On December 14, 2020 the Government of Saskatchewan announced new public health restrictions that will come into effect over the next two weeks. These new public health measures will be implemented in addition to those already in effect as of November 27, 2020. All public health measures will remain in effect until January 15, 2021, where at which point they will be reviewed by Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer.

As per the December 14, 2020 Public Health Order, the following restrictions will apply:

Retail Services

The following restrictions will be put in place effective December 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m..

Large retail store owners and operators must:

  • limit their capacity to 25% of their occupant load, as determined in accordance with the applicable fire code legislation.

Non-large retail store owners or operators must ensure the number of individuals in a retail store at any one time does not exceed the lesser of the following:

  • 50% of their occupant load, as determined in accordance with the applicable fire code legislation; or
  • ensure that 2 metres physical distance is maintained between non-household members at all times.

Large retail locations are defined as retailers with a square footage larger than 20,000 square feet of floor space or more in a building or portion of a building. Owners and staff members are not included in the occupant load calculation.

Gaming Industry

Effective December 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., all casinos, bingo halls, and gaming centers must close.

Personal Services Industry

Effective December 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., personal service facilities, which have been identified as allowable businesses, cannot not exceed the lesser of the following:

  • 50% of their occupant load, as determined in accordance with the applicable fire code legislation; or
  • ensure that 2 metres physical distance is maintained between non-household members at all times.

Owners and staff members are not included in the occupant load calculation.

Associated with these new restrictions, the Saskatchewan Government is highlighting the public health authority recommendation for employers to emphasize working from home whenever possible. Further, all non-essential interprovincial travel is discouraged.

The Saskatchewan Government has also released sector specific guidelines, where if there is any disparity between the guidance and the public health orders, the public health orders must be followed.

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