casinos and bingo halls are able to re-open for business. This includes Lloydminster’s Gold Horse Casino, which will open that day at 6 p.m. and then follow regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The guidelines for businesses and activities re-opening on July 6 and July 9 are included in this week’s update to the plan to re-open the provincial economy.
Racetracks and rodeorelated activities, including barrel racing, will also resume on July 16. Guidelines are being developed and will include guidance related to spectators. “While localized outbreaks will continue to occur, the number of active cases in our province remains very low,” said Moe. “With just six active cases in the north region, four in the Saskatoon region, no active cases in Regina and the central regions of this province. “With these re-openings, virtually every
With these re-openings, virtually every kind of business, facility, service and activity in this province are now re-open, (and) again, I want to thank everyone in Saskatchewan for everything you’ve done to control the spread of COVID-19.
“I want to thank you for your patience as well, as we moved as quickly as possible, but also as safely as possible, through the reopening phases, and I want to encourage everyone to continue all of the
good practices that have gotten us this far.” Moe explained the provincial government has also been working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority on new guidelines to provide greater opportunity for Sask. residents to visit family members in long-term care facilities and hospitals. “We still have to be very careful in those facilities as that is where some of the most dangerous outbreaks have occurred,” he said. “So we’re working to find balance that will keep everyone safe, while recognizing how critically important it is for hospital patients and our seniors in our long-term care homes to be able to see members of their family, and we expect an announcement on that later this week.” The City of Lloydminster welcomed the news as they continue their efforts to get the Border City back to some kind of new normal. “After prolonged closures and travel sus-
pensions, we know the community is excited to return to their active lifestyles,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “As such, we welcome the Government of Saskatchewan’s announcement and its diligent work in advancing the reopening of our economy. “The newly-updated guidelines are robust and will play a significant role in determining the next steps for opening the remaining Cityowned municipal buildings and amenities.” With more restrictions being lifted, Moe reminded residents to “not let our guard down, even for a moment.” “While we will need to move forward very cautiously with Phase 5, which is lifting the restrictions on large gatherings, we know that in Saskatchewan, and elsewhere, large gatherings have resulted in some of the largest outbreaks,” he said. “So, we will need to be very cautious in relaxing those (current) restrictions.”