REGINA -- In March, Premier Scott Moe made self-isolation mandatory, and limited a multitude of businesses from provided face-to-face services. Here are the most recent measures put in place by the province to deal with the spread of COVID-19.
New limitations on businesses, gatherings
The latest measures, announced on March 25, include limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people in one room, except when people can maintain two metres between them.
Nightclubs, bars and lounges have closed. Takeout food and alcohol is permitted with two metres of distancing between customers and delivery persons. These measures took effect on March 23.
The following businesses are ordered to stop providing face-to face services:
- Clothing stores
- Shoe stores
- Flower shops
- Sporting goods
- Adventure stores
- Vape shops
- Boats, ATV or snowmobile retailers
- Gift, book stationary stores
- Jewelry stores
- Toy stores
- Music, entertainment stores
- Pawn shops
- Travel agencies
- Restaurants
- Food courts
- Cafeterias
- Cafes
- Bistros
- Gyms
- Casinos
- Bingos
- Arenas
- Curling rinks
- Swimming pools
- Galleries
- Theatres
- Museums
- Tattooists
- Hairdressers
- Barbers
- Acupuncturists
- Acupressurists
- Cosmetologists
- Electrologists
- Estheticians
- Manicurists,
- Tanning parlours
- Relaxation masseuses
The following clinics are ordered to close with the exception of non-elective procedures:
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Chiropractors
- Registered massage therapy
- Podiatrists
Mandatory self-isolation
The province previously ordered mandatory 14-day self-isolation for anyone who has travelled internationally or has come into contact with someone with COVID-19.
“This is not a suggestion, this is not a guideline, this is now the law,” Moe said
He said anyone not following the directive could be arrested.
"The goal here is full compliance with the orders that Dr. Shahab has recommended," Moe said. "If we're going to flatten the curve these measures need to be taken seriously."
Penalties could include a $2,000 fine for failing to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Saskatchewan.
All daycares are limited to a maximum of eight children per room.
Premier Scott Moe said there are concerns about people failing to self-isolate for 14 days following international travel.
“I know that the vast majority of Saskatchewan people are taking their personal responsibility seriously and following this order,” he said. “But a few are not.”
The provincial orders must be followed under the state of emergency, and Moe said law enforcement agencies have the "full authority to enforce those orders."
“We need people to recognize how serious this is,” Health Minister Jim Rieter said.
The Regina Police Service says it is working with the Saskatchewan Public Safety and Public Health to determine the best way to handle enforcement.
