Sask. government clarifies ‘essential services,’ limits public gatherings to 10

The Government of Saskatchewan has determined what businesses are being considered essential and non-essential services, with businesses deemed non-critical required to close public operations on Mar. 26 to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Public gatherings have also been limited even further to just 10 people at a time, provided the two-metre social distancing recommendation can be upheld, beginning Mar. 26.

“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 in a press release.

Businesses deemed “non-allowable services” will no longer be able to provide public-facing services, but may move to a delivery, pick-up, or online model to adhere to social distancing requirements.

The list of non-allowable services includes most retail stores, pawnshops, and travel agencies.

This is in addition to the Mar. 23 announcement of restrictions on the restaurant industry, recreational facilities, medical clinics outside of non-elective procedures, and personal services such as salons, tattooists and other estheticians.

Allowable services that have been deemed critical moving forward will continue operating to provide their service to the public in accordance with social distance practices. Those services include all health care and public health workers, as well as medical personnel providing emergency services; social services, addictions workers, and community supports; caregivers including those in seniors’ residences.

Also deemed essential are law enforcement and corrections workers, public safety and first responders, legal services, fire departments, and emergency services.

Media and telecommunications businesses are also being considered critical services that will continue to operate Government and community services such as educators waste collection or disposal workers, utility providers and animal shelters will also stay open. Allowable business services that will remain availabl include banking and financial services, production and transportation services for the supply chain, all types o transit services, postal services, and construction ser vices.

Select retail services will be able to remain open to th public, including grocery stores, pharmacies, hotels, ca dealerships, gas stations, liquor and cannabis stores, fu neral homes, and more.

These measures will begin on Mar. 26, and will remain in place until further notice.