On April 23, Premier Scott Moe and Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, announced the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.
Brandi Zavislak, Canora community development officer and emergency management officer, said she was pleased to hear Moe state that many local businesses will gradually be able to re-open.
“I know many of them are going through difficult times during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Zavislak. “It is so very important that our business community is able to open up again. As it is, being a small business owner in rural Saskatchewan offers enough challenges. I think the Government is doing what it can during these uncertain times to save our economy from absolutely collapsing.”
Phase one of the plan, which began May 4, included “the reopening of medical services restricted under the current Public Health Order, and the resumption of low-risk outdoor recreational activities, including fishing and boat launches, golf courses and a fixed date for parks and campgrounds.”
Phase two is set to get underway on May 19 and includes “the reopening of retail businesses and select personal services that were previously not deemed allowable.”
Phases three through five, which do not have pre-determined dates, include remaining personal services, restaurant-type facilities, gyms and fitness facilities, licensed establishments, childcare facilities, and indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment facilities. Capacity limits and limits on the size of gatherings will remain in place. All businesses and customers will be expected to maintain physical distancing practices, guidelines and recommendations.
Zavislak said that for most local businesses, this announcement comes just in the nick of time.
“I think many of our businesses will be saved with the go ahead to reopen. We have hair stylists, dentists, chiropractors and massage therapists just to name a few that are running small businesses that have bills piling up and clients who need to see them. This is the time to give them our support.”
Zavislak said it is up to local business owners to ensure they are taking all necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.
“I have good faith that our local business community will continue to be responsible during this pandemic,” she said. “Many establishments are installing protective glass, implementing a vigorous cleaning schedule and so on. All of these precautions help our community as a whole and make everyone feel safer.”
Zavislak believes it is now more important than ever that the local community supports local businesses.
“My heart and thoughts go out to all of the businesses who have had to shut down during this pandemic,” she continued. “Here at the Town of Canora we have started a #support local campaign on social media. This campaign focuses on daily/weekly reminders to encourage our residents to support local. If our residents want to see more business stay open and not close down, then we all have to play a part in it!”
Zavislak said she is proud of the way the majority of local residents have responded to the COVID-19 crisis to this point.
“I think our community as a whole is doing a great job but it is important that we keep up the great work,” she said. “It is important that families respect the extended household group implications just introduced. This doesn’t mean you can host a social gathering as long as you have 10 or less people. The family and friends must stay consistent!
“People are already assuming they can host a barbeque or family event one day with 10 or less people and then another day with friends. This is already being misunderstood and there is a lack of compliancy.”
Zavislak reminds residents to call 1-855-559-5502 regarding anyone who fails to comply with public health orders.
“We here at the Town of Canora are still receiving a lot of complaints from neighbours reporting non-compliancy. We hope that people are getting a better understanding of all of the Public Health orders and do their part and take responsibility for their actions. If we do not incorporate due diligence daily, then we will just prolong this pandemic.
“Please support local and be kind to one another,” she concluded.
