Premier Scott Moe issued two new public health orders on March 25 in the war against COVID-19.

The first is a reduction in the allowable number of people gathering in private and public to a maximum of 10 people as opposed to the previously mandated 25. This follows declarations by some cities and municipalities, including the City of Regina, to limit the number to just five. 

The second statement provided a defined listing of what constitutes essential or allowable businesses that can continue to operate on a face to face basis with social distancing protocols in place.

“As we impose further restrictions to fight the spread of COVID-19, we know this creates challenges for businesses in Saskatchewan and we know that providing as much clarity as possible is important,” Premier Scott Moe said.  “We are already seeing the creation of a social distancing economy in Saskatchewan as many businesses adapt their service delivery to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Among the list of critical public and allowable business and services are: health care and public health workers; law enforcement, public safety and first responders; production, processing and manufacturing and the supporting supply chains; transportation and logistics; government and community services; media and telecommunications; construction including maintenance and repair; select retail services; and banking and financial services.

Effective March 26, the following business will not be able to open to the public on a face-to-face basis, although they may alter their models to online retailing and pick-up / delivery services:

clothing stores; shoe stores; flower shops; sporting good and adventure stores; vaping supply shops; boats, ATV, or snowmobile retailers; gift, book, or stationary stores; jewelry and accessory stores; toy stores; music, electronic and entertainment stores; pawn shops; and travel agencies.

The above listing is in addition to those ordered closed on March 23.

In his statement, Moe acknowledged that the province’s business owners are working to strike the balance between appropriate health measures to combat the virus and maintaining a robust economy.

Moe commended business owners for those adaptations and their resilience in continuing to provide goods and services. He noted that those businesses who had questions about adapted operations or whether they were allowed to continue to open their doors should get in touch with the province’s new Business Response Team.

A full listing of allowable and non-allowable business is available on saskatchewan.ca.