The government of Saskatchewan has made a third update to its plan to reopen the economy by including guidelines for additional businesses to operate safely during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Farmers’ markets, which were previously excluded from the plan, can reopen on May 19 when Phase 2 begins.
Public and farmers’ markets will be required to enforce physical distancing measures and enhance food hygiene.
Only take-away meals will be provided from food carts and food trucks, and liquor is only allowed in sealed retail containers.
Vendors are encouraged to pre-package food to minimize direct contact by customers. Prepared foods like breads and muffins will be stored away from customers.
Food sampling, demonstrations, kids play areas and live musicians are not allowed in markets because they promote gatherings, says the government of Saskatchewan.
Additionally, all vendors will be asked to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
Below are other changes made to Saskatchewan’s Reopen Plan:
Drive-in theatres (opening May 15 under Phase 1)
- Vehicles must be separated by five metres
- Only people from the same household can occupy the same vehicle
- Washroom and concessions will have limited access
- All picnic and play areas will remain closed
Thrift shops and second-hand stores (opening May 15 under Phase 2)
- Donated items should be laundered and dried on the hottest setting possible
- Items that can’t be laundered must be cleaned and disinfected, then isolated for 72 hours before being placed in the store to sell
- If customers want to see items behind a counter (electronics, jewelry) they will have to wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before handling the items
- Anyone with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed in the stores
Golf courses (opening May 15 under Phase 1)
- Tee times have to be a minimum of 12 minutes apart
- Maximum of four players can play together
- People can take one-on-one lessons
Boat launches (opened May 4 under Phase 1)
- Boat passengers can now include people who are not in your household
Saskatchewan’s Reopen Plan can be read in its entirety here.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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