The provincial government today unveiled a very cautious first-phase of its plan for re-opening the economy, following a six-week shut down to implement COVID-19 measures. Schools will remain closed.
“The fundamentals is what will take us forward,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “There must be no COVID comeback in our province.”
Effective May 4, 2020 non-essential health services like dentists and optometrists can re-open, along with businesses such as clothing stores and museums. Restaurants can also open their patios and hair salons are free to operate.
“I want to be clear. This is not an announcement about a return to normal … because the normal will be a new normal,” said Premier Pallister.
As for school, the Premier reiterated his comments from last week that there are no immediate plans to reopen schools to finish the current school year.
“There might be a temptation to say let’s lessen these restrictions, but to be quite frank we’re into May next week. You’ve got a few weeks to monitor the situation and then you’re into June, the last month of the school year,” said Premier Pallister. “For that reason, we’re not entertaining the idea of reopening the schools at this point in time.”
While schools remain closed, teachers will continue to work from home as they have been since classes were suspended on March 20, 2020.
“Teachers are incredibly resourceful and have risen to the challenge of teaching remotely,” said MTS president James Bedford. “The safety of students and of all education staff is of the utmost priority, and teachers are committed to ensuring that our students continue to learn during these uncertain times.”
If results during or at the end of phase one or any future phases are not favourable, the province will not proceed with further easing of secondary public health measures and may reintroduce others.
However, if COVID-19 numbers remains low, consideration will be given in mid-May to reducing the restrictions on group size. For now, public gatherings such as social gatherings, worship, weddings and funerals will continue to be restricted to 10 persons.
Mass gatherings such as concerts, summer festivals and major sporting events will not be considered before September 2020.
Read the full details here.