If everything goes according to plan and vaccination rates remain at their current pace, we could see masking requirements removed and a return to almost completely normal life in the province as early as July 11.
“It's really up to Saskatchewan people and how many of us make the choice to protect ourselves and those around us and get vaccinated," Premier Scott Moe said. “Because that's really what this is all about. The goal isn't just to meet some target number we have set. The goal is to protect Saskatchewan people, so we can re-open safely.”
Here’s how things will need to work for all this to finally become a thing of the past.
The original Step Three threshold of the Re-Opening Roadmap remains in effect. After 70 per cent of people 18 and older have received their first dose of vaccine and three weeks since the beginning of Step Two, most of the remaining public health restrictions will be lifted, such as those on restaurants, sports and recreation.
Mandatory masking and gathering size limits would remain in effect until 70 per cent of people ages 12 and above have received their first dose.
Currently, 66 per cent of those over the age of 18 have received their first dose, while 62 per cent of people 12+ in Saskatchewan have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Step 1 of the Roadmap was reached on May 30, with 70 per cent of those 40-and-older and three weeks of elapsed time having been covered. We are currently in the midst of the three-week wait for Step 2, with 70 per cent of 30-and-older vaccinated. That level will be reached on June 20 if things continue to improve as they have.
Under Step 2, retail, personal care services, bars and restaurants will see all capacity thresholds lifted but barriers must be maintained between tables. Indoor event facilities would see capacity raised to 150, indoor sports will be allowed and personal care home residents can welcome four visitors at a time indoors.
“Our path back to normal continues to be through our vaccinations and I want to thank all the residents of Saskatchewan who have chosen to keep themselves and their friends, families and communities safe,” Moe said. “And to everyone who hasn't been vaccinated yet, now is the time. Let's get this done, Saskatchewan. We have had public health orders in place now for 445 days. They could all be removed in a little over a month from now, if enough of us get vaccinated.”
Once Step 3 has officially been reached, masks will no longer be required under the public health order, but masking will become an individual choice for those still seeking protection.
As for large gatherings, spacing and separation are recommended, common areas like washrooms should continue to be regularly disinfected and folks should remain aware of public health prevention practices.
When the timeline for final re-opening officially becomes closer, information will be provided well in advance to allow for planning of large public events like weddings.
For the latest information, be sure to keep an eye on saskatchewan.ca/news.
