Saskatchewan physiotherapists, dentists and optometrists have begun to open their businesses as part of a plan to restart the provincial economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before he opened the doors of his Saskatoon physiotherapy and chiropractic clinic on Monday, Brian Thompson said it won’t be business as usual.
He is one of a handful of Saskatchewan business owners able to reopen his doors that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re going to probably just try a 25 per cent capacity opening today, just to make sure our protocols are in place,” he said.
“Making sure our staff are trained properly, and making sure the plans we’ve put in place are going to be effective.”
First day of reopening plan
Monday was the first day in the province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, a five-phase project to bring the provincial economy back online.
Phase 1 of the plan allowed medical services, including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic offices to reopen.
Low-risk outdoor activities, like boating and fishing, are also allowed starting Monday.
Thompson said much of the first day would be dedicated to familiarizing staff with new COVID-19 protocols, including physical distancing, cleaning schedules and handwashing.
He planned to talk to his patients as well, to make sure they’re doing their best to not spread the illness.
“It’s a new world,” he said.
“It’s going to be a new way of doing things for some time.”
Cautious optimism
However, not everyone was champing at the bit to reopen.
Physiotherapist Bruce Craven plans to reopen his clinic on Wednesday.
“We want to ensure everything’s in place to ensure the safety of our staff, clients, their families and our community,” he said.
While he’s been busy consulting with clients online for the past several weeks, Craven said it will be nice to see people in person agai