Regina 
Opposition NDP Leader Ryan Meili speaks during a media availability in Saskatoon on October 28, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis
The Opposition NDP is pressing Premier Scott Moe’s government to close non-essential businesses in Saskatchewan for three weeks to better contain the spread of COVID-19.
NDP Leader Ryan Meili says the latest public-health measures announced by the governing Saskatchewan Party fall short of helping the health-care system cope with a rise in infections.
Starting Thursday, wearing masks in indoor public spaces will be mandatory across the province and the number of people allowed to gather in a home drops to five from 10.
The premier, citing a concern for job losses, has dismissed calls to force places such as bars, gyms and bingo halls to shut their doors.
Meili says the government has to take more aggressive measures.
He also says restaurants should be limited to takeout and delivery, and there should be a limit on how many people can be inside places that are deemed essential.
“Scott Moe’s lack of timely and decisive action has put the province at risk of an out-of-control second wave that will overwhelm the health system, cost lives and shutter businesses for good,” Meili said in a statement Wednesday.
The NDP also wants the government to provide added support for schools, so they can stay open with fewer students in classrooms, and to offer grants and other financial aid to help businesses stay afloat.
Chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, has warned that the next two weeks will be critical in telling whether the recent public-health measures reduce growth of the virus or if further restrictions will be necessary.
On Tuesday, officials recorded 240 new COVID-19 infections and a rise in hospitalizations to 71. Fifteen people were in intensive care.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2020.
The Canadian Press
