Drawing the line: many store floors now have lines on them to guide customers regarding social distancing. But the province is drawing a bigger red line regarding the new laws mandating the enforcement of 14-day self-isolation. (Glenn Hicks/paNOW Staff) 

By paNOW Staff

listen to your province

COVID-19 rules to come from province, not municipalities

Mar 22, 2020 | 3:22 PM

To eliminate confusion and maintain a consistent message, all emergency orders surrounding COVID-19 will come from the province, not municipalities, the province said in a news release Sunday.

The clarification was made following conflicting restrictions between provincial orders and emergency orders issued by Regina’s mayor and council on Friday.

Government Relations Minister Lori Carr said she spoke with Regina Mayor Michael Fougere and clarified provincial orders will take precedence during the State of Emergency.

“I fully understand that Mayor Fougere and Regina City Council intended to set guidelines for residents of Regina to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Carr said. “However during this time of great uncertainty, it is one of the utmost importance that we provide certainty to Saskatchewan residents and make every effort to minimize confusion. I have communicated to Regina Mayor Michael Fougere that the provincial emergency orders have been made based on the advice of Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer.”

Carr said she spoke with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) to ensure municipalities are aware provincial restrictions and standards apply to all locations. Consistent standards are required.

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If a municipality implements an order providing contrary standards, the province will take measures to ensure provincial emergency measures take precedence.

Carr, SUMA and SARM also established formal communications channels to ensure all municipalities in the province remain updated with the latest restrictions and standards.

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panews@jpbg.ca