in the first phase, which could begin this month, outdoor gathering limits rise to 150 people from 10. the return of some summer festivals would spark spinoff activity for struggling hotels and restaurants, bence said.
“i really felt like the industry exhaled for the first time in 14 months.”
bence acknowledged he has heard concerns about the possibility of a covid-19 surge forcing the plan to be reversed, as happened in alberta.
data compiled by the federal government shows saskatchewan still ranks third among provinces per 100,000 people in new cases over seven days (136) and active cases (196).
“i guess i can say that based on what i’m hearing from industry is that the optimism is outweighing the concern, but they’re always very careful to say that we know that it can change,” bence said.
muhajarine said the government should have included a threshold for second doses instead of just one for first doses. he proposed a 20 per cent threshold for full immunization, noting that the current level is below five per cent.
“the second dose is a huge issue,” he said.
the second phase of reopening kicks in three weeks after 70 per cent of people age 30 or older have received one dose. indoor and outdoor gathering limits would increase in each phase. the same 70 per cent threshold and timeline is used for people 18 and older for the third phase.