On Monday, June 8 many local and area businesses were able to reopen and start a “new normal” in the way they serve their valued clientele under the Saskatchewan Government’s Phase III plan for the provincial economy.
Restaurants and licensed establishments, that have been limited to take-out, pick-up or delivery, were to once again welcome customers to dine in to eat their favourite meals.
People with gym memberships were able to go to a fitness centre to use the equipment for workouts and/or specialized training programs.
Places of worship will be welcoming back congregations through their doors on days of worship under the guidelines set out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
For all businesses that are under the Phase III reopening, the SHA has put in place strict guidelines for businesses and customers going to those establishments. Each establishment will be responsible to devise a working plan for their business and will be required to put in place guidelines tailored to their specific business to see that staff and patrons remain safe.
Anyone going to these newly reopened businesses should check ahead for requirements, through websites, Facebook pages, phoning the business, as well as the SHA website will have all pertinent regulations displayed.
Also included in this phase are estheticians, tattoo artists, make-up applicators, electrologists, manicurists, pedicurists, and sun tanning parlours. Other personal service establishments may be included, again this can be checked on the SHA website: .
Also beginning on June 8 the size of indoor gatherings will be increased to 15 people and outdoor gatherings will be upped to 30 people. Physical distancing will still be in place and be required by those attending all gatherings.
Also as part of the Phase III reopening Sarcan will be open to commercial businesses with the plan that the recycler can open to general public on June 15.
Kuzina Resto and Grill in Carlyle has seen a change in ownership due to the pandemic and will now be operated by Joseph Hubalde and Maricar Maglangue. They opened for regular hours on Tuesday, June 9 with a revised seating plan and menu.
Restaurants are limited to 50% of their previous capacity to customers dining in.
Living Skies Crossfit in Carlyle opened June 8, seeing many changes in the operation of the business to satisfy the physical distancing and other policy provisions set forth by the SHA. Owner Carson Brady has made many changes to the facility by limiting class sizes and putting squared off tape marks on the floor.
The risk factors of the COVID-19 virus remain the same. Each individual is responsible for their safety and the safety of others. The reopening is the “new normal” and with everyone doing their part by staying informed, calling ahead to the business for information if needed, can greatly help keep all frontline workers safe and make for a successful reopening for all of us.