Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan
Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan
Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan
Table of Contents
Re-Open Saskatchewan ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Restrictions ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Phases of Re-Open Saskatchewan .................................................................................................................... 5
Phase One ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Phase Two ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Phase Three ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Phase Four ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Phase Five ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
COVID-19 Workplace Information .................................................................................................................. 10
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines ..................................................................................... 13
Appropriate Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines ........................................................... 15
Cloth Mask Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Delivery and Mail Guidelines........................................................................................................................... 20
Transportation Guidelines ............................................................................................................................... 21
Workplace Food and Accommodations (including Work Camps) Guidelines ................................................ 22
Hotels and Motels with Guests Self-Isolating in Rooms Guidelines ............................................................... 23
Medical Professionals Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 24
Grocery Store Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 26
Clothing and Retail Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 28
Personal Care Services Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 31
Greenhouse and Landscaping Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 34
Golf Course Guidelines .................................................................................................................................... 35
Parks and Campground Guidelines ................................................................................................................. 37
3
Re-Open Saskatchewan
COVID-19 has currently changed the way we live and work – in Saskatchewan, across the country and
around the world. It’s impacted the way in which we socialize with our family and friends.
Although the challenge is formidable, it’s one that we’re overcoming by working together. We’re resilient
people and are not allowing COVID-19 to dampen our spirit or dim our anticipation of the future.
An essential element of our province’s plan to battle COVID-19 was widespread testing of residents along
with the implementation of preventative measures, such as handwashing and physical distancing. This has
enabled us to manage and flatten the curve, as well as strengthen the capacity of our health care system.
Another important aspect of this approach was to develop a plan that would eventually allow
Saskatchewan residents and our provincial economy to emerge from isolation.
Restrictions will be lifted in stages, with consideration given to socioeconomic factors and the risk of
transmission. They will be implemented via public health orders and the timing will be dictated by
evidence of transmission.
As restrictions are gradually lifted, the Government of Saskatchewan and its Chief Medical Health Officer,
Dr. Saqib Shahab, will carefully monitor the daily number of reported cases and other important
indicators. They will also monitor to ensure that:
Transmission of the virus is controlled;
The provincial health system has enough capacity to test, isolate and treat every case, as well as trace
every contact;
Outbreak risks are minimized in special settings, such as health care facilities;
Preventive measures are established in place in workplaces, schools and other essential gathering
places;
The risks of importing the virus from outside the province can be managed; and
Communities and businesses are educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new realities
brought about by COVID-19.
4
Restrictions – Long-Term
In order to mitigate risk, long-term measures and restrictions related to travel, gatherings and long-term
care facilities/personal care homes will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Consideration will be
given to relaxing restrictions in these facilities so residents aren’t isolated from their families, but that will
only be done once it is safe to do so. Regional differences in transmission and health care needs may also
require some changes to the overall provincial approach.
All daycare facilities are limited to a maximum of eight children, unless the facility can be reconfigured
to allow a maximum of eight children in one room and be in accordance with the Saskatchewan Child
Care Guidelines for Care.
The suspension of classes in all primary and secondary educational institutions – public and private.
Phase Three: Re-opening restaurants and food services, gyms and fitness centres, licensed
establishments and child care facilities
Re-opening remaining personal care services
Increasing the size of public and private gatherings to 15 people
The following recommendations should remain in place through all five phases:
Protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Individuals should continue working from home if they can do so effectively.
Physical distancing must be maintained, wherever possible.
People must stay at home when they are sick.
Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should continue to
exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures, such as public outings.
Personal hygiene will continue to be a key prevention measure.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection should take place in workplaces, public spaces and recreational
facilities.
Although the public health order regarding the size of gatherings does not apply to businesses and
workplaces, they are expected to follow the recommended public health measures, including:
o physical distancing for staff and clients;
o regular cleaning and disinfection;
6
Phase One
* Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum
of 10 people.
7
Phase Two
Re-Opening Retail (May 19, 2020)
Retail businesses that were previously not allowed can begin
providing services to the public, including:
o clothing stores
o shoe stores
o flower shops
o sporting good/adventure stores
o vaping supply shops
o boats, ATV and snowmobile dealers
o gift, book and stationery stores
o jewelry and accessory stores
o toy stores
o music, electronic and entertainment stores
o pawn shops
o travel agencies
Re-opening these businesses will allow many small business owners to bring their businesses back
online in a safe and efficient manner.
All businesses and customers are expected to maintain physical distancing practices. Where it is not
possible to provide personal services through physical distancing, service providers will be required to
take precautionary measures, such as client screening, wearing gloves and face masks.
Retail and personal services workplaces will need to follow guidance that essential businesses are
currently following with respect to hand washing, intensive cleaning (particularly high-touch areas)
and structuring stores to enable physical distancing. In order to meet these requirements, operators
may need to limit the number of customers in the store.
Specific protocols will need to be developed by some retail outlets. For example, clothing stores must
minimize customers touching merchandise, and trying on clothes is prohibited. They will encourage
online purchases (with front counter or curb pick-up) and adopt no-return policies.
Specific guidelines for retail businesses are available on P. 28, and for personal care services on P. 31.
* Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum
of 10 people.
8
* Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will increase to a maximum
of 15 people.
9
All recreational and entertainment facilities, including casinos, bingo halls, arenas, curling rinks,
swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, galleries, theaters, museums and similar facilities.
All seasonal programming, camps, recreational and athletic activities.
All businesses and customers are expected to practice physical distancing.
* Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will be increased to a
maximum of 30 people.
Businesses operating in Saskatchewan must operate according to the following COVID-19 response
guidelines. This information will apply to all workplaces in Saskatchewan as restrictions are lifted and
businesses are brought back into service.
For further information on COVID-19 and a list of critical public services and allowable businesses, please
visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 or contact the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688 or email
supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
Employers who have created PPE policies specifically to protect employees from the
COVID-19 virus are encouraged to re-examine these policies to ensure valuable PPE
resources are not unnecessarily diverted from the healthcare system. Please note
this is not intended to change established PPE requirements for an employee’s day-
to-day work activities.
The appropriate use of PPE to protect against the COVID-19 virus is based on
established infection prevention and control measures implemented by health
authorities. PPE requirements based on droplet and contact precautions include:
Find out if there are any specific tasks that concern them (e.g. tasks that involve
interacting with others).
Identifying exposure hazards and developing measures to control exposure
3. What are you doing to prevent your workers from being exposed to COVID-19?
Have you done a walk-through of your workplace to identify specific conditions
or tasks that may increase the risk of exposure of your workers to COVID-19?
Have you asked your workers (including your occupational health and safety
committee or an occupational health and safety representative) where potential
exposures may occur and how they think exposures can be controlled?
Are tasks that require PPE necessary at this time or can they wait?
4. Have you developed controls that will eliminate or minimize the risk of exposure?
What are those controls?
Have you put them in place?
How are they working (are they effective)?
How do you know how they are working?
Can you prioritize the work that needs to be done at the workplace to help your
business operate as close to normal under the circumstances? This will require a
determination of core work and where it can safely and productively be
performed.
6. If you have workers who need to come to the workplace, how are you ensuring the
following steps are being taken to reduce their risk of COVID-19 exposure? Different
workplaces will have different needs, but the following steps are a good start:
Workplaces may have physical barriers in place (e.g. drive through windows for
customer service).
Position workers to allow for physical distancing. Keep two-metres between
workers, as well as your customers.
Provide soap and water or hand sanitizers, and encourage workers to wash their
hands frequently.
Enhance cleaning and disinfecting of the workplace, particularly high-contact
items such as door handles, faucets, keyboards, and shared equipment (e.g.
photocopiers).
7. How are you checking and tracking whether the above steps are being taken?
N95 respirators require initial and ongoing training, as well as an approved method for
fit-testing to ensure a tight facial seal. Without this training and fit-testing, N95s may
not be effective against the COVID-19 virus.
Occupations that require workers to come into close contact (less than two metres)
with people known or suspected of having the COVID-19 need to take extra
precautions. This includes:
While the primary cause of COVID-19 transmission is people who are symptomatic,
there is increasing evidence that some COVID-19 infected people never develop
symptoms or are not yet sick and are able to transmit the virus.
Health officials have agreed that wearing a non-medical mask – even if you have no
symptoms – is an additional measure you may take to protect others around you,
particularly in situations where the recommended physical distancing cannot be
maintained such as public transit.
Wearing a non-medical mask will not prevent you from getting sick. However, it is
another way of covering your mouth and nose to prevent your respiratory droplets
from contaminating others or landing on surfaces.
People should also be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside or
when touched by hands.
Avoid moving the mask around or adjusting it often.
Masks should not be shared with others.
A homemade mask does not replace proven public health measures. The best way to
prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to continue to:
stay home as much as possible;
practice physical distancing;
wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water; and
cover your cough or sneezes with tissues or your sleeve.
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for delivery and mail services.
Workers who handle mail and deliveries do not require special protection;
however, they should wash their hands frequently with soap and water after
handling all materials.
Workers delivering products must minimize contact with people and surfaces at
their delivery locations. Contactless drop-off procedures should be
implemented.
Delivery and transport vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
21
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for the transportation industry.
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for operators of workplaces offering food and accommodation services.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
23
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for hotel/motel operators.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-
800-8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
24
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for medical professionals.
Beginning May 4, 2020, allow access to the following previously restricted medical
services: dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, optician services, podiatry,
occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment. All medical services providers
must continue to take measures as outlined by the Chief Medical Health Officer to
promote physical distancing where possible, and where not, use appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE).
disinfected after each use, including reception counters, seating areas (including
clinic room seats), doors, handrails and objects or machines used in therapies.
All medical and health professionals must practice effective hand hygiene after
each client - washing their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
Employers should carefully consider the appropriate use of personal protective
equipment for staff and patients/clients. For more information, see COVID-19
Appropriate Use of PPE for Employers.
Carefully consider any COVID-19 safe return-to-work recommendations provided
by professional associations or regulatory bodies.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
26
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for operators of grocery stores.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and people are increasingly concerned about
personal protection, it is essential for retail food and grocery stores to ensure safe
and reliable access to food, supplies and other provisions – and to take measures
aimed at preventing further transmission of the virus. Below are some key steps for
the sector to implement during the pandemic.
While food retailers are considered essential and allowed to remain open under the
public health order, precautions should be taken to protect the health of workers,
customers and the general public.
Ensure staff are practicing proper hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette,
including:
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and handwashing isn't
available.
Only use hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then immediately dispose of the tissue and
wash hands. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not
your hands.
Ensure employee and public washrooms are always well stocked with liquid
soap and paper towels, and that warm running water is available. Garbage
bins should be emptied frequently. Antibacterial soap is not recommended
and has no additional benefit in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Provide clean carry-out bags for purchased food and grocery products.
Customers should be encouraged not to use their own containers, reusable
bags or boxes.
27
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
28
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for operators of clothing and retail stores.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and people are increasingly concerned about
personal protection, it is essential for retail stores to ensure safe and reliable
access to retail goods – and to take measures aimed at preventing further
transmission of the virus. This document outlines key steps for the sector to
implement during the pandemic.
The guidance listed below is targeted at all retail operators outside of grocery
stores.
Ensure staff are practicing proper hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette,
including:
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and handwashing isn't
available.
Only use hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then immediately dispose of the tissue and
wash hands. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not
your hands.
Ensure employee and public washrooms are always well stocked with liquid soap
and paper towels, and that warm running water is available. Garbage bins should
be emptied frequently. Antibacterial soap is not recommended and has no
additional benefit in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
If bulk sales areas are being used (i.e. small accessories), ensure areas are cleaned
and disinfected between uses or have staff dispense the items.
The use of change rooms is not allowed. Exchanges or returns are not allowed at
this time either.
Offer and encourage online or telephone orders with delivery or pick-up services
as alternatives to in-person shopping.
Glove use is not required. If staff are using gloves, they should be changed after
every interaction and when changing tasks. Hand hygiene must be performed
between every glove change (hand sanitizer or hand washing with soap and
water).
Ask customers who arrive with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms (fever,
cough or breathing issues) to return home and use a delivery service instead.
All workers, especially those in constant contact with the public, should self-
monitor for symptoms and use the self-assessment tool available at
saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
30
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
31
General Information
Certain personal care services may need to be altered or postponed to maintain
two-metre physical distancing between clients. However, some employees will not
be able to maintain this separation during the provision of service. Therefore,
measures such as correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-monitoring
shall be applied.
Clients should attend appointments alone and not bring along friends or children.
Clients should arrive no more than five minutes before the expected appointments,
and any waiting area should be set up so clients are at least two metres apart.
Remove unnecessary communal items, such as candy, magazines and
complimentary phone chargers. Waiting chairs must be cleaned and disinfected
after each client.
During transactions, if possible, limit the exchange of papers such as receipts. Where
possible, payments should be accepted through contactless methods (e.g. tap or e-
transfer).
Beverages (coffee, tea, water) should not be offered at this time. If necessary, they
can be provided in a disposable cup.
32
Hand washing stations and/or approved hand sanitizers should be available, and
clients should be encouraged to use them upon entering and exiting. Ensure hand
sanitizers are approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number)
Clothing and fabric items should be laundered and dried on the highest temperature
setting possible. Ensure items are thoroughly dried.
All label instructions for disinfectants, including contact time, should be followed.
33
Workplaces should have protocols for donning and doffing PPE, as well as
instructions for proper disposal of it. More information on PPE can be found on
P. 15.
All workers, especially those in contact with the public, should self-monitor for
symptoms and use the self-assessment tool available at saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
Infection Prevention and Control or Occupational Health and Safety staff in the
workplace can assist in monitoring employee symptoms and provide advice in line
with the public health order.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
34
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for operators of greenhouses and landscaping businesses.
AND/OR
2. Allow a maximum of one customer per 1,000 square feet of retail space in a
facility at a time and maintain physical distancing of two metres between
individuals to a maximum of 10 customers at one time and meet the
following criteria:
Enhanced sanitization must take place, including the ability to clean and
disinfect common surfaces between customers (carts, debit machines,
door handles, counters, etc.). Customers must have access to hand
sanitizer upon entering and exiting the facility. Ensure the hand sanitizer
is approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
Flow control is implemented with one-way routes controlling physical
distancing requirements.
Employees have access to hand sanitizer, gloves and sanitizing wipes.
Employees are required to stay home if they are unwell or symptomatic.
Food and beverage service is suspended, except for curbside pick-up and
delivery.
Washrooms are closed to the public.
Signage is posted with general caution about the COVID-19 virus.
External queues and lines are managed in compliance with physical
distancing requirements.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
35
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for golf courses, which can begin operation on May 15, 2020.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
37
For general workplace guidelines, please refer to COVID-19 Workplace Information on P. 10. All businesses
operating in Saskatchewan must be in compliance with these guidelines. The information below provides
specific information for operators of parks and campgrounds.
Parks will be open to vehicle traffic for Saskatchewan residents beginning May 4,
2020, to support limited individual activities for which physical distancing can be
maintained:
Anglers to access boat launches in advance of fishing season; and,
Hikers and mountain bikers.
The online reservation system for campsites in Saskatchewan provincial parks will
also open on May 4, 2020.
All public and private campgrounds will remain closed to overnight camping until
June 1, 2020. At that time, only Saskatchewan residents will be allowed to camp or
visit Saskatchewan provincial parks.
Fishing Access
Campgrounds
Starting June 1, long-term seasonal, overnight stay and limited-term
campers will be allowed under the following conditions until the public
health order is amended:
o Reservations must be accepted in advance.
o Overnight stays and limited-term campsites may only be occupied at 50
per cent capacity, with no adjacent sites occupied at the same time.
o Contactless transactions must be used (electronic payment, delivery of
fire wood, etc.).
o No group campsites/reservations permitted. Double sites may not be
booked.
o Employees must have access to gloves and sanitizing wipes, and are
required to stay home if they are unwell or symptomatic.
o Signage must be posted to caution campers about the risks of COVID-19.
o Campers exhibiting signs of illness will not be permitted.
o The rental of tents and yurts are not permitted.
o All public services, such as interpretation services, children’s
programming and community-based programming, must be postponed.
For additional information, please call the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-
8688 or email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.