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Last week, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced a phased-in plan to reopen the province for business in the wake of COVID-19.
While some people are saying it is too soon, most agree that it has been long enough.
So how will this unfold for commercial real estate tenants?
Phase One on May 4
Phase One starts May 4. The rollout includes the reopening of previously restricted medical services including dentists, optometrists, physical therapists, opticians, podiatrists, occupational therapist, and chiropractors.
There is a detailed list of precautionary measures these types of services will need to adhere to, while continuing to practise social distancing whenever possible.
Fishing and boat launches will reopen the same day.
Online reservations for parks and campgrounds will activate May 4 as well, with June 1 stated as an opening date.
Some of my colleagues were thrilled to hear golf courses would open on May 15. Once they read the strict guidelines, however, their excitement diminished a bit.
Tee times will be sparse with 20-minute intervals between them and clubhouses will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Retail relief in Phase Two
In Phase Two, the government plans to open a variety of Saskatchewan retailers on May 19.
This will liven up the malls as this will include clothing, shoe, toy and recreation retail stores to name a few.
On that same day, massage therapists and hairdressers can get back to their clients as well.
I don’t want to shame anyone; but I think there are a few folks that have taken haircuts into their own hands who would agree this service has been sorely missed.
Saskatchewan’s remaining phases
With no dates being offered for Phases Three through Four, Moe’s government is allowing itself some flexibility to determine the remainder of the reopening timeline.
If active diagnoses of COVID-19 remain low, the next wave of reopening implementation would include: remaining personal services, restaurants at 50 per cent capacity, daycares and gyms (Phase Three); then the reopening of recreation facilities and larger allowable gatherings (Phase Four); and finally, Phase Five is vague, only implying long-term restrictions could be lifted.
That is probably why Saskatoon’s Jazz and Fringe festivals have pulled the plug for 2020 as has the Regina Folk Festival.
It is a safe bet summer for many people may be enjoyed in their own backyards.
I uncovered my patio furniture the other day with high hopes that the sun and warm weather are here to stay, COVID-19 or not.
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