What's allowed as restrictions are relaxed on Sunday

Saskatchewan is taking another step toward loosening COVID -19 public health restrictions on Sunday.

Here's what you can and can't do in Phase 2 of the province's reopening plan.

Q Why are we doing this now? A Saskatchewan's reopening plan ties relaxation of health measures to vaccination targets, with built-in buffers between the steps. June 20 will be three weeks after the first phase of Saskatchewan's reopening plan swung into gear, and more than three weeks after the province crossed the threshold of 60 per cent of adults getting their first dose of COVID -19 vaccine.

Q Does this mean I can have more people in my home?

A Yes. Saskatchewan plans to raise the limit on private, indoor gatherings in places like houses and cabins from 10 to 15 people on Sunday.

The rules are more generous for so-called public indoor gatherings in spaces such as community halls or funeral homes. There, as many as 150 people will be allowed to gather, though such venues still have to enforce rules like social distancing and the use of masks as required.

Health officials generally advise hosting as many events outdoors as possible and limiting interaction to a consistent, closed “bubble” of close friends and family rather than socializing with different groups every weekend.

Q What about outside?

A The gathering limit for outdoor private and public events will increase to 150 people, opening the door for bigger weddings and other outdoor ceremonies and celebrations.

Q How does this affect rules at restaurants and bars?

A Effective Sunday, restaurants and bars will no longer have a limit on the number of people they can seat at a single table, but they will still be required to keep two metres of distance between tables or put a “structural barrier” between them when that isn't possible. Buffets and dance floors will remain banned, as will the sale of alcohol in bars or licensed establishments between 10 p.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Q Can any businesses reopen? A Yes. Casinos and bingo halls, shuttered for months, will be allowed to welcome up to 150 guests as long as they can maintain physical distancing protocols. Movie theatres, art galleries and libraries will also have their maximum capacities changed from 30 to 150 people. Personal service and retail businesses will not have any maximum capacity, though they will still be required to ensure two metres of distance can be kept between all patrons and staff.

Q Do I still have to wear a mask in indoor public spaces?

A Yes. Saskatchewan plans to lift its mandate on masking in indoor public spaces three weeks after 70 per cent of residents 12 and older have received their first dose — the last step of the

province's reopening plan. The earliest date this can happen is July 11.

Q What about worship services?

A There are no changes to how many people can gather in churches, mosques and other places of worship. The current maximum capacity is 150 people or 30 per cent of seating capacity, whichever is less.

Q What about youth sports? A All remaining restrictions on youth sports will be lifted. zvescera@postmedia.com twitter.com/zakvescera