(File photo/Aaron Schulze)

By Cam Lee

Lang Talks Re-Open Sask. plan

Melfort’s mayor welcomes news of province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan

Apr 23, 2020 | 3:30 PM

The mayor of Melfort is weighing in on the provincial government’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The document, released April 23, outlines the government’s plan to re-open businesses and workplaces in five phases.

The first phase, which begins May 4, will see ‘low-risk’ outdoor recreational activities resume, including fishing and boat launches. Meanwhile, public access to medical services, including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and more will be reinstated.

“It’s welcomed news,” mayor Rick Lang told northeastNOW.

However, Lang said while everyone wants the economy to re-open, it’s also important to stay cautious in order to keep people as safe as possible.

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“Every business in Melfort is impacted; the ones that are totally closed are really impacted hard,” Lang said. “It’s nice to see that the economy is going to re-open, but it’s nice to see also that there’s a plan in place.”

Under the government plan a number of the restrictions will remain in place, including limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, and maintaining physical distancing.

“Everything’s being relaxed, I’ll say, but on a very cautious note and so that’s good news,” Lang said.

He praised the efforts of the provincial government and the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lang said the government will monitor the situation closely to make sure the progress made on COVID-19 isn’t reversed.

Lang said it should be a welcomed relief to local businesses to get back to a ‘quasi-normal’, as they all still have bills to pay even though they are fully closed, partially closed, or otherwise negatively affected.

Lang himself owns a small business in Melfort Bowl, the local bowling alley. He said he will be happy to get back to work when that day comes

Warmer Weather

The weather has warmed up to at least near normal temperatures after weeks of below average conditions. Many people are taking advantage of the weather by going for walks during this time of self-isolation.

Lang said he hasn’t been seeing people in Melfort relaxing their physical distancing, despite the increased foot and bike traffic on roads and sidewalks.

“What I’ve seen more is people talking across the street from one another. One set of people is walking down the street one way and the other one’s walking down the street the other way, and they stop and talk to each other, but they don’t approach each other and get within that six foot radius,” Lang said.

He said people need to remain cautious to help keep the COVID-19 curve flat.

“It’s a little too early to relax yet, so we still need to be vigilant with respect to following all the rules.”

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974