Premier Scott Moe. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME file photo)

By CJME News Staff

Reopening Sask.

Step by step: Sask. gov’t says final phase of reopening could begin July 11

Jun 1, 2021 | 3:17 PM

The Saskatchewan government has laid out the steps required to get to the final step of its Re-Opening Roadmap.

Public health measures like mandatory masking and limits on the size of gatherings will be removed three weeks after 70 per cent of everyone in the province aged 12 and over has received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine — provided at least three weeks have passed since the beginning of Step Two.

Step Two is set to start June 20. Given that 62 per cent of Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and over have received their first shots, all measures currently in place could be lifted as early as July 11 if the vaccination threshold is reached by June 20.

“It’s really up to Saskatchewan people and how many of us make the choice to protect ourselves and those around us and get vaccinated,” Premier Scott Moe said in a media release.

“That’s really what this is all about. The goal isn’t just to meet some target number we have set. The goal is to protect Saskatchewan people, so we can reopen safely.”

CRIME

RCMP charge five after string of crimes near Rosthern

9h ago

Softball World Cup

Men's Softball World Cup Group C Qualifiers get underway in Oklahoma City

14h ago

Notes from Sept. 16 City Council Meeting

Council approves closure of walkway, discusses movement of funds for new arena

15h ago

Step Three says most public health measures will be lifted — including those on restaurants, sports and recreation — once (a) 70 per cent of those 18 and over have received their first dose of vaccine and (b) three weeks have elapsed since the beginning of Step Two.

(Submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

As of Tuesday, 66 per cent of people over the age of 18 had received their first dose.

“Our path back to normal continues to be through our vaccinations and I want to thank all the residents of Saskatchewan who have chosen to keep themselves and their friends, families and communities safe,” Moe said.

“And to everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time. Let’s get this done, Saskatchewan. We have had public health orders in place now for 445 days. They could all be removed in a little over a month from now, if enough of us get vaccinated.”

Even though the public health measure calling for mandatory mask use could be lifted, the government said some workplaces could still require the wearing of masks. As well, some people may still choose to wear masks based on their risk assessment and comfort level.

As for gatherings, the government said although physical distancing won’t be required anymore, organizers should consider separating those in attendance. Washrooms and commonly touched surfaces should still be cleaned and disinfected.

More to come.